Pros
Gaining real working experience in marine conservation is often very difficult and understanding how conservation actions work in real-time is not something that all aspiring scientists/conservationists/naturalists have the opportunity to develop. At Archipelagos, this is one of the key experiences provided. Being a part of a staple NGO in Greece gives you a clear understanding of the difficulties conservationists have with governments to effect change, and also how much work goes into conservation work when you do not have large funding bodies behind you. Being able to manage large groups of young aspiring scientists is a great, rewarding role and provides a wealth of skills that very few early career opportunities can, although resilience is of course needed (see cons).
Cons
The illusion that change can be made in 3 months, is just that - an illusion. Real change takes time, hard work and dedication. Where internships can run for short periods of time, trying to convey this message that short term solutions are not an option can be difficult. Working in a small community is not for everyone and can, at times, feel suffocating. But being in close communication with locals is a vital part of conservation and your reputation matters. Again, this is not for everyone and should be considered for this role. Your work load will be high - managing conservation bases, alongside running research teams is generally a lot of work so be prepared. Flexibility is absolutely needed because conservation does not run in a straight line, it is complicated and requires last minute changes and deadlines.
