Stamford Futures Hosts Agriculture, Earth Science and Sustainability Careers Evening

On Wednesday 4 March, Stamford Futures welcomed students, families and professionals to St Martin’s for a special Speed Networking Evening focused on careers in Agriculture, Earth Science and Sustainability.

The event brought together a diverse panel of experts working across farming, land management, environmental science and sustainability careers. Through a structured speed networking format, attendees rotated between speakers, gaining first-hand insight into their career journeys, the realities of their industries, and the pathways available for students interested in these fields.

Among the speakers was Paul Wilde from Anglia Ruskin University, who discussed the growing importance of degree apprenticeships in sustainability and environmental careers, highlighting how these programmes combine academic study with real workplace experience.

Students also heard from Ed Flint (OS 99), Customer Loyalty Lead at Syngenta, who shared his journey from working on a family farm to leading digital agriculture initiatives within a global agriscience company.

Insights into modern farming and agricultural entrepreneurship were provided by Tim Beaver (OS 99), an arable farmer managing 500 hectares of land producing malting barley, wheat and sugar crops, while Zara Dorrington (OS 12), Farm Manager at J H Dorrington & Son, spoke about the challenges and opportunities involved in managing a large mixed farming enterprise.

Attendees also explored careers in land management and environmental heritage. Emma Houghton (OS 12), a rural chartered surveyor working in land management and property investment, shared insights into the work of rural land agents and surveyors, while Suzanne Ryder from the Natural History Museum discussed her work caring for and preserving internationally significant natural history collections.

The evening highlighted the breadth of career opportunities within agriculture, environmental science and sustainability, sectors that play an increasingly vital role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource management and biodiversity conservation.

By bringing together experienced professionals and students in an interactive environment, the event provided a valuable opportunity to ask questions, explore potential career paths, and build connections with experts working across these industries.

Stamford Futures continues to run a programme of events designed to help students explore career possibilities and gain insight from professionals across a wide range of sectors.