PAST FRONTIER STAFF: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Here at Frontier we like to keep in touch with all of our previous staff volunteers to find out what they get upto after leaving us. This week we are speaking to Claire Sherwood whose career has got off to a flying start. 

Into the wild: Which internship/role did you do whilst at Frontier?

Claire: I was an Overseas Operations Intern at Frontier between August 2011 and January 2012.

Into the wild: What were your responsibilities in this position?

Claire: My job was split between helping with managing staffing requirements for Frontier's overseas projects (recruiting, training and preparing new staff for departure to the field) and helping in the managment of the day-to-day operations of the field projects (mostly processing field reports, sourcing new equipment and ensuring it got out to the projects).

Into the wild: What was working at Frontier HQ like?

Claire: Working at Frontier HQ was good fun, mostly because of the awesome team I worked with. I went to work on a project in Mexico a few years ago, with no idea of just how much work goes on behind the scenes back in the UK. It was also a great insight into the workings of a company in the voluntary sector.

Into the wild: How do you think this position has helped you professionally?

Claire: I feel my time at Frontier equipped me with some new skills that I will definitely take onto my future career. Working in Ops gives you experience of management and problem solving, as dealing with projects in a different country (and timezone) is definitely more testing than trying to get things done at home. Going to schools and college career fairs to promote Frontier's projects was also very valuable public speaking experience. These things definitely enhanced my CV, and have given me lots to talk about in job interviews too.

Into the wild: Where are you now working and what is your job title? 

Claire: Whilst working at Frontier I got accepted onto the British Airways Future Pilot Programme and am currently training to become an airline pilot.

Into the wild: What does your position involve?

Claire: At the moment I am in the groundschool phase of training, about to take my first set of exams. We are studying a range of subjects, including Air Law, Meteorology and Radio Communications. I am looking forward to getting through the theory phase and heading out to New Zealand for 8 months to start the actual flying. The whole course is about 18 months, at the end of which I will be a First Officer for BA, probably flying the Airbus A320.

Into the wild: Why would you recommend doing an internship at Frontier?

Claire: I would certainly recommend an internship at Frontier, particuarly for anyone interested in travel, conservation or working in the not-for-profit sector. Starting in the London office gives you a great overview of Frontier as a whole, and from there you are in a perfect position to head out to the field or to move elsewhere. The office is filled with a great bunch of like-minded people and so you will definitely have a lot of fun.

For information employment and internship opportunities at Frontier both in the field and at our London & US offices, please visit the Frontier website.