Jennie Moore BSc Environmental Sciences
Waste Minimisation Officer at Three Rivers District Council
There was a lot of choice about which modules to take so I could choose the ones that interested me the most. That way I was always studying something that I wanted to learn more about rather than something that was of no interest!
Why did you choose to study ES at Southampton?
I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to study at university until I came across Environmental Sciences. I liked geography and other related subjects but didn’t really want to study a single subject. Environmental Sciences gave me the opportunity to cover a whole range of subjects that I enjoyed - from geography to law, geology and oceanography. Southampton also had one of the most established Environmental Sciences courses in the country so I knew it would be a good degree to have.
What did you enjoy about the degree?
There was a lot of choice about which modules to take so I could choose the ones that interested me the most. That way I was always studying something that I wanted to learn more about rather than something that was of no interest! All the Environmental Sciences tutors and office staff were always friendly and happy to help too and the first year field trip was great fun!
What’s Southampton like as a place to study?
Loved it! It is big enough to always have something going on, but small enough so it doesn’t feel too daunting. I liked the setting of the university very much, in fact that was on ‘pro’ list when I was trying to narrow down which university I wanted to study at. I also like the feeling I got from the Environmental Sciences department on my first visit - really friendly.
Tell us about your career since graduation
I worked in an office doing temporary work for a year after I finished university, this gave me the time to go on a few holidays and think about what I wanted to do. I then got a job as Waste Minimisation Officer at Three Rivers District Council helping to promote recycling. I’ve now been here 5 years and am still enjoying it. My job has evolved over time and I am now the Environmental Projects Officer overseeing larger projects, such as implementing trade waste recycling across the district.
What advice would you give to a student starting out on a ES degree at Southampton?
Think carefully about the modules you want to study and don’t shy away from asking people if you aren’t sure. If there is a module you want to study in years 2 or 3 think about what you might need to do in the preceding year to make it possible (some modules have pre-requisites) Oh yes, and find the library early on, it’s really not as scary as it looks - take it from experience! ....But also find the pub!
Was your degree useful for your career?
Yes, very. My degree helped me get my current job.