Danielle Neal

Danielle Neal is a procurement officer for Norwich City Council. They gained a first class honours degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia, (UEA), studying a course that included a year in industry. Initially, and because of their strong background in business studies, Dani thought their future would be lie in accounting and finance, but because of their interest in conservation and a desire to do something about climate change they switched courses. Since graduating in 2018, Dani has been working in local government, and dovetailing environmental and conservation with hobbies that include biological recording, crafting and knitting, cinema and occasional travel. When Dani attended university open days, they were drawn to the campus and community at UEA, as well as the strong reputation of both its business and environmental departments. And while there, they found lots of benefits to joining societies and volunteering, all of which helped them build connections and gain experience while also boosting wellbeing. Dani talks of their view of Gens Y and Z, how they see their working life and purpose, how they find optimism through their faith in humans building community and the continued advancements in science and technology. Top green, ethical, sustainable and socially responsible advice from Dani: • Use your free time while studying to volunteer, engage with work shadowing and find what you enjoy. Ask questions – the people in the field you want to work in are the best to advise you. • Do something that inspires you. We can all do something positive in EVERY role. • Read up on your employers' environmental policy. Check for volunteering opportunities at work and see what you can do in your everyday life. Mentioned in this podcast University of East Anglia Environmental Sciences RSPB volunteering Norfolk Wildlife Trust volunteering Shop Local You might also like: Sarah Kessell CEO, the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales S1 Ep5 Stuart Mabbutt, AKA The Wildman S3 Ep3 and Ep4 Rachel Warren, climate change scientist S1 Ep 7 About ProGRESS Host Sandra Kessell invites guests to discuss their pro- Green, Ethical, Sustainable and Socially responsible jobs, courses or activities and asks for real-world insights into the pathways and careers that led to them. Instagram @theProGRESS_podcast Original content © Sandra Kessell Original music © Lyze Kessell Email: [email protected] Progress's guests talk about their pathways to a career in a values-led job. We've interviewed all kinds of people in interesting roles. You'll hear from sustainability consultants and managers, researchers, green and ethical entrepreneurs, environmentalists, ecologists and conservationists plus others working and studying in architecture. You'll also hear about jobs you may never have known existed, such as green comedians, serious games creators, city planners, garden planners, and green data centre champions. Subscribe to Progress wherever you usually listen for inspiring stories and insights into brilliant career ideas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.