Assistant GIS and Data Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust perhaps seemed an unlikely assignment when I graduated from the University of Bath with a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. However, my lifelong love of nature inspired me to change my career, and I am now relishing working in conservation. My role at HIWWT perfectly marries my aptitude for data management and my passion for wildlife. Key responsibilities include producing maps for various conservation projects, managing a software transition from MapInfo to ArcGIS (I am trained and proficient in both) and conducting bird surveys. I also boast a year of project management experience from my university placement with Frontier Pitts, during which I oversaw the manufacture and installation of perimeter security equipment.