My task is to answer questions, to talk to families and other visitors about objects in the museum, to motivate them to investigate bones and items in the discovery boxes, with the aim of enthusing and astonishing visitors.

As a policy assistant I provided policy and administrative support within the ‘Natura 2000’ team.

I was responsible for the Facebook account and assisted with maintaining the website and developing annual reports. I also observed marine mammals and recorded effort-, environmental and sightings data on board Stena Line ferries (Hoek van Holland - Harwich) and small vessels (Oosterschelde estuary) a few times a year.

My main responsibility was to deal with issues regarding Natura 2000 species, submitted as part of views during the public preparatory procedure. I contacted experts to gain advice, and gathered and analysed information. I proposed and carried out amendments to conservation objectives and advised both my teamleader and the projectleader on species matters. I was responsible for writing the ecological motivation of conservation objectives and responses to views admitted in the designation decisions. I have gained knowledge on species and habitat types, and possible forms of management to enhance their conservation status. I have extensive knowledge of the methodology used to implement Natura 2000 in the Netherlands, have learned to approach problems from different angles, to consider the perspectives of different stakeholders and to search for optimal solutions. Bekijk voor een beschrijving in het Nederlands, mijn Nederlandse profiel.

I was primarily involved in assessing views submitted during the Natura 2000 public preparatory procedure. This assessment consisted of identifying area and species/habitat type related remarks and distinguishing general remarks.These tasks gave me insight in the issues regarding Natura 2000. In addition my analytical skills were further developed by repeatedly distinguishing main from minor points, structuring the argumentation and translating the points made in key words.Bekijk voor een beschrijving in het Nederlands, mijn Nederlandse profiel.

At WDCS I was primarily involved in conducting photo-identification research of bottlenose dolphins (data collection and analysis). Research was conducted from a local marine wildlife-watching vessel, on which I was also responsible for informing the public about cetaceans, the marine environment, local scenery and boat safety and answering questions. I assisted as a marine mammal observer during a monitoring trip and as part of a landbased monitoring project. I also assisted collegues during school visits and awareness and fundraising events, I worked in the visitor centre, answered public enquiries and edited the monthly newsletter (for collegues at WDCS head office and volunteers).I have gained knowledge about cetaceans and the marine environment and skills concerning marine mammal research. I have learned how to inform and work with people from different backgrounds and nationalities. I also learned to improvise, adjust and operate well in challenging environments. After living and working almost a year in the UK I have gained full operational command of the English language.Bekijk voor een beschrijving in het Nederlands, mijn Nederlandse profiel.

During this internship I was responsible for entering, collating and analysing data and establishing the Basking Shark photo-identification catalogue. I also recorded data on board the research vessel, manned the visitor centre and assisted with awareness and fundraising events.By entering, collating and analysing large volumes of data, I was trained to work precise and consistent. I have gained experience using Access and ArcView and how to conduct marine mammal research.Bekijk voor een beschrijving in het Nederlands, mijn Nederlandse profiel.

My main responsibility was to organise the first Dutch ‘Animal Action Week’. This involved contacting schools, compiling a Dutch version of the education pack and managing the budget and schedule. I also conducted preliminary research for campaigns and assisted with other activities concerning communication, policy and education.I have gained organisational skills, like budgeting skills and controlling the project timeline. I was also able to improve, both verbal and written, communication skills. Bekijk voor een beschrijving in het Nederlands, mijn Nederlandse profiel.