Alfie Davis
“I networked and met with a range of like-minded people and organisations from the local community.”
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Course studied: BSc (Hons) Zoology
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Micro-internship employer: Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
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@Micro-internship job title: Coastal and Marine Park Ranger Intern
My micro-internship employer
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (NMP) is the UK’s first national marine park. They focus on the protection of the area, promoting its sustainable use, and engagement with the local community.
As a part of my micro-internship, I accompanied park rangers across a broad range of activities and daily engagements.
From patrolling along the waterfront, to working with volunteers improving Mount Edgcumbe’s natural spaces, the role was extremely varied and exciting.
My best experience
The best moment from my micro-internship would definitely be getting involved with clearing plastic pollution from the harbour and surrounding areas using a remote-controlled ‘Waste Shark’ robot in the water to remove litter. This broadened my perspective on innovative ways we can work together to protect local ecosystems and wildlife alongside others who are just as passionate for a healthy, sustainable future for our world. It was also extremely rewarding to see a positive impact being had on the waterfront and marine park and to know that my active efforts made a small, sustainable change in the area within just a few hours!
It’s inspiring to think what positive impacts we can make as a community if we work together over a longer period of time to protect the spaces and wildlife we love.
How I arranged my micro-internship
The micro-internship was advertised as a part of the University’s Careers Service and helped me to find the position, make my application, and organise working with the team to gain career-supporting experience.
One challenge I was expecting to have during my micro-internship was how to fit the role in alongside my busy course timetable, work schedule, and personal life. However, the National Marine Park team and Careers Service were really helpful in making the position as flexible as possible to help me gain key experience without impacting other areas of my life and course!
How my course influenced my micro-internship
Coming from a background and interest in conservation and research, I was able to apply what I’ve learned in my zoology course to look at how to approach protecting a blue space like a National Marine Park for my future career. As well as how to work with other stakeholders and the local community to collaborate in the sustainable use and management of similar natural areas.
What I’ve gained from my micro-internship
I networked and met with a range of like-minded people and organisations from the local community. Since the micro-internship, I used my experience with the National Marine Park to start volunteering with the Ocean Conservation Trust’s seagrass restoration project at the National Marine Aquarium and help to make an active sustainable impact for the local seabed and marine biodiversity.
My advice to others considering a micro-internship
I would definitely advise students to keep updated with the Careers Service and what opportunities they can offer and services they can provide. Through this, the University helps to support students in building their experience and career in their area of interest.
The micro-internship definitely broadened my perspectives of how to approach protecting natural spaces and engaging the local community, which is a key part of my future career in zoology, whether that’s through the research or conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems for a sustainable, positive future.
Gain in-depth knowledge of animal ecology and evolution
On our Zoology course you will develop an understanding of all aspects of animal biology in terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments
You'll develop the key field work and lab skills in animal behaviour, molecular biology, physiology, and anatomy that are sought after by employers and are necessary for postgraduate education.
As well as having the opportunity to participate in field trips both locally and abroad – recent field trip locations include southern Spain and Kenya.
