GEOGRAPHY GRADUATE CAREER PROFILES GEOGRAPHY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER

. research-active but teaching focussed (so we spend more time supporting our students) . generous contact time, typically 12–16 hours per week . emphasis on specialist and transferable skills, helping our students develop knowledge and skills relevant to further study and employment . assessment mostly by coursework, which reflects the practical, hands-on approach of our courses . fieldwork included in almost every module . study abroad option in your second year . international year abroad option in your third year . accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER

. Sustainability Institution of the Year – Winner – 2019 Green Gown Awards . University of the Year – Finalist – 2020 Times Higher Education Awards and UK Social Mobility Awards . Top 3 in the UK for Quality Education – 2019 and 2020 Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings . Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community – Winner – 2019 Times Higher Education Awards . Top 10 for Student Experience – Times Good University Guide 2021 . Top 10 for Sustained Employment – Longitudinal 2 Educational| Geography Graduate Outcomes Career Profiles survey (2017 and 2020) University of Worcester Geography degree programmes are not all the same, and the nature of the course that you choose may influence employment options following graduation.

WELCOME

In addition to being a fascinating and enjoyable subject to study at University, Geography also offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities. However, Geography degree programmes are not all the same, and the nature of the course that you choose may influence employment options following graduation.

At Worcester, our priority is teaching and the student experience. Generous contact time, plenty of fieldwork opportunities, and excellent access to up-to-date equipment allows us to offer our students a remarkably strong practical programme. This helps our students develop knowledge and skills – specialist and transferable – relevant to a wide range of occupations and further study.

This emphasis on skills development is reflected in our approach to assessment, which is mostly based around coursework activities. Depending on which modules you select, over 90 per cent of your assessment at Worcester could be in the form of coursework. We believe that coursework is the most effective way for you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

This approach to teaching and assessment provides our students with the foundations to be successful in the workplace, as you will see from reading the graduate profiles in this booklet. The profiles illustrate just some of the pathways followed by our Geography graduates.

We hope you find this collection of career profiles helpful.

Dr Cheryl Jones Head of Geography

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |1 Name: Abi Armstrong or service improvements in a number of key Degree: BSc Physical Geography and areas, including health, environmental services, Sports Studies sport and leisure, and housing. V4 Services Job Title: Environment Officer works with local authorities, NHS trusts, police Employer: Environment Agency services and other public sector organisations. As a business analyst, I work across a variety of ince November 2015 I have been training projects, on a number of sites, within a range as an Environment Officer in the busy of sectors. My role within each project can SEssex Office. This job was described by vary greatly, depending on the needs of our David Bellamy as “the James Bond of the clients. This makes my workload varied, but environment.” My role includes regulating also means managing multiple projects and waste sites to ensure they are compliant with deadlines. environmental legislation, responding to pollution incidents and promoting pollution One of the great things about the Geography Abi Armstrong prevention best practice. I am on a call out rota course at the University of Worcester is that to attend pollution incidents around the clock. it provides a great deal of variety, not only It is a role that can really help protect our local in the teaching and learning, but also in the environment. ways in which you are assessed. Much of the learning is practical and field based, a great My degree has provided me with an stepping stone for a career working on multiple in-depth understanding of geographical and client sites, and much of the assessment is environmental concepts which have been based around report writing, data analysis and invaluable for my job. For example, when delivering presentations, all of which are key dealing with environmental pollution incidents aspects of my day-to-day role. I thoroughly it is important to consider the proximity to enjoyed my three years studying Geography at river drainage systems and map the path the University of Worcester and have gone on polluting material could take whilst considering to use many of the skills and knowledge in my the influence of geomorphological features. As day-to-day working life. The course is a great well as this, transferable skills such as written platform for preparing for the world of work, and spoken communication, organisation, and the challenges it poses. Mark Badams working to deadlines, research skills and problem solving skills have proved essential Name: Joe Baker Much of the learning is when dealing with situations such as breaches Degree: BSc Geography practical and field based, a of legislation and identifying a plan of action to Job Title: Water Management Officer great stepping stone for a achieve the best outcome possible. Employer: North Worcestershire Water career working on multiple Management client sites, and much of the I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University assessment is based around of Worcester and feel that it has provided me e assess the flood risk and water report writing, data analysis with a fantastic range of skills and knowledge quality of new developments in and delivering presentations, to assist me with pursuing a career. The Wplanning applications, and carry all of which are key aspects residential field trips are great fun and I out regular inspections of watercourses to of my day-to-day role. have made lifelong friends as a result of the ensure they are properly maintained. Any experience. alterations to a watercourse requires consent, Mark Badams and we look through the consents to see if Name: Mark Badams they can be approved. We work with partner Degree: BSc Geography organisations and bring in funding to carry Job Title: Business Analyst out major flood alleviation schemes as well as Employer: V4 Services Ltd enforcing the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) and the Land Drainage Act (1991) to have been working as a Business Analyst ensure proper drainage and reduce flood risk. with V4 Services since January 2014. V4 My degree at Worcester provided me with a IServices is a consultancy firm specialising in breadth of knowledge, particularly around the supporting public sector bodies in delivering river science area, which has been invaluable to transformational change, financial savings my career so far. The background knowledge

2 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester can be applied to the practical side of the job, Name: Janay Bromley which allows me to generate solutions for Degree: BSc Physical Geography problems, complaints and queries we receive. Job Title: Graduate Engineer Employer: Jacobs Engineering Ltd The fieldwork in my course has been very helpful for my background knowledge because n my current role I am working on behalf of it translates the theory to the practical side, Severn Trent Water as a Solutions Engineer which is relevant to work. I can relate those Iin their Waste Water Infrastructure Team. I experiences to watercourses I am dealing currently help design solutions for sewerage with day-to-day to try to improve things on a networks across the Severn Trent Catchment. limited budget. This includes helping to design new sewers and new pumping stations and design solutions to We are currently working with University staff solve sewer flooding. and students on a number of projects. Not only does this provide students with valuable, I have found that the knowledge and Matt Bolshaw real-world experience but it is also really experienced gained from my degree course helpful to us. In particular, the specialist, up-to- at Worcester has helped immensely! I have date equipment that the students can access been able to draw upon knowledge from and use makes a real difference to our work. hydrology, geology, engineering geology, fluvial geomorphology, and fieldwork experience. Name: Matt Bolshaw There are many cases in my day-to-day role Degree: BSc Geography where the surrounding environment has an Job Title: Graduate Transport Planner impact on the designs I develop, and having Employer: Peter Brett Associates LLP studied a lot of these in my degree I can factor this into my work. For example, understanding y current role as a Transport Planner the way river systems work and react in times involves advising clients on the of storms / flooding; understanding the impact Mtransport issues involved in their of climate change on the way in which cities / planning applications. Projects can range from towns function and draw upon their resources the redevelopment of a distribution warehouse and how the resources will be affected in the to a new residential estate, and it is my job future; and understanding the geology for Janay Bromley to predict what impact this will have on the construction and stability purposes. existing transport network. This can include The diverse knowledge assessing the capacity of existing junctions, I really enjoyed all of my time at Worcester that a geography degree designing new access strategies or creating and every part of my degree, but the parts that provides is so valuable and travel plans for employees or residents of the stick in my mind are the experience gained when you have such a great new site. on field trips and using different equipment, team of supportive lecturers including levelling (which I do a lot in my and mentors as you do at Studying Geography at the University of current role). I really enjoyed the trips that are Worcester, it’s priceless! Worcester provided me with many of the skills on offer including going to Switzerland! The I use in my job on a day-to-day basis, such as modules are extremely well planned and full Janay Bromley data analysis and report writing, as well as of useful information which can be applied relevant knowledge from the planning-based to many areas and industries. The diverse modules. It also enabled me to get out in the knowledge that a geography degree provides field, including a residential field course in is so valuable and when you have such a great the south of France. Fieldwork helped me to team of supportive lecturers and mentors as understand and apply the theoretical concepts you do at Worcester, it’s priceless! introduced in class.

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |3 Name: Rachel Cass I am also regularly needed to present Degree: BSc Physical Geography information to a variety of people. Sometimes Job Title: Hostel Manager it will be around the projects I am working on, Employer: YHA England and Wales sometimes around the data that I’m using and how it can be developed. The presentations I y current job role is Hostel Manager did as part of my degree helped to improve my for the YHA. This is not a standard comfort level while in this situation, and I am M9-5 job, it entails managing staff and now a very confident presenter! customers and their expectations, building management, budgeting, forecasting and My course gave me all of the key skills I needed labour control. I am responsible for every to secure the job I am in, and gave me some of line of our profit and loss. I am not directly the life skills that are ensuring my continued using the content of the degree course I did progression and development in a very at the University of Worcester. What I do competitive jobs market. Rachel Cass draw upon in my day-to-day working life are the interpersonal skills I learnt and developed Name: Pauline Couper during my degree. I also use data analysis, Degree: BSc Geographical Studies presentation and report writing skills within my Job Title: Head of Programme: Geography job. These were key skills I gained during my Employer: York St John University time in Worcester. enjoyed doing geography at Worcester so I really enjoyed doing Physical Geography much that it shaped the rest of my life! I at University as it is a subject I have always Istayed to do a PhD, aiming to becoming a enjoyed and found fascinating. I really geography lecturer myself one day – an aim loved how many fieldtrips we did as I am a that was fulfilled in 2002. My job now, leading kinaesthetic learner and being in the field the geography provision at York St John always beats a classroom! University, involves managing the geography degrees and the staff who deliver them, Name: Rebecca Collins teaching degree students and supervising Degree: BSc Water and Environmental PhD students, and continuing with my own Pauline Couper Management research and publication. My experience Job Title: Flood and Coastal Risk teaching in universities has reinforced my view My experience teaching in Management Officer that the Worcester Geography department is universities has reinforced Employer: Environment Agency a great place for students. It is big enough to my view that the Worcester have plenty of variety, it is technically well- Geography department is a y current role is focussed on identifying equipped, but most importantly, the staff are great place for students. It areas of flood risk and working with genuinely interested in the students they are is big enough to have plenty Mlocal communities and stakeholders teaching. The hardest part was leaving! of variety, it is technically to reduce the risk of flooding and limit the well-equipped, but most damage caused by flood waters. This involves Name: Lev Dahl importantly, the staff are a lot of working with GIS (Geographical Degree: BSc Environmental Management genuinely interested in the Information Systems), something I had barely Job Title: Water Team Field Officer students they are teaching. even heard of before beginning my course Employer: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust at Worcester! I am also involved in project Pauline Couper work to design and implement flood defence ealing with all aspects of river and schemes so must write reports that can be wetland habitat in Wiltshire, the role of read by anyone from senior managers in the Dthe Field Officer is a very interesting and EA to members of the local community. Doing varied one. Responsibilities include organising that in a clear and concise way is something volunteer tasks, tackling non-native invasive I learned at Worcester, and I’m certain I’ll species (such as Himalayan balsam and giant continue to hone that skill throughout my hogweed), and designing and implementing career. restoration projects on large sections of some of England’s iconic chalk streams. There are always new challenges and opportunities!

4 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester The main focus of the team is on river Name: Danielle Degville restoration and habitat enhancement. Many Degree: BSc Physical Geography of Wiltshire’s rivers have been declining in Job Title: Flood Risk Management Officer ecological status, due to historic dredging Employer: Worcestershire County Council and mis-management. Working with statutory bodies (such as the Environment y job entails working in partnership Agency and Natural England), fishing clubs, with district council land drainage riparian landowners, local communities and Mpartners, the Environment Agency, a large number of volunteers, we aim to and Severn Trent Water Ltd to manage the restore natural functions such as erosion and risk of flooding in Worcestershire. The role I deposition, scour, riffle and pool creation, have in the team is mainly office based. I work floodplain connectivity and other related with GIS to manage the vast amount of data processes, to enable the river to adapt to we hold and to help fulfil several of our roles pressures such as abstraction and global given to the County Council under the Flood climate change. Where possible, we work with and Water Management Act 2010, including a Lev Dahl volunteers using natural materials such as large register of known flood locations and a register tree limbs and brushwood, in order to mimic and record of flood assets. Away from GIS One of the best parts of what would happen naturally. Occasionally I have a lead role in the team of completing my course was the focus on more drastic measures, such as full channel flood investigations after major flood events. practical experience, through realignment or bed raising, are necessary. This And I have recently started working with a a lot of hands-on field and generally requires hiring specialist contractors partner from the National Flood Forum to work lab work. With just the right to undertake the capital work (under our closer with communities to ensure they know mix of theory and practical direction). their flood risk and are in a position to manage work, the course was really the risk should flooding occur. good preparation for the role During my time at the Trust I have had that I am in now. to use many of the skills learned at the My degree at Worcester really helped me to Lev Dahl University of Worcester on a daily basis. get my job. It gave me in-depth knowledge These include river monitoring using flow on how to use GIS as well as background meters, multi-probes, invertebrate sampling knowledge about rivers and how they function and identificationetc. , topographical surveys in general. Completing my degree also greatly to take river cross-sections, stakeholder improved my presentation skills and group identification and engagement, presentations, working ability, both of which are highly valued planning restoration projects, conducting River skill sets in the workplace. Habitat Surveys, creating academic posters, writing reports and much more. All of these My favourite part of studying my degree skills were learned and developed during my at Worcester was the familiarity with my time at the University of Worcester. lecturers. I liked how approachable the lecturers were and easy to talk to about any One of the best parts of my course was the issues I had. Knowing that I could go and talk to focus on practical experience, through a lot them if I needed really took the stress out of a of hands-on field and lab work. With just the big workload. I also really enjoyed the field trips right mix of theory and practical work, the and thought they were great opportunities course was really good preparation for the role to see geography outside of the text book as that I am in now. well as visit some fantastic places that I might never have otherwise seen. Danielle Degville If you would like to know more about the work on the Water Team, or would like to come and join in one of our projects, email me at LevD@ wiltshirewildlife.org. You can also find us on our website (www.wiltshirewildlifetrust.org).

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |5 Name: Saffron Dhillon would highly recommend studying Geography Degree: BSc Geography at the University of Worcester to anyone who Job Title: Flood and Coastal Risk wishes to learn more about the subject. Management Officer Employer: Environment Agency Name: Anonymous (due to sensitive nature of job) s a Flood and Coastal Risk Management Degree: BSc Geography Officer for the Environment Agency, Job Title: Geospatial Analyst AI assess flood risk across Northern Employer: Ministry of Defence England and develop and contribute to projects which mitigate and reduce the risk of fluvial work within the mapping department to and coastal flooding. I also act as a category develop and support the production of maps 1 responder, which consists of observing river Iand the processing of geospatial information. levels and issuing flood warnings. As part of My Geography degree incorporated Saffron Dhillon my role, I have been involved in a number of two dedicated GIS modules, focussing flood incidents across Northern England, such predominantly on ArcGIS which I now use on The skills I learnt whilst as the devastating floods that took place in a daily basis. These modules, together with the studying at the University of November and December 2015. This allowed extensive hands-on experience throughout the Worcester are vital in my role me to apply my hydraulic knowledge learnt course, enabled me to gain a good grounding at the Environment Agency, at university to situations that matter to in the basics of GIS. I have gained further from the hydraulics and communities and the environment. expertise in my current role and there are water management modules many exciting job opportunities in this rapidly to the technical fieldwork Whilst studying at the University of Worcester, growing field. workshops. I participated in a range of activities, including Saffron Dhillon fieldtrips and presentations. Although these I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Worcester tasks were daunting at first – especially the with the small class sizes and the friendly, presentations – the experiences were really knowledgeable staff. With the strong emphasis valuable when it came to employment. I on hands on experience, you gain valuable was able to reflect upon my skills, providing skills with the latest equipment, making regular examples of practical and fieldwork use of the immediate locality for practical exercises at interviews. This allowed me sessions. to gain employment at the Environment Agency within a month of leaving university. Name: Leanne Fawcett Additionally, the practical tasks and fieldwork Degree: BSc Physical Geography increased my confidence in applying my Job Title: Catchment Manager knowledge to different tasks, and it was an Employer: Environment Agency enjoyable experience. It also made it easier to create strong friendships with other students. fter completing my physical geography degree at the University of Worcester, I found lecturers extremely approachable, AI secured a job working for the happy to help, and they provided one-to-one Environment Agency. I am a Catchment tutorials (something not all universities offer). Manager, which involves managing rivers, flood This allowed me to fully understand key terms defences, and property development in a large and concepts, and to fulfil my potential. The area in the North East. Leanne Fawcett skills I learnt whilst studying at Worcester are vital in my role at the Environment Agency, During my studies at the University, I from the hydraulics and water management particularly enjoyed flood management and modules to the technical fieldwork workshops. this has been very useful for me, particularly in the last year as I have been involved in the Studying Geography has provided me with an recovery process from recent storms. One of all-round, in depth knowledge. My experience my latest projects is managing the redirection at university has increased my confidence of a river channel that had burst its banks to achieve my goals and has developed my in flood and was causing a significant risk to passion for a career in flood risk management. I property.

6 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: Luke Fletcher Name: Hannah Goodwin Degree: BSc Geography Degree: BSc Physical Geography Job Title: Graduate Ambassador Job Title: Assistant Project Manager Employer: University of Worcester Employer: Enviromontel Ltd

currently work for the University of make all pre-site work arrangements, Worcester as a Graduate Ambassador. including health and safety, applying for IThe role requires me to speak to post-16 Ipermits, and interpreting plans (occasionally students about the different Higher Education producing them using a GIS programme), as options available to them and I regularly well as processing the data collected by our deliver presentations on topics such as student site crews, and creating graphs and reports finance, personal statements and student analysing flow conditions and volumes. life to students in schools and colleges. My Geography degree has helped me develop a My degree was a route into the company, number of skills which I now use every day in who primarily monitor water flow through Luke Fletcher my job, particularly delivering presentations waste water pipes. Although my course and report writing, but also time management focused on river systems, the knowledge and The high quality teaching and organisation. skills I acquired provided the foundations and the number of field for understanding the processes and trips on the Geography The high quality teaching and the number characteristics of manmade systems. course stood out for me. of field trips on the Geography course stood They helped develop my out for me. They helped develop my subject The company also carries out water sampling subject knowledge and were knowledge and were an excellent opportunity works. Although a lot of the samples require an excellent opportunity to combine theory with practice. lab testing (something the company does not to combine theory with undertake itself), occasionally we carry out practice. field testing. The tests we undertake in the field Name: Jack Franks Luke Fletcher Degree: BSc Physical Geography are very similar to the ones I carried out in my Job Title: Teacher of Geography Independent Study at Worcester, and as such I Employer: Werneth School, Stockport have carried out a lot of this work – and trained others to do so as well. work in a secondary school teaching ages 11-16 both KS3 and GCSE content. Subject I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Worcester, Iknowledge is the main strength that I have both in terms of the University and the city transferred from my degree to my job. In the itself (I decided to stay and live here after I Geography department, I am the Physical had completed by degree because I liked the Geography specialist so guide colleagues who city that much!). The staff at the University, are more familiar with the human aspect of the both faculty and general staff, were all happy, subject. helpful and friendly people, who made you feel welcome and assisted in all matters. I found I have also taken a knowledge of equipment that the lecturers would push me far enough and research projects with me into this setting. for me to develop, but never so far that I felt This has allowed me to create mini projects unsupported and out of my depth. The content for students to research, weaving in aspects of and choice of modules were varied enough to higher education study. An example would be a allow me to have a broad selection of topics, year 7 project on microclimates around school. but at the same time allow me to create a Hannah Goodwin focus on my own area of interest. There was I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Worcester. also a great balance of lectures, independent With an engaging course, providing interest and group work, classroom exercises and, of and challenge, I am very happy I chose course, field trips (walking on a glacier in the Worcester. The lecturers also made the course Swiss Alps…amazing!). very enjoyable as they were easy to approach.

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |7 Name: Paul Grayston Name: Alex Jones Degree: BSc Geography Degree: BSc Geography Job Title: Trainee Train Planner Job Title: Drainage and Flood Risk Officer Employer: Govia Thameslink Railway Employer: Woking Borough Council

orking as a train planner includes am part of a two-person Drainage and Flood planning future timetables and also Risk Team within the council and together we Warranging the trains and crew so Ilook after the ordinary watercourses in the the timetable can work. I work as a short term borough. One of my main jobs is to inspect the planner, which means that when Network watercourses to ensure they are being correctly Rail wish to do some work on the track I must maintained and are not increasing flood risk plan the train service around that, be it with to residents. Other aspects of my job include replacement buses or using other tracks. assessing drainage strategies within planning applications and mapping various features for Simon Grubb Time management is a key skill that I learnt my team and other teams within the council at university which I now use in my job. Any using GIS. delays in this industry incurs a cost, so it is very important that deadlines are met. I also learnt My Geography degree from Worcester was how to handle vast amounts of data; in my extremely helpful in getting me into this independent study I had to sort approximately career. Without a degree in Geography it 9000 pieces of data into graphs and results would have been very difficult to get the role that are easy to understand. I now have to I currently have. The Hydrological Monitoring, do the same in my new role, condensing the River Processes, and River Conservation and timetables and diagrams so that they can be Management modules were especially helpful easily read. and all developed my understanding of rivers and watercourses, which has proven very The greatest thing about the geography course useful in my day-to-day routine at work. at the University of Worcester is the amount of University developed certain skills that I field trips. I find it a lot easier to learn by doing, use most days, including report writing and rather than listening and reading all the time. presenting but it also introduced me to new The lecturers are genuinely passionate about things such as GIS, which I now use at work their subjects, which really shines through and every day. makes it so much easier to learn from them. I find it difficult to explain how much I Name: Simon Mark Grubb enjoyed my time at Worcester! It is a fantastic Degree: BSc Geography & IT university and the Geography degree was Job Title: Principal Environmental excellent. The lecturers were great and they Consultant were always willing to help. The trips were Employer: TRC Companies Ltd an amazing experience and something I will remember for a very long time. Overall, am a Principal Environmental Consultant, Worcester is an amazing place to live and study specialising in environmental air quality, and I would recommend it to anyone. Inoise and vibration. My primary duties include undertaking air and noise assessments for planning applications, as well as deriving Alex Jones mitigation measure to protect both human and ecological receptors from any adverse impacts It is a fantastic university and that may result from a development. My job the geography degree was involves fieldwork, data analysis, presentations excellent. The lecturers were and report writing. The foundation of this skill great and they were always set was made during my first degree. Through willing to help. a mixture of assessments and group work it has given me the ability to progress and build a Alex Jones successful career of which I can be proud.

8 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: Jessica Jones Name: Sarah Massey Degree: BSc Geography Degree: BSc Geography Job Title: Environmental Scientist Job Title: Environmental Analyst Employer: Atkins Employer: Frith Resource Management

I work for one of the world’s most respected y role in Frith Resource Management design, engineering and project management (FRM) as an Environmental Analyst Icompanies as an Environmental Scientist Minvolves the analysis of data and within the Contaminated Land and statistics, modelling, project management Hydrogeology team, having joined their supports, conducting surveys, research Graduate Development Programme in 2015. work and report writing. FRM is a waste management consultancy, working I undertake desk-based studies, ground both nationally and internationally to investigations and interpretive reports provide sustainable resource and waste for a wide range of clients, including management solutions to a range of clients Jessica Jones local authorities, housing developers and including central government, waste large landowners. The sites I work on are management contractors and local authorities. I thoroughly enjoyed my predominately brownfield, and former uses FRM has written numerous municipal waste time at the University of include MoD, gas works, petrol stations, management strategies and strategy updates Worcester, a highlight of factories and landfills. for local authorities and also provide advice on which was the Alps trip. I waste treatment and energy technologies. believe that the staff and the As my career progressed I began to write course that is offered, with more technical reports and specifications, Undertaking a Geography degree at the the wide range of modules, including Land Quality Statement, Earthworks University of Worcester helped me to develop helped me to attain my Specifications, Remediation and Reclamation a platform of core skills which I use on a dream job. Strategies, Verification Reports and Material daily basis in consultancy. The key research, Jessica Jones Management Plans. I now scope and manage data analysis and writing skills gained ground investigations, supporting junior through the undergraduate programme members of staff during site works and have been invaluable transitioning into the reporting. I task manage projects and attend workplace, specifically those modules tailored both technical and progress client meetings to scientific projects and data analysis. I have regularly. I am currently progressing my been able to transfer these skills into my role chartership application with CIWEM. at FRM to gather key waste statistics and performance information as part of projects My degree at the University of Worcester to drive improvements in recycling and waste made all this possible. I developed report reduction in accordance with national and writing skills and the ability to analyse data international targets, policy documents and which are paramount to my day-to-day wider themes such as the circular economy. job and it gave me a broad understanding of the environmental sector in which I now The ability to illustrate project work and work. There was a particular module which showcase an Independent Study provided sparked my passion for what I do today - evidence of my research and independent Environmental Geology with Dr Cheryl Jones. learning abilities to my employer. To date, I found the module really interesting and it I have been involved in a wide range of largely set me up for the role I do today. projects including stakeholder survey projects, facilitation workshops, risk workshops, Sarah Massey I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University appraisal reports and waste strategy of Worcester, and I feel the degree gave me documents, each using the skills and attributes well rounded knowledge of the environmental developed at Worcester. I am also directly sector which has assisted me in many avenues involved in an environmental reporting of my career. My highlights included the field initiative, Credibly Green. This includes project trip to the Alps and Environmental Geology management, customer liaison, marketing and Module. networking with key players from a variety of industries using wider, secondary skill sets

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |9 developed during my time at Worcester such from studying GIS at university. as team work, time management and communication. I now work for the Building Services Team, where I work alongside the CAD Manager Themes of environmental management, and issuing drawings to clients to deadlines, and core scientific processes covered specifically in maintaining overall document control for the physical geography modules of my degree, the team. I liaise with employees across the provided me with a good understanding company, both nationally and internationally, of themes covered within both my FRM and play an important role in the delivery of and Credibly Green roles; specifically those the work for this team. Within this role I am drawing on the sensitive relationship between continuously developing my AutoCAD skills, people and the environment. I thoroughly as well as broadening my skills and knowledge enjoyed my time at Worcester, and would by using new forms of software such as Revit, recommend Geography as an excellent 4Projects, Asite and Buzzsaw. Joe McGovern degree path for like-minded undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a career Name: Joe McGovern in Environmental Management and are looking Degree: BSc Geography to strike a good balance between human and Job Title: Graduate Financial Adviser physical geography themes, whilst considering Employer: Lift Financial Limited their natural, unavoidable influence over one another. inancial planning is the main role of the financial adviser. It involves meticulously Name: Abbie McCarthy Fassessing a client’s current financial Degree: BSc Physical Geography situation and catering advice accordingly- Job Title: Geotechnical Support and dependant on whether they want to buy a Document Controller house or save for a pension. Employer: WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff I am on the first stage of the graduate work at WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff, which programme which is client support. In this role is a civil engineering consultancy. The first I am attached to an adviser and I liaise with Irole I had there was as geotechnical support his clients, organise meetings, paperwork, and where I worked on the Smart Motorways all manner of general administrative tasks. project. I joined the Environmental Team at I also attend client meetings and corporate WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff, Birmingham, on events to represent the company. I should be a temporary contract in December 2014 in a Chartered Financial Planner within the next order to assist with data inputting for a major 3-5 years. Abbie McCarthy project within the Geotechnical team. This job required the use of gINT v8i for the purpose of inputting borehole data, and AutoCAD for producing drawings for a variety of different projects to show differing layers of geology as well as elevations, and checking co-ordinates of boreholes exported from the gINT system.

My contract was continuously extended due to my hard, efficient work and ease at learning the software. I was then brought in on meetings for the Contaminated Land and Remediation team, enabling me to develop my experience further as I worked on different projects within this sector as well as continuing with the geotechnical project. ArcGIS was useful for this role, and I was able to apply and develop the knowledge and skills acquired

10 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: Natalie Moreland so to experience river fieldwork in the Degree: BA Human Geography countryside with lots of sheep is fantastic! The Job Title: Teacher of Geography Geography department at Worcester helped Employer: Education Central Multi me to realise the importance of fieldwork. Academy Trust, Wolverhampton I look back fondly on our many field trips, discovering different cultures and places. y degree was a requirement for Seeing Geography first hand is vital to our teaching and I have been a qualified young students. Mteacher for almost 2 years now. I work in a school in an inner city area and it is tough The Geography department at Worcester but really rewarding! I was lucky enough to provided a really good learning environment, have sole responsibility for A level students in with a great mix of people all interested in my first year, which was a challenge but I really the world. Amongst other things, studying enjoyed it - the subject knowledge I gained at Worcester helped me develop my at Worcester helped me hugely in being able communication and social skills – which have Michael Murray to teach my year 13 students with very little been so important in my working life. I can support! I found my modules with Dave Storey also recommend Worcester as a fantastic city particularly interesting as we covered lots on in which to live and study. In fact, I liked it so globalisation and sovereignty which has given much I never left! me a much better awareness of global trade and development and I am constantly noticing Name: Andrew Needham things around me and thinking about where Degree: BSc Geography they came from or why they are the price they Job Title: Assistant Development Officer are! Having this skill is really useful in teaching Employer: Kettering Borough Council as I am constantly seeing things that inspire me to teach a lesson. I also really enjoyed y job involves assisting in the Countryside Conservation and Agricultural preparation of Planning Policy Change as I learnt a lot about how the EU Mdocuments for Kettering Borough works. Council. As part of this process, there is a wide range of tasks and projects that I am involved I have been the only subject specialist in my with as an Assistant Development Officer. school since starting but I feel the skills I gained on my degree have helped me hugely — in My time at the University of Worcester particular learning to write reports which we helped me develop as a person as well as a did a lot of at university. I am really interested geographer. My confidence and people skills in working with special educational needs developed significantly, as well as my ability children and am considering becoming an to apply knowledge and skills to various tasks Andrew Needham educational psychologist further into my and projects. It also sparked my interest career! in planning, particularly in the Town and My time at the University Country Planning module in the final year of Worcester helped me Name: Michael Murray which ultimately determined my career path develop as a person as Degree: BSc Geography (major) / Sports after leaving Worcester, through my Masters well as a geographer. My Studies (minor) course and now at Kettering Borough Council. confidence and people skills Job Title: Head of Geography However, the aspect of university life that was developed significantly, as Employer: AET Academies Trust — Four the most significant was the people around me well as my ability to apply Dwellings Academy during my university life, both lecturers and knowledge and skills to fellow students, all of whom were passionate various tasks and projects. am currently Head of Geography at Four about the course. I developed friendships, and Dwellings Academy in Quinton. I work in a a good working relationship with the lecturers. Andrew Needham Isocially deprived area and part of my job is On the whole, I felt I was a changed person introducing young students to the world. One when I left Worcester. of the best parts of my job is organising trips to places like Carding Mill Valley. Many of my students have never been out of Birmingham

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |11 Name: Katie Peterson Name: Hannah Pollard Degree: BSc Physical Geography Degree: BSc Geography Job Title: Flood Risk Mapping & Modelling Job Title: Administration & Social Media Officer Executive Employer: Natural Resources Wales Employer: County Air Ambulance Trust

y current job entails creating, adapting y role at County Air Ambulance Trust and reviewing 1D and 2D computer (CAAT) is essentially to assist the Mmodels showing potential maximum MCharity’s fundraising team to achieve flood extents. These can be used to inform success in raising awareness and funds for the the public to allow them to prepare for a HELP Appeal. The day-to-day role of my job flood event, as well as assisting consultants here at CAAT involves general administration and individuals to meet planning regulations for the charity. Alongside the administration regarding building in a flood risk area. All of work I maintain the social media requirements Katie Peterson our model outputs are also used to update the primarily over three platforms, Facebook, Flood Map in Wales, providing an overview Twitter & Linked In. More recently I have The Physical Geography of the risk to an area in the 1 in 100 and 1 in also been involved with the planning and degree was exactly what 1000 year flood events. ArcMap and other over-seeing of a few highly successful charity I had hoped for from GIS packages are used as a basis to create, events, the latest being the Charity Race Day visiting Worcester on open review and display the results of the models, at Ludlow Racecourse which saw the Charity days, with small class sizes with each model being accompanied by a raise £85,000 with a gala lunch and auction meaning hands-on use of comprehensive report. These reports take followed by the afternoon races. equipment and plenty of on a very similar format to many which were field trips to put the theory written throughout my degree at Worcester. My time at Worcester and on the Geography into practice. I have many course in particular has enabled me to progress fantastic memories and Over the coming months, I will be assisting through my career with a solid foundation of friends for life from the other teams within the organisation using problem solving and with the confidence to course! equipment such as the Acoustic Doppler put my thoughts and ideas forward in the work Current Profiler (ADCP) and monitoring place. Being able to participate in committee Katie Peterson stations to record river levels and flows. meetings, writing effective pieces to connect Accurate flows are essential as they form with the general public, reporting on Helipad the basis of all work undertaken by the statistics and successfully planning and Flood Risk teams, providing us with real- executing fundraising events have been aspects time information on river levels. These in of my role that have been helped by my time turn allow the hydrology teams to decide at Worcester. In previous jobs, I have had when abstractions are allowed and the flood direct experience working in a field linked to responders to have an accurate picture of the my degree and again having my qualifications rate in which rivers are rising in a flood event. enabled me to progress through the company. My Independent Study utilised an ADCP and monitoring stations, providing me with both Being part of the University of Worcester was the background knowledge and hands on special to me, and my time on all the field experience to use the equipment. trips and modules like River Conservation and Management (where you are out in the field The Physical Geography degree was exactly putting what you’ve learnt into practice) has what I had hoped for from visiting Worcester not only been invaluable but also given me on open days, with small class sizes meaning some great memories to look back on! hands-on use of equipment and plenty of field Hannah Pollard trips to put the theory into practice. I have many fantastic memories and friends for life from the course!

12 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: Tom Pooler Name: Steve Price Degree: BSc Geography Degree: BSc Geography Job Title: Advisor and Internal Consultant Job Title: Countryside and Commons Employer: Abu Dhabi Police, Ministry of Officer Interior, United Arab Emirates Employer: Spelthorne Borough Council, Surrey work in a unique role advising and supporting the police officers and civilian staff of Abu oing to university was the best decision IDhabi Police in their pursuit of strategic I ever made and I can’t talk highly and operational excellence. My six years of Genough of Worcester as a place to both experience in corporate development in a UK study and live. police force opened up this wonderful and life changing opportunity. As a discipline, Geography is a broad subject ranging from population migration to natural The technical skills which I learned at the hazards; this can offer a wide-ranging platform Steve Price University of Worcester allowed me to apply which can then be narrowed into a specific area for my first role in a UK police force. The role later in your studies. For example, due to my Going to university was the contained analytical elements for which my personal interests, I focussed my second and best decision I ever made study at Worcester had prepared me for. I built third year module choices on hydrological and and I can’t talk highly enough on these core technical and research skills and environmentally based themes. of Worcester as a place to became a senior analyst some years later, and both study and live. after time in a strategic road safety partnership The lecturers within the department I embraced the opportunity of a lifetime to were fantastic, knowledgeable and very Steve Price work overseas. approachable. The residential field trips are fantastic, with the trip to the Swiss and French I fondly remember the opportunities to study Alps a true highlight; such experiences also new topics within a much loved subject lead to lifelong friendships. which the University of Worcester offered. I particularly enjoyed the human geography Within 3–4 months of leaving the University modules related to globalisation and migration, of Worcester I gained employment at which opened my eyes to the possibilities for, Spelthorne Borough Council, Surrey. My and impact of, people, goods, services and role as Countryside and Commons Officer information to flow around the world. encompasses the environmental management of areas of ecological interest within the At Worcester we often discussed the borough. The varying river and freshwater ‘geography of everything’ and how the based modules undertaken at Worcester interaction of people and places is a theme gave me core knowledge on the processes which flows through every aspect of life. I am surrounding river systems; this has allowed constantly reminded of this as I meet people me to take such practices into the field from all over the world and I travel to new via restoration proposals and undertake places. macroinvertebrate sampling.

For me the study of geography did not end when I finished my degree, it was only just starting and for that I thank the University of Worcester.

Tom Pooler

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |13 Name: Emily Pugh My time studying geography at the University Degree: BSc Physical Geography of Worcester encouraged me to explore more Job title: Planning Enforcement Officer of the world, opening my eyes to different Employer: Tewkesbury Borough Council people and places. As I walk around the streets of Vietnam, I am reminded of much I he main responsibilities of the job are learnt during my degree. I now live in a rapidly to identify breaches in planning control, developing nation with an ever widening gap Taccording to the national planning policy between the wealthy and the poor. I see first- framework directive, and to seek remediation hand much of what I studied, and feel much for such breaches through negotiation or richer experiencing these things as a geogra- enforcement action. pher. A degree in Geography teaches you so much, but most importantly, it presents you Studying physical geography has given me with a unique way of looking at the world. a grasp of the importance of protecting the Emily Pugh landscape and the people within it (specifically Name: Mike Rake AONB, green belt, SSSI’s, national parks, Degree: BSc Physical Geography I would recommend studying conservation areas and flood zones). In general, Job Title: Police Constable Physical Geography at university has helped me in this role directly Worcester because it gave through specific knowledge learned, as well as am currently undertaking training to me a great start to my career indirectly through researching skills and report become a police constable. Knowledge from in planning, teaches many writing skills acquired during my time there. Imy degree is not required in my current transferable skills and is employment, but was utilised in my previous intellectually challenging and I really enjoy my job – particularly because I job as a graduate GPS surveyor; GIS and data stimulating. know I am making a long-term difference to collection skills were used. protecting the British countryside and allowing Emily Pugh it to develop appropriately through planning. Studying physical geography at Worcester also developed my personal skills, which helped me I would recommend studying Physical through the application process and in my day- Geography at Worcester because it gave me to-day work. For example, compiling reports a great start to my career in planning, teaches and essays throughout my degree has assisted many transferable skills and is intellectually in my crime reports and writing of structured, challenging and stimulating. The knowledge accurate statements. Furthermore, being able that I obtained, and experiences I went to communicate and work effectively with through, allowed me to get to where I am now colleagues in a team to problem solve has and develop as the professional that I have enhanced my ability in dealing effectively with always aspired to be. situations in my current employment.

Name: Hannah Ross The vast amount of fieldwork and residential Degree: BSc Geography trips were the real highlight of studying at Job title: Project Manager Worcester. The hands-on experiences using Employer: Worcestershire County Council equipment helps you stand out from other candidates in interviews. fter graduating from the University of Worcester in 2013, I travelled to Hannah Ross ASouth East Asia and fell in love with Vietnam’s vibrant capital, Hanoi. Curious about the landscape, people and culture, I decided to apply for a job teaching English. My degree helped me to secure a well-paid job in a reputable international school. Since 2020 I have been working for Worcestershire County Council, managing projects in their Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme.

14 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: Reiss Sadler Name: Jack Smith Degree: BSc Geography Degree: BSc Geography Job Title: Planning Officer (Policy) Job Title: Principal Transport Planner Employment: Wychavon District Council Employer: Stantec

work as an officer in the Planning Policy team s a transport planner, much of my at Wychavon District Council, and have done work involves looking at the impact Isince gaining employment in October 2014. Aof transport issues on the public. This includes large scale projects, for example The principal role of a local authority planning assessing the impact of a village bypass policy team is to produce an up-to-date Local proposal, or smaller jobs like developing road Plan made up of strategic and development safety measures outside a school. management policies, with the South Worcestershire Development Plan adopted Since becoming a Transport Planner I have in February 2016 following independent undertaken tasks such as: Reiss Sadler examination in 2015 (covers Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon Districts). My . simulating transport problems using day-to-day roles include getting involved with computer models to work out solutions major planning applications with development management colleagues, housing and . forecasting the impact of new residential employment land monitoring, and supporting developments, shopping centres and Parish Councils in the process of producing a football stadiums Neighbourhood Plan. . studying accident ‘black spots’ and My Geography degree at Worcester was not existing traffic flow to design road and only key in helping me get into Planning Policy urban realm improvements as part of the job specification requirements, but has also helped me with the skills I need . writing transport assessments, statements to do my job effectively, including report and strategies to support planning writing, presentation giving and data gathering applications and analysis. Also, the third year module on Town and Country Planning was pivotal in Geography at Worcester has supported me me deciding that planning was the career tremendously along the pathway to where I I wanted to get into, and the information am now in my career. The course has taught provided during that module gave me a solid me to appraise situations and issues from base of knowledge which impressed at the job different angles using the evidence bases interview. available to me, and also to reflect on my own work. This is very important in the work I do Looking forward, I now hope to go on and now as the recommendations I make in my do Masters in Planning in Built and Natural reports and designs need to be grounded by Environments at Birmingham City University evidence and benefit local communities and over the coming few years, funded by the the environment. Jack Smith District Council. This will allow me to gain RTPI membership and progress through the ranks The course gives you an exposure to all facets Geography at Worcester has here at the Council. of geography so that you leave Worcester supported me tremendously knowing that you are able to apply your skills along the pathway to where in various industries. Exposure to geographical I am now in my career. The issues in different locations on field trips also course has taught me to broadens your geographical mind, especially if appraise situations and issues it involves a trip to a Scottish whiskey distillery from different angles using or French vineyard! the evidence bases available to me, and to reflect on my own work. Jack Smith

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |15 Name: Laura Sutton main aim was to work with these partners to Degree: BSc Geography come up with sustainable holistic solutions Job Title: Graduate Ambassador/MRes in to flooding and land drainage issues. Tasks River Science included report writing and mapping using Employer: University of Worcester CADCORP and ArcGIS. I also carried out land surveys using the accurate leveller. absolutely loved my three years studying Geography at Worcester, and that’s why I So many aspects of my degree, particularly Ichose to continue my studies here. I decided the practical parts, were of great use in this to do a Research Masters in River Science, as I role. I utilised software and equipment that thoroughly enjoyed the extensive fieldwork I we had been taught to use during our studies. was able to participate in as an undergraduate The academic content of the course proved student, and I felt the support from the very helpful in terms of holistic river and water lecturers was outstanding. My lecturers were management when working alongside civil Laura Sutton inspirational, and made sessions engaging engineers and people who had been working and enjoyable – and I still experience this as in the industry for years and looking to In my final year I was a postgraduate student! In my final year I implement more sustainable approaches. employed as a research was employed as a research assistant, which assistant, which involved involved travelling to Slovenia with academic My current job is split between two not-for- travelling to Slovenia with staff. From this I gained valuable experience profit organisations. At present I work 3 days academic staff. From this I using high-tech equipment, such as a drone per week for the Veganuary campaign and gained valuable experience and a terrestrial laser scanner, which I am now around 30-40 hours per month for VegFund. using high-tech equipment, using for my current Masters research. Veganuary focuses on helping people to such as a drone and a learn more about plant-based living for the terrestrial laser scanner, My role as a Graduate Ambassador involves animals, environment and personal health which I am now using for my talking to prospective students about Higher and VegFund focuses on supporting vegan current Masters research. Education, and telling them about my own activists worldwide with their outreach efforts, experiences. I was able to get involved so much from food sampling events to film screenings Laura Sutton in my course and in the Geography Society, so and veg fests. Both of my roles focus on I love to share these experiences from my time communications and marketing. These roles as a student to inspire others. utilise in particular the research, writing, workload prioritisation and time management Name: Sally Thompson skills that I developed during my studies. Degree: BSc Physical Geography Job Title: Communications & Marketing My time at Worcester was very positive! I Campaigns Officer (Previously: was provided with a friendly and supportive Water Management Officer, North team of tutors who were education focused Worcestershire Water Management) alongside their research. We had a diverse Employers: Veganuary & VegFund but respectable group of peers who worked well together and the course content was y role with North Worcestershire fascinating. I loved pretty much every module! Water Management (June 2012 – April We covered some absolutely fascinating stuff M2014) involved working within a small and learnt many useful skills along the way, team supporting flooded communities in including how to use and apply commonly the North part of the Worcestershire region, used geographical equipment and software. developing land drainage plans to solve the The level of flexibility in module options issues they were experiencing. This work and the diversity of modules available made involved informing the public about flooding it great for getting a good overview of the issues, through educational resources, property course subject, or to specialise in some depth, visits and meetings with various partners, depending on your preference. It also provided including Highways, County Council, Parish the insight required to take more progressive Councils and Local Flood Groups. I also carried ideas and approaches to organisations looking out regular river and catchment investigations, to move in a more sustainable environmental as well as surveying local land drainage. Our management direction.

16 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester I’d say the Physical Geography course at Name: Daniel Walker Worcester gets the balance right in terms Degree: BSc Physical Geography of what I was looking for in a university. The Job Title: Operations Manager (North campus size is large enough to be diverse, but England) small enough to allow for that level of one- Employer: Hydro-Logic Services to-one time between students and tutors. It is situated in a lovely location, surrounded by y role as an Operations Manager the Malvern Hills and Cotswolds, close to the entails the day-to-day running of South West and Welsh borders and not far Mthe Bromyard office, planning the from cities such as Bristol and Birmingham, so programme, winning work, meeting and liaising there’s plenty to explore outside of studying with clients, and writing and checking reports. and the university bubble! I started off working as a field technician Name: Ben Warren in February 2013. I was promoted to Data Degree: BSc Physical Geography Manager in October 2014, and then to Daniel Walker Job title: Hydrometric data technician Operations Manager in December 2015. I Employer: Hydro-Logic Services believe this would not have been possible My lectures and assignments without studying at Worcester. My lectures helped me a great deal with uch of my job requires the analysis and assignments helped me a great deal report writing and data and presentation of hydrometric data. with report writing and data analysis. analysis. However, the main MThe data sometimes need to be ‘tidied However, the main help was the field trips. help was the field trips. I up’ to remove anomalous results which have I remember current meter gauging in the remember current meter occurred due to equipment errors. Once the Scottish Highlands and ADCP gauging on the gauging in the Scottish data are in a presentable condition, they are Laugherne Brook. Without these field trips, I Highlands and ADCP gauging then imported into reports which are then would not have known about jobs available in on the Laugherne Brook. presented to the client. Hydrometry. One of the more memorable field trips was to Arolla and Chamonix, where we Daniel Walker I am sometimes required to go and collect studied glaciology and fluvial geomorphology. the data, which allows me to apply many of the hydrometric techniques which I have I would like to add that I thoroughly enjoyed learned through my university degree. These my three years at university studying Physical include the use of water quality probes, current Geography and living in Worcester. meters, and gauging methods. I also have to work to deadlines when collecting data and writing reports, which requires me to manage my time effectively — as I had to whilst at University!

Studying Physical Geography at the University of Worcester had many positives, but the one that stands out the most for me is the contact time students have with their lecturers — both academically and socially. The small lecture sizes really allow lecturers to get to know their students and understand their needs.

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |17 Name: Alicia Snook memories will always be a highlight of my time Degree: BA Human Geography at Worcester, and I still use those techniques Job Title: Assistant Planner in my teaching today. The equipment we used Employer: Chichester District Council on a regular basis and the assignments we completed were all relevant to Geography graduated with a first class degree in jobs - from town planning to river restoration Human Geography and now I work in schemes - and I know that should I ever leave Ithe Development Management Team teaching, I have the skills and qualifications of Chichester District Council, providing needed to pursue a range of different careers in planning advice to the general public while Geography. also managing a caseload of varied planning applications and supporting the department I really cannot sing Worcester’s praises enough in achieving quality development. The and even now, five years on from graduating, University of Worcester helped me get into I know that the Geography lecturers are still Alicia Snook Town Planning through modules like Town there for me if I need them! and Country Planning, Work Placement and Urban Geography. The modules stimulated Name: Chris Green The University of Worcester my interests in Town Planning, helped me Degree: BSc Geography provided me with some significantly during the interview process when Job Title: Project Manager incredible opportunities I was asked planning specific questions, and Employer: Amey PLC during the three years provided background knowledge which I apply including a variety of in my day-to-day working life. fter a 2 year graduate scheme, I now fieldtrips, work experience work for Amey’s Intelligent Mobility and the Worcester Award - I really enjoyed my time at the University Team. We aim to be able to make the all memories for life. A of Worcester and believe the variety of future of transport work; bridging the gap Alicia Snook modules and fieldtrips have supported both between what we need, when we need it, and my academic knowledge and career in Town what’s standing in our way to be able to get Planning. there.

Name: Charlotte Davis My time with Geography at the University Degree: BSc Geography of Worcester has really helped me adapt to Job Title: Head of Year and Teacher of the way of working in these areas and the Geography expectations of my employer. From day one Employers: North Birmingham Academy my work was underpinned by the theory and School practice we learned about in modules such as Town and Country Planning, Countryside hroughout my time at Worcester I was Conservation and Heritage Management. very aware of how my subject knowledge This has really helped me stand out from Twould have to be balanced with human other graduates. The breadth of learning and and physical geography topics, and I found the experience has allowed me to contribute choice at Worcester was perfect for me. Even and apply myself to so many projects, and now, I am using the knowledge taught to me in hopefully many more in the future! my A Level teaching, and I always recommend my students consider courses at the University Charlotte Davis of Worcester course.

I love how every lecturer I loved how every lecturer knew me by name, knew me by name. and from the very first day I knew that they were accessible and always happy for me Charlotte Davis to pop by their offices with questions on assignments, or just University life in general. The best part was how small the groups were, I was never a face in a crowd, but a valued member of the Geography cohort. The fieldtrip

18 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: Chris Cracknell Name: Connor Sheffield Degree: BSc Geography Degree: BA Human Geography Job Title: Systems Planner Job title: Assistant Strategic Planning Employer: Thames Water Officer Employer: Buckinghamshire County peaking to friends that have studied Council Geography at other universities, it is Sclear that Worcester is unique. The Alps My current role is focussed on trip was an amazing opportunity and the identifying areas of flood risk and vast amount of fieldwork was a great way of Mworking with local communities and learning outside of lectures. By the end of the stakeholders to reduce the risk of flooding and course, my list of skills on my CV was very limit the damage caused by flood waters. This full. GIS is definitely a selling point, along with involves a lot of working with GIS, something experience of using statistics programmes and I had barely even heard of before beginning Connor Sheffield physical surveying techniques. my course at Worcester! I am also involved in project work to design and implement Whilst going through the interview process flood defence schemes so must write reports My course gave me all of for my job at Thames Water, I had to do two that can be read by anyone from senior the key skills I needed to presentations of 60 minutes each. It was managers in the EA to members of the local secure the job I am in, and clear that my presentation skills were a big community. Doing that in a clear and concise gave me some of the life contribution to my success in getting the job. way is something I learned at Worcester, skills that are ensuring my The employer did not even know my degree and I’m certain I’ll continue to hone that skill continued progression and grade) when they made their decision (even throughout my career. development in a very though I graduated with a first class degree!). competitive jobs market.” Jobs in Asset Planning or Town Planning have I am also regularly required to present a heavy emphasis on presenting findings and information to a variety of people. Sometimes Connor Sheffield ideas, so my extensive presentation experience it will be around the projects I am working on, at Worcester was a big help. sometimes around the data that I’m using and how it can be developed. The presentations I Name: Hebe Adams did as part of my degree helped to improve my Degree: BA Human Geography comfort level while in this situation, and I am Job Title: Internal Communications now a very confident presenter! Officer Employer: Rural Payments Agency My course gave me all of the key skills I needed to secure the job I am in, and gave me some of loved my time at the University of Worcester the life skills that are ensuring my continued where I gained so much confidence and feel progression and development in a very Iboth the University and course prepared competitive jobs market. me with the skills I needed to enter the professional workplace. My time at the University of Worcester showed me that hard work and ambition are key to achieving your goals. You will come across challenges but Chris Cracknell you will learn to adapt and be resilient in order to excel and succeed. Also, there were some fantastic field trips on the Human Geography The course was very course - especially Provence which was enjoyable, rewarding beautiful. I would encourage anyone to choose and much more unique Geography at Worcester as it is a perfect place than the typical lecture- to learn and grow as well as make friends and heavy Geography courses relationships you will treasure and remember elsewhere. fondly! Chris Cracknell

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |19 Name: Emily Bratt reach with Phantom 4 Pro (drone) as well as Degree: BSc Geography helping design practical session guides for the Job Title: Innovation Lead and upcoming second year students. The project Community Manager has also been used to generate a school liaison Employer: DronePrep project.

How has geography provided you with Why did you apply to do Geography at the skills for future employability/ post Worcester? graduate study? I applied to do Geography BSc at Worcester I think Geography at Worcester has given because it was clear to me that it was a me a competitive edge. The course allows all student-focused course. With their ‘open door’ Geography students (physical and human) to policy and being assigned a Personal Academic get hands on with the kit - meaning it’s not just Tutor they are extremely invested in their for show, you really get to use it! For myself Emily Bratt students, wanting them to achieve the best this was extra special; I developed a passion grade possible through incredible amounts of for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) during I undertook my placement support. Another key point was that I do not my second year fieldwork, and I was able to at a Land Surveying firm in excel in exams. The course suited me due to apply my practical learning experiences during West Sussex. I was offered a the amount of flexibility. You can pick from a my final year dissertation. I had contact time job after just two weeks with variety of modules each year which are both and was trusted with one of the university’s the company. interesting and coursework focused. drones in many dynamic environments as well as processing the photogrammetry datasets Emily Bratt What did you enjoy the most about your in Metashape; this is something that not many course? students from universities at this academic There is too much to choose from, but without level have achieved. a doubt the best part of the course was the field trips. Straight away in first year you go What did you do for your work placement, to the Lake District, this allows you to get to and and what skills did you develop for know other people on your course very quickly, your future career? setting you up for some great friendships Employers want practical experience as for the next three years. Additionally, most well as a degree, and by choosing the Work modules incorporate fieldwork, travelling Placement module I got all this in one! The locally so you are never just learning out of module allowed me time to reflect about what textbooks, the course really puts theory into I wanted to do after leaving university, which practice. Despite all this, the best trips are the I otherwise would not have considered. It ones you travel far for, especially the Alps. definitely gave me the push I needed. Learning in a new and dynamic environment, experiencing something like never before with I undertook my placement at a Land Surveying your friends is something to cherish forever. firm in West Sussex. From doing this it not only confirmed that I want to pursue my passion of Another aspect I really enjoyed and took UAVs in the real working world, but it opened advantage of was all of the extracurricular a door for me as I was offered a job after just opportunities. The geography course is far two weeks with the company. This experience more than just getting a degree, the lecturers really enhanced the skills I’d developed on my want you involved. Key examples for me course and increased my self-confidence. included Student Academic Partnerships (SAPs) and Learning and Teaching Projects (L&T) which bring lecturers and students together to work on developing Geography resources. In the latter I got to travel to the Swiss Alps to collect drone imagery and survey data, which was then used in practical classes in 2nd year modules. This work included identifying new sites to be used and flying the

20 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Geography Graduate Career Profiles |21 Name: James Farrow Name: Luke Strauss Degree: BSc Geography Degree: BA Human Geography Job Title: Survey Manager Job Title: Director of Business Employer: Arch Drainage Services Development Employer: Capex Procurement Ltd have been working for Arch Drainage Services for three years, in both a field and office- hoosing to study Human Geography Ibased work setting. I am responsible for the at the University of Worcester was an development of new technical services. For Ceasy choice for me back in 2014. Initially topographical surveys I use equipment such drawn in by exciting field trips, small class sizes as the Trimble Total Station, while for utility and enthusiastic staff, I knew that this would mapping I am responsible for finding all utility be the place where I wanted to learn. services such as electric cables, water, gas, BT, telecoms with a CAT and Genny. I also use Human Geography at the University of James Farrow drones to identify open culverts and provide Worcester helped me develop a number of clients with up to date aerial imagery. I manage skills that were not only useful throughout all the surveys myself before then processing the course but also in my career too. Skills the data using LSS and AutoCAD software. such as teamwork, problem-solving, data presentation and analytics, communication, My degree helped me in many ways. First, and critical thinking all developed during the it gave me the confidence to talk to clients Human Geography degree, and all of these are in a way that has secured contracts for the desirable in the workplace. company. Secondly, I used the Trimble equipment during my fieldwork practicals It’s not just soft skills that you’ll pick up at Worcester, and thirdly, the modules I though. The specialised subject knowledge studied gave me all the appropriate skills that you learn is ‘grade A’, so if you are looking and knowledge needed for this job – for to further your academic studies then the example studying GIS and mountain course will give you an excellent springboard. landscapes. By being able to combine both Combining this with staff who want you to Physical and Human Geography I was able succeed and will support you, the University to vary my knowledge more and get a better of Worcester really helps you achieve your understanding of the subject overall. potential.

Luke Strauss Through the knowledge I gained from my studies I have been able to develop my career since graduation in 2017. One example is when You will make great friends I worked for a multi-national renewables firm here, achieve new highs, and on a global IT project. The skills and knowledge learn about yourself and the I’d gained at Worcester helped me better world around you! understand and appreciate what the project Luke Strauss barriers could be in terms of social, economic, environmental and political factors. Thinking in this way helped drive useful conversations among the project stakeholders, and helped us manage risk accordingly.

This is just one example, but if there is one piece of advice I can give to prospective students it would be to study at this fantastic university that really supports you.

22 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: James Mason I hope to work in the Development sector in Degree: BA Human Geography the future and I can say with certainty that Job Title: Assistant Town Planner this would not have been the case if I had not Employer: Dudely MBC had the opportunity to take the development modules at Worcester. The field course to y current role as an assistant town Malawi was a particular highlight, but all the planner is to work as part of a team field courses I attended were brilliant. The Mto determine potential large housing fieldwork throughout my course really helped development sites and to handle my own me to apply theory to the real world, and I felt individual case load of householder planning like the course really enabled me to become applications. My studies at the University of more analytical about issues – a skill I use every Worcester were beneficial in allowing me to day at work. explore themes of sustainable development, ideas of place and the historical importance The Geography cohort at Worcester was a of town planning, which I have been able to close-knit group and you got to know your James Mason apply in my everyday working life. A personal classmates and lecturers really well over the highlight of my three years at the University three years. It’s a fantastic environment for the of Worcester was the trip to Provence, where I ‘student experience’, and along with the range was able to identify how commodification can of opportunities and skills you develop it’s a influence a place and its identity. great course and place to study!

Name: Euan Morrison Name: Iain Walker Degree: BSc Geography with History Degree: BSc Geography Job Title: Student Voice and Advocacy Job Title: Measured Building and Land Co-ordinator Surveyor Employer: University of Wales Trinity Employer: Ruxton Surveys Ltd Saint David Students’ Union y time at the University of Worcester y current role has two main parts made me a confident and assured to it: as an independent advisor individual which has prepared me M Euan Morrison Mto university students I help them perfectly for a career after University. I want to with issues that could affect their studies, highlight that the careers team were fantastic and secondly I coordinate the Academic during my time as a student and their support The Geography cohort at Representation System across the university even after graduation is invaluable. A highlight Worcester was a close- that ensures all students have their voices of the course for me were the brilliant field knit group and you got to heard and feel represented. trips - in particular the Swiss and French Alps. know your classmates and I would recommend this University to anyone lecturers really well over the This is my second role working for a Students’ looking to grow as a person and gain the three years. Union. Since graduating I have been elected knowledge and skills required to make their Euan Morrison twice as Vice President Education at Worcester way in the professional world. Students’ Union where I was the lead representative on academic affairs for over 10,000 students, as well as being a Trustee of the Union and Governor to the University.

In between my two roles at the Students’ Union, I studied a Masters in The Netherlands in International Development Studies after enjoying the modules in the Worcester Geography course so much! During this time, I took up an Internship in India looking at equitable access to urban mobility infrastructures. While I was there, I also completed my research into the accessibility of public transport for persons with a disability. Iain Walker

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |23 Name: Amy Fowler training in a remote village with a group of Degree: BSc Geography other volunteers. It was a powerful experience, Job Title: Sustainable Drainage Officer I definitely learned more than I was able to Employer: Buckinghamshire Council give, and it cemented my decision to study further at Sheffield. Knowledge and fieldwork y job as a sustainable drainage officer skills from Worcester were very useful in means that on a day-to-day basis informing the field trips on my masters degree. MI review flood risk and drainage assessments submitted as part of planning Since I finished my masters, I’ve been working applications for new developments, as well at Global Canopy, a small data-driven as providing advice to the Local Planning organisation focusing on the drivers of tropical Authority on SuDS schemes. No day is the deforestation. My role is a bit of a hybrid, it same and it is really exciting to be able to input combines supporting the director, the wider into larger development plans. leadership team, working in fundraising and Amy Fowler communications and project management of My time at the University of Worcester everything in between. It’s given me a great allowed me to gain so many crucial skills, insight into what it takes to run an NGO, not only in my working life but personal life from fundraising, grant management, and too. The time spent on presentations to my daily operations to recruitment and reporting. peers has proven to be invaluable, giving me Although it is in many ways an administrative the confidence in both my work and skills. role, having the knowledge and understanding The variety of modules that BSc Geography of the work we do helps me daily as I am able allowed me to choose between helped me to to input in discussions, review papers, draft gain a well-rounded understanding of both reports and speak to others about our work. physical and human geography. The GIS and I’ve had a few opportunities to dip my toes fieldwork modules have helped immensely into more research and data collection as well, in not only securing my job but for my day- but have decided that I am on the whole more to-day work. I felt the class sizes were perfect, interested in working with people and enabling allowing me to get to know my lecturers and them to do their work better. gain the most from their knowledge. The field trips and experiences were such good fun and I think what impressed me the most during my I really wouldn’t trade my time at Worcester time studying Geography at Worcester was studying geography for anything; the course the teaching approach, which I found so much and the lectures are truly wonderful. more engaging than my previous experiences. I felt academically challenged and really Name: Zuzka Majcova enjoyed all the modules I took, particularly the Degree: BA Human Geography fieldwork, and of course our trip to Provence. Job Title: Executive Coordinator The time and support I received from all the Employer: Global Canopy staff was so helpful to my learning, and I don’t think I would be able to achieve what I did at hen I finished my degree at other universities where there are many more Worcester I was not quite ready students and less time available for each as a Zuzka Majcova Wto leave the place behind so I result. Worcester was my first home in England stayed on working for the University in and much of it was down to the wonderful Worcester was my first international recruitment for nine months. group of lecturers at the University who made home in England and much However, I missed learning and wanted to me feel welcomed from day one. of it was down to the continue with a masters degree in International wonderful group of lecturers Development to follow up on all the interesting at the University who made things I learned in Alan’s modules. First, I me feel welcome from day felt that I needed more relevant experience one. so I joined the International Citizen Service (ICS) programme and spent three months Zuzka Majcova volunteering in Tanzania with Raleigh International, providing basic entrepreneurship

24 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: Megan Robertson I use the skills and experience I gained during Degree: BSc Geography my degree every day in my job at Wessex Job Title: Environmental Scientist Water. Practical skills such as flow gauging, Employer: Wessex Water macroinvertebrate sampling, environmental data handling and analysis, GIS mapping completed my BSc Geography degree at the skills, health and safety awareness and University of Worcester in 2018, and after risk assessment. I also use a lot of soft Ifinishing my MRes in River Science (also at skills I honed during my studies such as UW) I landed a job as Environmental Scientist project management, critical thinking, at Wessex Water in August 2019. My role problem solving, scientific report writing, is mainly focussed on aiding the delivery of communicating clearly and effectively through the Chemical Investigations Programme for presentations and group work… the list goes Wessex Water. on! I built on some of these skills during my Masters degree (as well as developing new I visited several universities when trying to ones) but I would not be where I am today Megan Robertson choose where to study for my undergraduate without having created a strong geographical degree, including a couple of Russell Group foundation during my BSc degree at the One of the great things institutions. However I chose Worcester University of Worcester. about my BSc Geography because it was the only one I could see myself degree at UW was that there studying at. This was due to a combination of Name: Rebecca Bakewell was a lot of opportunity to factors: the character of the university and city Degree: BSc Geography customise my learning to appealed to me, they felt right, and I didn’t feel Job Title: Graduate Planning Officer what I am passionate and too overwhelmed when visiting either of them. Employer: Wychavon and Malvern Hills interested in. The smaller class sizes were also a positive District Councils Megan Robertson for me as it meant more one-to-one learning which can be really beneficial. work within the Development Management section of the Planning Department. My One of the great things about my BSc Iday-to-day job involves assessing live Geography degree at UW was that there was a planning applications ranging from commercial lot of opportunity to customise my learning to to domestic. The job involves a mix of office what I am passionate and interested in. In my work and site visits. The main aspect to my first year I chose an equal mix of human and role is writing logical reports in a succinct physical modules. In my second and third year I manner, and assessing proposals against realised I enjoyed physical geography more and all the applicable planning policies. The job I was able to choose more physical modules involves a lot of communication with the from the wide range of options and tailor public and elected members, and on occasion them to the kind of career I wanted. Some involves presenting applications at Planning examples of the modules I chose include: River Committee. Conservation and Management, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Natural Hazards, My degree at Worcester helped equip me Geographies of Development, Political with report writing and presenting skills that Geography and many more diverse topics. now use in my job. It was the work placement module that helped me get the job I have Rebecca Bakewell Linked to this, a big draw of Worcester was today as the work experience distinguished the opportunities for fieldwork, both local and myself from other graduates and showed I abroad. This was important for me because I already had some experience in working for a wanted to get practical experience in the field local government organisation. as opposed to sitting in a classroom week in week out. The Mountain Environments field course to the European Alps was one of my favourite weeks during my time at Worcester!

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |25 26 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: Elizabeth Bisp making me stand out within the application Degree: BSc Geography process. It also helped me develop important Job Title: Urban Planning MA student skills such as oral communication skills and Employer: UWE the ability to present information effectively. Whilst I am going into a career directly related Why did you apply to do Geography at to geography, it is clear that many of the skills Worcester? developed during my time at Worcester would The first time I visited Worcester I knew it be easily transferred into a career within any was the university I was going to study at. I sector. However, I really believe that one of the loved the relaxed and homely atmosphere of most important skills gained from my time at the campus and I felt instantly comfortable. Worcester is confidence in my own abilities Immediately after meeting lecturers I could see and the belief that I will be successful. their passion for the subject and that teaching would be interesting and engaging. I also chose What did you enjoy about your time at to study at Worcester because it’s a smaller Worcester? Elizabeth Bisp university and I knew that smaller class sizes My years at Worcester have been amazing and would suit me. have given me both professional and personal Having spoken to friends skills that will benefit me for the rest of my life. who have studied geography What did you enjoy the most about your I have made life-long friends and have had an at different universities, I course? unforgettable experience, achieving things I have realised what a unique I took part in several field trips and fieldwork. would never have believed three years ago. experience this was and how As a human geographer, it would be possible much I have benefitted from (and easier) for lecturers just to lecture, I have also had the opportunity to work various field trips. however by running fieldwork in nearby areas, in a number of different places within the Elizabeth Bisp such as Worcester and the Cotswolds, and university, so I’ve been able to earn money longer trips including the Lake District, the alongside studying, as well as meeting more Scottish Highlands, and even Provence, it has students from other courses and years. I also enhanced my learning and overall experience. became involved in a ‘Student as an Academic Having spoken to friends who have studied Partner’ project, developing videos as study geography at different universities, I have support tools for first-year students. I have realised what a unique experience this was even been a named author on a journal article and how much I have benefitted from various – all whilst being paid! This has really enhanced field trips. The smaller course allows for a my CV. good relationship amongst students as well as between lecturers and students. This means Can you tell us about your work that lectures remain relatively relaxed and placement? means group discussions can take place. This I wanted to work within urban planning but keeps everything interesting and engaging most jobs require a master’s degree, therefore and it differed from my expectations of silent I wanted to have some experience within the lecture theatres, with a formal atmosphere. built environment before I began a master’s. This relationship between lecturers and The work placement module was perfect students can really help the transition into as I was able to learn more about the role university as well as being able to talk to of planning and planners as well as building someone when needed. Lecturers have also relationships with those in the profession, all always available for academic help whenever I whilst counting towards my final degree. My have needed it. work experience helped me to recognise the differences between the work environment I am currently studying Urban Planning at and my university experience such as the masters level. During my Geography course structure of the day, the need to adapt as well at Worcester, I was provided with many as differences in communication and writing. real-world opportunities and experiences of There are few other modules where the direct place rather than just a taught experience, outcome and future career impact is so clear. and I believe this increased my passion and knowledge of the built environment as well as

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |27 Name: Stin Ytterli lectures into practice in the field. Degree: BA Human Geography Job Title: Sustainable Planning MA Doing geography has provided me with key student employability skills such as report writing Employer: University of Hertfordshire and using specialist software like ArcMap. Throughout the course I also built up my skills I thoroughly enjoyed the learning and knowledge in GIS. I realised I wanted a environment on the Human Geography career in this field so decided to do the work Icourse at Worcester as the classes are small, placement module to gain experience. I had which allows for interactive and groupwork one placement with Ordnance Survey and orientated classes. The lecturers were also another with Gaist (an international highways exceptionally accommodating, and I was and mobile mapping company). As a result of always able to stop by their office to ask this I was offered a job with Gaist. questions and discuss my assignments. As an Stin Ytterli international student I truly appreciated the During my time at Worcester I’ve also met lots frequent meetings with lecturers to discuss my of new people through the clubs and societies As an international student progress, as it improved my confidence and I’ve been involved with. I truly appreciated the enabled me to achieve the results I wanted. frequent meetings with Name: Jackie Spencer lecturers to discuss my Studying at Worcester has given me a range Degree: BSc Geography progress, as it improved my of skills and experiences. Groupwork and Job Title: Senior Advisor Incident confidence and enabled discussions have increased my communication, Management and Resilience me to achieve the results I conversational and teamwork skills, which are Employer: Environment Agency wanted. crucial skills to possess in my future career Stin Ytterli as a city planner. Furthermore, I got the work for the Environment Agency in the opportunity to do a work placement which Incident Management and Resilience team. allowed me to experience a professional ICurrently I am working on a project to working environment and get a first-hand create a new state of the art Flood Forecasting insight into how city planners work. I believe System which is used to predict floodwater having experience in a field before graduating levels in rivers for incident response. will make me stand out from the crowd when I apply for jobs. I graduated with a degree in Geography specialising in flooding and hydrology modules. Research, critical reading, independent learning After graduating I initially went to work for a and time management skills are all important small water consultancy using the skills I had attributes that I learned at Worcester gained at Worcester in river monitoring and University. My time at Worcester has equipped data analysis to create hydraulic models and me with valuable skills that I am frequently compile reports. I then studied for an MSc in applying in my current postgraduate course. Environmental Water Management before getting a job at the Environment Agency in the Name: Olivia Wilson Flood Forecasting team. Two years ago I joined Degree: BSc Geography a project to help create a new flood forecasting Job Title: Junior Data Analyst system which involved working very closely Employer: Gaist with national and international experts in the field. applied to do Geography at Worcester because out of 10 universities I went to All of the above started with my degree at Ilook at, Worcester was the only one I really Worcester. The hands-on skills gained in river Olivia Wilson liked and could see myself at. It had the best monitoring in particular make Worcester geography course because the modules looked students very popular at both consultancies interesting and the course had the most and within the public sector. I also met some fieldwork compared to other courses I looked lifelong friends at Worcester, including my at. What I enjoyed the most about the course husband. has been all the field trips, both in the UK and abroad. I enjoyed putting what we learnt in

28 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Field course destinations Here at Worcester we believe that you learn more by doing, and what really sets our Geography courses apart from others is the practical, hands-on emphasis throughout. As a student at Worcester, you will enjoy a generous UK and overseas fieldwork programme - in fact, fieldwork is included in almost every module!

Please see our Geography Applicant Guide for more details.

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |29 Access to the latest technology Our commitment to a hands-on, practical approach in our modules is supported by investment in the latest technology. Our Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS), for example, uses a laser beam emitted from a light source to obtain fast, accurate and ultra-high resolution 3D surveys of the landscape. It is used within fieldwork practicals and student research projects.

30 | Geography Graduate Career Profiles University of Worcester Name: Jamie Westgarth today. The staff made the course interesting Degree: BA Human Geography & History and challenging whilst maintaining what felt Job Title: Commercial Air Diver like a very personal and passionate attitude Employer: Self Employed towards students and assignments in general.

am a Commercial Air Diver. Some of my work Finally, my advice to any prospective students involves the construction, maintenance and is to take full advantage of any opportunities Idecommissioning of structures underwater. that the University can give you as you never In this role I work with a wide range of know who you’ll be in the future. hydraulic, pneumatic and hand tools as well as videography and scientific equipment to Name: Liam Wright conduct surveys, install parts and remove Degree: BA Human Geography with them. I work in a variety of locations and Sociology conditions around the UK, from power stations Job Title: Geography Teacher to canals and everything in between. I am also Employer: Secondary School in North- Jamie Westgarth involved in media diving, and work in Pinewood West London Studios which is one of the world’s leading destinations for the makers of film, television, am currently a secondary school Geography commercials and video games. I am a safety teacher, and I teach students from the ages of diver and underwater rigger for U-stage (the I11-18. My responsibilities involve teaching the only permanently‐filled underwater filming Geography National Curriculum at Key Stage stage in the world) and have worked as part of Three, and the exam syllabuses at GCSE and the dive team on multimillion pound movies, A-Level. I am responsible for creating schemes such as the recent James Bond film, Spectre, of work at all levels, and I am currently a joint and the new Star Wars movies and smaller leader of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme productions, such as some of ITV’s Christmas at my school. Drama’s. The University of Worcester, and the topics My degree, although not directly applicable that I studied, have definitely helped me in to the industry I find myself a part of, has the career that I am in today. The topics that without a doubt helped me to get to where are covered in school strongly relate to what Liam Wright I am. I use the interpersonal skills I learned I studied during my time at University, and from the fieldwork and in-class debates I frequently get questions from mainly GCSE I am very grateful for what that I participated in as part of my Human and A-Level students, asking about what was excellent support Geography modules on a daily basis to help Geography can offer if studied at a higher level. from my lecturers, who get the job done. Another skill is the concept have a wide breadth of of critical thinking, in the sense that for a lot I really enjoyed my time at the University, knowledge, and reinforced of the work that I do I’m the first person to specifically the modules that were on offer my excitement for the see a structure or component for sometimes to me, and the flexibility that I was given to subject, and I would whole- ten years, and it is up to me to relay this choose the modules that best suited my main heartedly recommend (and information back to those who plan what must interests. I am very grateful for what was have done already!) the be done next. Furthermore, whilst studying I excellent support from my lecturers, who have University of Worcester. learnt the importance of independent thinking a wide breadth of knowledge, and reinforced and not to just blindly follow instructions. This my excitement for the subject, and I would Liam Wright is applied to my industry as blindly following whole-heartedly recommend (and have done instructions can literally result in death if I do already!) the University of Worcester. not personally assess every environment that I enter.

Upon reflection I have taken a lot away from my time at University and can wholeheartedly say that the Institute of Science and the Environment, and particularly the Human Geography course, made me the person I am

Geography Graduate Career Profiles |31 EMPLOYABILITY IS NOT THE ONLY FACTOR TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY GEOGRAPHY...

Worcester is an amazing place to live and study and I would recommend it to anyone. Alex Jones, BSc Geography

Going to university was the best decision I ever made and I can’t talk highly enough of Worcester as a place to both study and live. Steve Price, BSc Geography

My favourite part of studying my degree at Worcester was the familiarity with my lecturers. I liked how approachable the lecturers were and easy to talk to about any issues I had. Danielle Degville, BSc Physical Geography I found lecturers extremely approachable, happy to help, and they provided one-to-one tutorials (something not all universities offer). Saffron Dhillon, BSc Geography

The residential field trips are great fun and I have made lifelong friends as a result of the experience. Abi Armstrong, Physical Geography and Sports Studies

The vast amount of fieldwork and residential trips were the real highlight of studying at Worcester. Mike Rake, BSc Physical Geography