Countryside Career Calls for First Class Graduate
30 November 2010
Graduate Dave Drury in his new role as Assistant Ranger at Carsington Water, Derbyshire
The role is a perfect blend of customer service and engagement, plus habitat management and maintenance out on the wider reservoir. It matches my degree perfectly
”Dave Drury
A long-held dream to work in the great outdoors has come true for a mature student after he secured the job of Assistant Ranger at a Derbyshire nature haven at the age of 40.
This Saturday (December 4), Dave Drury graduates from the University of Derby Buxton with a first class Joint Honours degree in Countryside Management and Managing in the Service Sector. Dave has been putting his knowledge into action at Derbyshire's Carsington Water, where he is now working as an Assistant Ranger.
Dave trained and worked as a development chemist at Boots in Nottingham for 11 years, but was always passionate about the countryside and the great outdoors, spending much of his free time hiking and camping. At the age of 37, he decided it was now or never for a career change.
He said: "After volunteering for various conservation organisations, I realised that if I wanted to pursue a full time career in the field I would need to get a recognised and respected qualification.
"Going back into full time education was a financial commitment and a big deal personally. Studying full time and being amongst mostly younger students was a huge change, but once I began studying at Buxton I knew I'd done the right thing.
"I relished being challenged. The course opened my eyes, and encouraged me to look at the countryside and the environment in a totally different way. Not only how important conservation and habitat management is but also that we must take into account the needs of visitors and make sure they have a good experience."
During his degree, Dave supported his studies with various volunteering roles and work placements; for example at the National Trust's Ilam Estate, near Ashbourne, and at Severn Trent's Carsington Water.
He added: "Volunteering gave me the chance to put my studies into practice and gain hands-on experience, and also helped me secure my current job. The role is a perfect blend of customer service and engagement, plus habitat management and maintenance out on the wider reservoir. It matches my degree perfectly.
"I went back to University as I wanted to pursue a career I was passionate about and it has certainly paid off for me."
For more information please contact Press & PR Officer Joanna Colburn on 01332 593004 or 07775 036988, or email j.colburn@derby.ac.uk.
