If you want to pursue ecology, I suggest getting practical experience – sign up for your local wildlife groups, go into the field with them, maybe even train towards getting a license for handling particular species. This will definitely help when applying to university, because it demonstrates your commitment and interest.
One thing you can do is look at the ways of entry into the particular industry that you’re interested in. There may be different options open to you – you may prefer to study after your GCSEs, so you could take the A level route, then continue studying at university for a degree.
Or, you may think that an apprenticeship is better suited to you: you’ll learn from other people about their skills and experiences; you’ll still have to study part time and your apprenticeship could take 5 years or so before you become fully qualified. One of the advantages of being an apprentice is that you’ll be paid a wage every week or every month.
A great combination would be to consider a company that offers degree apprenticeships. These can be the best of both worlds – you’ll learn from others, study for a degree and all the while you’ll be paid a wage every week or every month – and your employer fully pays for your degree so you’ll have no university debt.
Of course, another way would be simply to start working in a position that could offer career prospects – promotion through working, gaining experience as you continue.
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