Starting a new job can be exciting and daunting, particularly when it involves a new career such as ecology or conservation. Our students come from all walks of life and are of all ages, from 18+, and are often making huge leaps into new careers. When applying for jobs, it’s essential to remember that many of the skills you have developed in other areas of your life can be transferred to your new role.

The demand for skilled professionals in ecology and conservation is growing, and there is a skills shortage. However, green jobs can be highly competitive, and applicants must stand out to secure their desired positions. One way to do this is by bringing transferrable skills to the table. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the transferrable skills that you can bring to a job in ecology or conservation and set yourself up for success and positively impact your work and your new team.

1. Communication Skills

One of the most important skills you can bring to a job in ecology or conservation is effective communication. Whether you’re working with colleagues, stakeholders, or the public, you’ll need to be able to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely. If you have experience in sales, marketing, or customer service, you’ve likely honed your communication skills, which will be valuable in your new role.

2. Problem Solving Skills

Ecology and conservation work often involves dealing with complex problems that require innovative solutions. If you’ve worked in a field where problem-solving is essential, such as engineering or technology, you can bring those skills to your new job. You’ll be able to analyse data, identify patterns, and develop creative solutions that work within the context of ecology and conservation.

3. Leadership Skills

Even if your new job lacks a formal leadership position, your ability to lead and motivate others will be valuable. If you’ve managed teams or projects in the past, you can apply those skills to your new role. Leading by example, setting goals, and developing strategies for success will help you stand out as a valuable team member. Once your ecology skills are honed in your early career, you will be able to demonstrate abilities for more senior positions. We find that people with low ecological knowledge can soon gain these in employment and via courses but with existing leadership and management skills, they are often promoted more quickly.

4. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is critical in ecology and conservation work. Every detail matters, from the accuracy of data collection to the proper handling of specimens and reporting findings. If you’ve worked in a field where attention to detail is critical, such as finance or accounting, you can bring those skills to your new job. Your ability to spot errors and inconsistencies will be invaluable.

5. Adaptability

Adaptability is one of the most valuable skills you can bring to a job in ecology or conservation. These fields are constantly evolving, and you’ll need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances quickly. If you’ve worked in a field where change is constant, such as journalism or hospitality, you can bring that adaptability to your new role. You’ll be able to pivot quickly, develop new strategies on the fly, and be comfortable working in an ever-changing environment.

6. Project Management Skills

Effective project management is crucial in ecology and conservation work, as it often involves coordinating with multiple stakeholders, setting timelines and budgets, and ensuring that objectives are met. If you’ve managed projects in the past, such as in construction, event planning, or even raising a family, you can apply those skills to your new role. You’ll be able to oversee multiple tasks, identify potential problems, and work collaboratively to achieve the desired outcomes.

7. Research Skills

Ecology and conservation work relies heavily on research, including conducting literature reviews, analysing data, and synthesising information from multiple sources. If you have experience in research, whether in academia or industry, those skills can be incredibly valuable in your new role. You’ll be able to conduct research effectively, draw conclusions, and communicate findings to stakeholders.

8. Data Analysis Skills

Data analysis is becoming increasingly important in ecology and conservation work, particularly as technologies such as remote sensing, bat sound analysis and geographic information systems (GIS) are used more extensively. If you have experience in data analysis, such as in finance or marketing, those skills can be transferred to your new role. You’ll be able to work with large datasets, analyse patterns, and identify trends.

9. Teamwork Skills

Ecology and conservation work often involves working with diverse teams, including scientists, policymakers, community groups, and volunteers. Effective teamwork skills are crucial in such settings, and if you’ve worked in a field where teamwork is essential, such as in sports or the military, those skills can be applied to your new role. As a result, you’ll be able to collaborate effectively, build relationships, and navigate conflicts.

10. Cultural Competency

Ecology and conservation work often involves engaging with diverse cultures and communities, particularly in the context of conservation initiatives, outreach and educational setting. If you have experience working with different cultures, whether through travel, language learning, or community service, those skills can be valuable in your new role. You’ll be able to navigate cultural differences, build relationships with diverse stakeholders, and foster greater inclusivity in your work. Knowing how to speak and write other languages is also a beneficial skill.

11. IT Skills

In today’s world, technology is essential in almost every aspect of life, including ecology and conservation. Professionals with solid IT skills can streamline processes and ensure data accuracy, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of conservation efforts. For example, using GIS software, ecologists can map species distributions, habitats, and land-use changes and model the effects of climate change. Professionals with data analysis, programming, and database management expertise are also highly valuable in this field. Even basic IT, such as using emails, word processors and spreadsheets, will be handy skills to bring to your new career.

12. Social Media Skills

Social media platforms are powerful tools for sharing information and raising awareness about environmental issues. Professionals with experience who can leverage social media to engage with the public and build networks are valuable in ecology and conservation. Social media can be used to promote events, share research findings, and solicit support for conservation initiatives. Knowing how to build a following, create compelling content, and measure engagement metrics is key.

13. Fundraising Skills

Funding is a critical component of many conservation projects. Fundraising professionals can help secure funding from private donors, foundations, and government agencies. They can also help develop and implement fundraising strategies, such as crowdfunding campaigns or grant proposals. Knowing how to build relationships with donors, communicate the impact of conservation initiatives, and manage budgets is important.

14. Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is an essential skill in ecology and conservation, as professionals often need to communicate complex scientific information to a diverse range of stakeholders. For example, ecologists may need to present their research findings to policymakers or community groups or lead educational workshops for school children. Therefore, communicating effectively, tailoring messaging to different audiences, and responding to questions and feedback are critical.

15. Educational Skills

Academic skills are also valuable in ecology and conservation, and there are many roles in ecology and conservation for educators. Professionals with expertise in environmental education can design and deliver engaging programs that promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of the natural world. These programs can target different audiences, from school children to adult learners. Knowing how to design curricula, engage learners, and measure learning outcomes is key.

Why not write a list of your transferrable skills using the ones given above as a starting point. Then, when looking at job vacancies, see how many of your existing skills match those required for the job. Make sure you really think about your existing skills and don’t forget to mention them, giving examples. Try using the STAR method.

The STAR method is a framework commonly used in job interviews and applications to showcase your skills and experiences in a clear and concise manner. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

• Situation: Describe the situation or problem that you faced in the workplace. This should be a brief overview of the context or background of the situation.
• Task: Outline the specific task or goal you were working towards in this situation. This should include any objectives or expectations that you had to meet.
• Action: Describe the action or steps that you took to address the situation or accomplish the task. Be sure to focus on your individual actions and the specific strategies you used.
• Result: Finally, discuss the result or outcome of your actions. This should include any measurable or tangible results and any lessons learned or insights gained from the experience.

Using the STAR method, you can demonstrate your ability to problem-solve, take initiative, and achieve results in a structured and compelling way. This framework can also help you prepare for job interviews by organising your thoughts and highlighting your strengths and accomplishments.

So, as you can see, bringing transferrable skills to a new job in ecology and conservation can make a significant difference to your job prospects both for getting hired in the first place and for ongoing career progression. Never underestimate what you already know and what skills you have developed in your life, both at work and in your spare time. Your existing skills can open up new career opportunities and contribute to a better future for the planet.

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