Sam Jackson (BA Philosophy with advanced proficiency in French - 2016) 

Catching up with alumnus Sam Jackson

Here Sam (BA Philosophy with advanced proficiency in French - 2016) tells us what he’s been doing since graduating and reflects on the highlights of his studies at Exeter and the skills and experiences it gave him.

"In December 2020, I became Climate Impact & Partnerships Manager at Ecologi (an environmental organisation supporting subscription-based climate action). In my role, I am responsible for ensuring that our subscribers’ money goes toward funding the most effective climate solutions, such as responsible reforestation and supporting renewable energy projects.

 "I also volunteer with Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, supporting tourism organisations to develop climate action plans. Previously, I had spent three years in the adventure tourism industry right after completing my MA in International Relations, which was also at Exeter.

"I originally came out of university with no specific idea of what I wanted to do – only that I wanted my work to be purpose-led, and make me feel like I was contributing something worthwhile to people and the planet. Working in climate change is very difficult, especially when you are emotionally invested, but the people that make up this industry are wonderful, and every single day I feel like I’m contributing to making a positive difference.

"Reflecting on my time back at Exeter, I think I chose to study there because - like everyone else - I fell in love with the campus. Aside from being beautifully green, the campus is so vibrant and lively, which really compelled me. The campus and the learning environment are second to none. I felt at home in Exeter and I really thrived. I was a member of Raise and Give (RAG) and a committee member for them for most of my time at Exeter, which was probably what gave me my passion for the sectors I’ve been working in since then.

"My lecturers were also amazing. I always enjoyed being surrounded by researchers and teachers who were at the very top of their field. A personal highlight were lectures from Jonathan Davies and Shane Glackin, who ran my favourite modules including Philosophical Readings and Philosophy of Law. The philosophical studies which resonated most with me were those pertaining to social or political philosophy – concerning human relationships with each other, and with nature.

"In my career, the analytical skills I gained during my BA have probably been most beneficial. Most relevant in my current role is dealing with complex, specialised (often sensitive) subjects or situations and distilling them into salient, useful information, communicating them effectively, developing strategies around them, and so on. These communicative, argumentative, and analytical skills were vital in my studies and I still use them every day in my work.

"A key piece of advice I would give to current students would be: do not be concerned if your career doesn’t follow a straight path. There are always going to be obstacles and blockers which will prevent us from living a life out of the movies, or similar to those of previous generations - and that is normal. Use your talents, be unafraid to seize opportunities, and remember that your value is often much greater than you think.

"If you are looking to get into climate movement or sustainability work: just get stuck in. This industry is going to be all-hands-on-deck for the coming years. My path is proof that you don’t need to be a conservation biologist or meteorologist to play a part in the climate movement, so learn what you can whilst you’re studying, and then throw yourself into it afterward."

Date: 9 June 2021