2019 Aspire Prize for Personal Development winner: Alex Pelton

Alex, BSc Honours Countryside and Environmental Management, worked at RammSanderson Ecology as a placement ecologist in their head office in Derbyshire. The role was incredibly varied and rarely were two days the same. He was able to work on a number of large infrastructure projects and was tasked with assisting on ecological surveys for a number of protected species and habitats. In the office, he became proficient with GIS mapping, desk-based studies and produced written reports for clients.

Alex’s placement year allowed him to greatly expand his knowledge of both ecological practices and the environment sector. He was given the opportunity to specialise his skills in a discipline of his own choosing, leading to significant improvements of both technical and practical knowledge.

His placement allowed him to work with a wide variety of individuals, thereby developing initiative and adaptability, effective communication skills and confidence in his abilities. Alex’s placement helped him realise what he would like to achieve over the next few years, whilst equipping him with the knowledge and skills to achieve his goals.

Read more about the Placement Awards 2019 here.