Shadowing at the IES: reflections from a student member

As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we are pleased to be able to offer opportunities for disabled people to shadow a range of departments within the IES to gain an insight into working in the environmental sciences. You do not need to be an IES member to undertake shadowing with us. Shadowing provides a chance to gain an insight into work and ask questions without having to commit to a volunteer or paid work experience role, and someone shadowing does not need to contribute to the work they observe.

We recently hosted a shadowing session for student member, Cody Kuzavinyte, and you can read more about their experience below. To find out more about the shadowing scheme, including how to apply, head to the information page.

Tell us a bit about you: what are you currently studying, and what interests you about the environmental sciences?

What are your career aspirations at this stage in your studies?

Currently, I'd like to gain general experience within the environmental and sustainability sector, and then specialise in national and international-based endeavours for climate resilience consultation and research. I’m aware it’s crucial to gain hands-on experience in any sector, and NGOs may be a good start. My aspirations may change in the future depending on the opportunities presented.

What areas of the IES's work interest you the most?

The Communities and Policy departments.

What did you get up to and learn during your shadowing session?

Before shadowing, I had no idea how institutes like the IES worked, what could be gained from them, and what the reality of their work was; I stumbled upon the opportunity just after I had signed up as a student member. Having met and taken part in real-time discussions with the Communities and Policy teams, it’s given me a clearer understanding of the realities of their jobs. They gave me overviews of their day-to-day tasks, context about each department and how their own careers had led them there. Each person seemed similarly interested in the sector but had unique backgrounds and routes in, which reassured and motivated me in terms of my own career exploration. 

I learnt that the work was very dynamic, and each set of tasks or plans was uniquely based on what members requested and required. The Policy and Communities teams aid members in refining and achieving the ideas set out in their Community workplans, rather than doing the work directly or independently deciding on behalf of members what is best to do, as I first assumed. 

It was lovely seeing the practical impacts their previous work had helped achieve for Communities or the wider sector. I enjoyed getting an insight into the potential of their daily actions. It taught me the incredible importance of communication, collaboration and flexibility within each team to further develop ideas and frameworks in order to assist each unique specialism. It was also interesting to see the ways they coordinated their work as a team to meet everyone's priorities.

What about a remote shadowing opportunity interested you? 

It allowed me to carry on alongside the rest of my studies and responsibilities at home, as my health and finances often restrict travel or commitments that would allow me to gain experience and insights I’d like into different industries. This was the perfect opportunity, as it had no pressure and felt like it was fully for my future development and within my control.

Do you have any advice for others who might be considering applying for a shadowing opportunity? What would you say the benefits are to doing so?

I absolutely recommend and encourage all my fellow peers to give this a try, especially if you feel a disability or mental/physical struggle holds you back from gaining academic or career experience. There are no expectations or pressure in this shadowing opportunity, and no negative consequences if something doesn’t fit or you’d like to withdraw or take a break. Overall, it was one of the most welcoming experiences I’ve had, and was helpful in introducing me to the sector. 

The advice and support I was given helped me feel more reassured, confident, and aware than I was at the start of what I want to do next and how to achieve it, and who to go to if I’m confused. It didn’t feel distant and surface-level in terms of my development, because being an IES member offers me long-term personal career development and opportunities even after the shadowing experience, alongside tailored advice. 

If you’re simply curious and want something that can also seriously aid in directing your next steps, helping give you a better perspective into specialisms represented within the IES, or roles in the IES team itself, I’d suggest reaching out. Getting in contact was easy for me, it was friendly and warm throughout, and the team were able to accommodate timing and accessibility needs.

Connect with Cody on LinkedIn.

Interested in shadowing at the IES?

For a full breakdown of the scheme, please refer to our information page. Some key information to bear in mind:

• All shadowing opportunities are remote and held over video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams, and as such anyone wishing to undertake shadowing will require access to a computer and a strong internet connection. Shadowing sessions will typically involve being on an online call with a relevant staff member, who will share their screen as they work through a task or activity. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss the task at hand, though you will not need to contribute to the work being done. 
• Four IES departments are currently open to shadowing applications: Communities, Education, Policy and Publications.
• Applications are open on a rolling basis, though the timing of any shadowing sessions will be dependent on staff availability. To apply, you will need to submit a short Expression of Interest. Full details are available on our information page.
• Though this opportunity is exclusively for disabled people, you do not need to share any details of your disability or a formal diagnosis to be eligible (though you are welcome to).

For more details, please refer to the information page, reach out Amy at communities@the-ies.org or give us a call on +44 (0)20 3862 7484. For more information about our work to advance Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, head to our dedicated ED&I webpage.

Header image credit: (c) Mahey - AdobeStock