A degree in Environmental Sciences - your first step to a challenging and satisfying career

 

The speakers were Alex Leonard - Senior Oil Spill Response Specialist, Isabella Gornall - Policy Advisor to Zac Goldsmith MP, Ian Rolls – Senior Consultant Cartography at Ordnance Survey, Ali Morse – Project Manager Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and PhD student Harriet Smith who is researching the use of charcoal as a fuel in Malawi.

All of the alumni said the breadth of their degree programmes, whether BSc or Masters of Environmental Sciences, had given them the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in these competitive and varied careers. They also advised current students to combine their academic work with securing placements, making the most of networking opportunities and polishing up their CVs to make the best impression on potential employers.

“My top tip is to take charge of your career and network with people who may be able to help you,” says Isabella. “Ask them for their advice over a coffee, it really works.”

Alex spoke of overseas assignments including secondment with ExxonMobil in the Russian Arctic, Isabella has worked on a major project for Zac Goldsmith on biodiversity in the UK’s Overseas Territories, Ian has extensive experience in mapping and modelling, advising organisations such as the European Space Agency and Ali has taken on several roles in conservation and wildlife management. Harriet has carried out months of fieldwork gathering data for her PhD thesis.

The event was organised by Victoria Sood from Career Destinations with Dr Malcolm Hudson and Principal Teaching Fellow Simon Kemp from Environmental Sciences. “We’re delighted so many of our successful alumni wanted to come back and share their experiences with us,” says Malcolm. “I know our students found it invaluable.”