Former advertising professional finds career in conservation

“Changing careers was a big decision, but studying at SRUC gave me the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to pursue work that feels genuinely meaningful. Every day as a Ranger reminds me, I made the right choice.”

For Emily Willing, a career in wildlife conservation wasn’t always the plan. Before joining SRUC, they worked in the advertising industry, building creative and communication skills that they enjoyed using. But over time, they found themselves searching for a greater sense of purpose.

Having volunteered on environmental projects for several years, Emily became increasingly aware of the urgency of the climate crisis and felt inspired to make conservation their full-time focus.

“I’d really enjoyed my career in advertising and learned so much, but I wanted to spend more of my time outdoors, in the places I love, and contribute more directly to protecting them.”

When they began looking at their options, SRUC’s HND Wildlife & Conservation Management stood out for its balance of scientific knowledge and practical experience.

“The course really appealed to me because it was so well-rounded. It provided a solid grounding in Scottish ecology while also covering interpretation, visitor management and practical conservation skills. I could also bring my previous experience in creativity and communication into this new direction.”

Returning to education wasn’t without its challenges. Balancing multiple modules and getting back into the rhythm of studying took time, but Emily’s enthusiasm for the subject kept them motivated.

“It was hard work, but absolutely worth it. I found the projects genuinely interesting and having a clear goal in mind helped me stay focused throughout.”

Some of their most rewarding experiences came through the course’s Graded Unit projects, where they were able to design and carry out their own research, applying everything from ecological survey techniques to data analysis and QGIS.

“I loved having the freedom to investigate a question that interested me and then independently carry out the work. It was incredibly satisfying being able to bring together all the different skills we’d developed across the course.”

Between their first and second year, Emily secured a volunteer placement with RSPB Abernethy, gaining hands-on experience in ecological surveying, practical conservation management, interpretation and visitor engagement.

“That summer really confirmed I was on the right path. After a year of studying, it was rewarding to put everything into practice and see how it all came together.”

Emily has now turned that ambition into reality, working as a Seasonal Ranger at Mar Lodge for the National Trust for Scotland.

“I’m absolutely loving it. It’s so rewarding to combine practical conservation work with helping people connect with nature. It feels like the perfect way to bring together everything I’ve learned, along with the creative skills from my previous career.”

Looking ahead, Emily hopes to secure a permanent role that allows them to continue learning about Scotland’s natural environment while inspiring others to care for it in the face of a changing climate.

“I’m hoping to find a role where I can keep developing my skills while encouraging other people to appreciate and look after this amazing place we live in. I’m keeping an open mind though - as a chronic over-thinker, I’m trying to stay open to wherever the journey takes me.”

Reflecting on their time at SRUC, Emily says the course has given them far more than technical knowledge.

“I’ve learned so much and I’m incredibly grateful to the course and everyone at SRUC. It allowed me to grow the skills, confidence and experience to do the job I’m doing now and build a career I can feel proud of.”