When I began my career with RSK as a graduate environmental consultant, I had no idea just how far the journey would take me or how much it would come to mean
Like many recent graduates, I emerged from my master’s degree at Swansea University full of energy and ambition, eager to make a difference in the environmental sector. But the job market in the UK was incredibly competitive and, despite my qualifications and enthusiasm, finding a role was a real struggle. Applications went unanswered, interviews were few and far between, and opportunities felt out of reach.
That period taught me a lot, not just about resilience and patience but also about the importance of someone giving you a chance when you’re just starting out. It’s an experience I never forgot, and it planted a seed in me: if I ever got the chance, I wanted to be that person who opened doors for others.
Eventually, I got my break with RSK Middle East
That was the beginning of a journey that would shape both my career and the careers of many others. I started off in a junior role in 2018, learning the ropes and soaking up as much knowledge as I could. As I gained experience and developed confidence, I began to take on more responsibility, eventually progressing to a senior environmental consultant in 2023.
But what really made the difference for me, and what I believe set my career on a different trajectory, was the support and trust I received from RSK Middle East. From the beginning, it saw potential in me and gave me the space and responsibility to grow into a strong, independent terrestrial ecologist. I wasn’t just handed tasks to complete; I was encouraged to lead, to solve problems, to build relationships with clients and to think strategically. That kind of support is rare, and it gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and aim higher.
As biodiversity and environmental considerations became increasingly important across the Middle East, particularly in the context of ambitious new development projects, the need for a strong terrestrial ecology capability within RSK grew. I saw this as an opportunity, not just for me to grow but also to help others do the same. I was given the chance to build and lead a terrestrial ecology team, and I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
Rather than looking for experienced hires through the usual recruitment channels, I returned to my roots, Swansea University. I knew from personal experience that there were talented master’s students there, passionate about conservation and ecology, who were struggling to make that crucial first step into the sector. I wanted to give them the opportunity I had once wished someone had given me. So I reached out, spoke to students and offered something different: the chance to work on real biodiversity projects in the Middle East, where the stakes are high, the learning curve is steep and the growth potential is enormous.
The response was incredible. One by one, passionate graduates joined us, eager to learn and determined to contribute. These weren’t just junior roles tucked away in the background; our new team members were out in the field, surveying wildlife in arid desert environments, working on complex impact assessments and helping shape biodiversity strategies for major infrastructure and development projects, as well as for oil and gas.
Together, we built something special. Our terrestrial ecology team is now a vital part of RSK Middle East’s environmental offering. We’re a highly collaborative, diverse group with a shared passion for biodiversity and a commitment to high-quality, evidence-based ecological work. Every member of the team brings their own strengths and, as a leader, I have found that one of the most fulfilling parts of my role has been mentoring them, helping them grow, watching them take on new responsibilities and seeing their confidence soar.
Biodiversity has rapidly become a hot topic in the Middle East
As governments and developers place increasing emphasis on sustainable development and environmental responsibility, our expertise is in high demand. Clients want to understand the risks, protect key species and habitats and demonstrate environmental stewardship in line with international standards. From baseline ecological surveys to habitat management plans and biodiversity action strategies, our team is playing a key role in shaping a more sustainable future for the region.
I’m proud that the team I helped build is delivering work of the highest standard and that we’re doing it with integrity, passion and purpose. Our contributions are not just technical; they’re part of a broader shift in how biodiversity is understood and valued in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
What started as a personal mission to give others the chance I never had has evolved into a powerful legacy. Graduates I first recruited have gone on to become experienced consultants in their own right, taking on leadership roles and mentoring the next wave of ecologists. The ripple effect is real, and it’s growing.
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful to RSK Middle East, not just for the opportunity to develop my own career but also for the belief it placed in me and the support it provided as I built something meaningful. It allowed me to lead, to experiment, to fail and try again and, ultimately, to succeed in creating a team that delivers real impact for our clients and for biodiversity.
We still have a long way to go. There are challenges ahead, and the work is never done. But knowing that we’re contributing to a more sustainable future, while also helping young ecologists build fulfilling careers, makes every step of the journey worthwhile.
And I truly believe this is only the beginning
Written by: Lucinda Knight, Senior Environmental Consultant