Candice Snelling MEnvSci Environmental Sciences

Hi, I'm Candice Snelling and I studied MEnvSci Environmental Sciences within Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton.

Studying at the University of Southampton has opened up many opportunities for me, including sports, conservation work and volunteering, all of which have enriched my university experience.

I am originally from London and studied for my A levels at Strode’s College in Egham. I gained A levels in biology, chemistry, geography and environmental science, so my degree course was a natural progression for me. I am enthusiastic about my subject and very much an 'outdoor' person who enjoys organising and partaking in volunteering events. My particular interests relate to land contamination and pollution control, so the Sustainability pathway suited my interests and gave me the flexibility to pick and chose subject areas.

As with any degree there were a number of universities that ran my degree course, all offering different benefits to me as a student. However, Southampton's high academic standards and its range of extra curricular activities swung it for me. University is about working, but without the social life to match I wouldn’t have been able to explore the many different opportunities often only open to university students. Now in my second year of study, I can reflect on my choice of course and university, and I know that both choices were the right ones for me. I have enjoyed the level of interaction that comes with working in a small year group and knowing your lecturers. The fieldwork has really bonded my year together into one large social group, ideal when you all have the same work due in the next day! I have also found that the flexibility of my course has meant that I can choose areas of study which interest me; consequently my understanding of my subject has improved considerably.

Studying at Southampton has opened up many opportunities for me, including sports, conservation work and volunteering, all of which have enriched my university experience. On my first-year field trip to Exeter I was elected President of the Environmental Science Students Society (ESSS) . This is an example of how you can get involved with your particular department and the University. Over the past year my committee has run a number of events exclusively for Environmental Science students. This includes awareness events at local schools, pub crawls and other social events, careers talks, monthly conservation trips, guest speakers, not to mention a fantastic summer barbecue (with bouncy castle) and Christmas Ball. Being part of ESSS has helped me give a little back to my department and has been not only a challenge but great fun and a real experience. I have two years to go yet at university in which I hope to gain further experience of volunteer work and working in environmental fields. Using this experience and the knowledge gained from my degree, I hope to find a career in environmental consultancy, advising companies on how they can improve the sustainability of their businesses. Most important, I want a job in which I can apply my degree and ultimately enjoy… after travelling a little of course!