RACHEL Foley, a fourth year BSc Agriculture student from Musselburgh in East Lothian, has enjoyed a 10 week placement with the Edinburgh office of SAC consulting.

She spent the summer helping in the busy centre, shadowing consultants and deciding if a job on the SAC consulting team is what she wants to do when she finishes her degree course next year.

Rachel, who is studying at SRUC’s Edinburgh campus, is one of three SRUC students who gained work experience in an SAC Consulting offices this summer.

Rachel, who was based at the Technopole science and technology park in Edinburgh, said: “I have been carrying out a variety of work from soil and silage sampling to discussing various schemes and assessments with farmers.

This practical work then related to the accompanying paperwork and analysis using online software to give me an insight into the process behind gathering and reporting data.

“Another important part of the placement was the interaction with farmers and members of the pubic at discussion meetings and open days.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at SAC as it has helped motivate me for my fourth year studies, while highlighting how diverse a career in agricultural consulting can be.

“A highlight for me was being involved in trial work – and appreciating how this type of work benefits both consultants and farmers by having technical research which can be applied to practical solutions.”

Senior agricultural consultant with SAC consulting based in Edinburgh, Chris McDonald, said: “This year we had 14 students competing for the three places funded with bursaries from the SRUC Trust which also helps support the students in their final year.

“We have a number of full time staff in our 23 Scottish offices who started this way. It is a chance for students to learn what being a consultant involves and for us see their potential.

SRUC’s student experience manager, Sonia Filby, added: “The scheme is now in its 13th year and generates strong interest as students hear from each other about its value and the opportunities it brings. It helps us to provide invaluable insight into job opportunities with SRUC and elsewhere.

“We have been very impressed with the considerable agriculture experience and knowledge our students demonstrate, together with their enthusiasm for the sector and the opportunities it presents for their futures.

“All students who applied were offered feedback on their application process and offered suggestions on alternative opportunities that may be available.”