Philip Munro

Philip’s first job after graduating was with an environmental charity in Edinburgh. “I was still undertaking volunteering in conservation while working,” says Philip. “I had realised that you couldn’t just walk straight into the ‘perfect’ job after your degree, so I deliberately decided to get as much volunteering experience as possible.

Some of it wasn’t always directly related to what I eventually wanted to do or where I wanted to be. Every volunteering opportunity opened up new contacts and experiences.” It was volunteering while working that helped Philip reach the conclusion that he wanted a career in the environment sector.

Following environmental-related posts as a Ranger at Abbotsford House in the Borders and then as Assistant Site Manager for the Woodlands Trust in the south of England, Philip now works for the South Scotland Golden Eagle Project.

“It is a really exciting project,” he says. “We relocate eight-week-old eagle chicks to aviaries in southern Scotland where they are released with satellite tags when fully fledged. I talk with school children about the project and speak at different events.”

Part of Philip’s role also involves liaising with stakeholders. “With this aspect of my work I sometimes have a role in building bridges and understanding different perspectives. This is where some of the listening skills I learnt in the small group work at SRUC pays off, as well as meeting students from other courses and disciplines during my studies.”

Philip’s role also involves raising public awareness. “Golden eagles are not seen as a species of the south so I am working at raising their profile to enable people to have a sense of pride and guardianship in ‘their’ eagles.”