Tamsin Hill BSc Geography with Oceanography, 2014

Office for Gas and Electricity Markets - Assistant Manager 'Feed-in-Tariff Scheme'

Hi, I'm Tamsin Hill and I studied BSc Geography with Oceanography within Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Southampton.

I am now an Assistant Manager for one of the environmental schemes known as the 'Feed-in Tariff Scheme' which is designed to provide incentives to promote the uptake of small-scale renewable electricity.

Q: Why did you choose to undertake your studies in Geography with Oceanography at the University of Southampton?

When I was choosing what I wanted to study at university I found that many courses other universities and departments were offering lacked the 'wow' factor. When I came across the BSc Geography with Oceanography Joint Honours course at Southampton I immediately knew that it was what I wanted to do. The course really focused on my love and passion for the Earth and Ocean systems, and the current changes in climate that we are seeing. I was also drawn to the potential for gaining new knowledge on ocean processes through the Physical Oceanography option, which built on my Physics A-Level background.

Q: What did you enjoy about studying Geography with Oceanography at Southampton?

What I loved about the BSc Geography with Oceanography course was the wide range of topics that each module covered, with the Optional modules allowing me to focus on my interest in environmental and climate change. Splitting my time between the Highfield Campus and the National Oceanography Centre also kept it interesting!

 

Q: What have you been able to achieve as a result of studying at the University of Southampton?

After achieving a First Class in my Undergraduate Degree I soon after began working for the Office for Gas and Electricity Markets in Westminster, London. I am now an Assistant Manager for one of the environmental schemes known as the 'Feed-in Tariff Scheme' which is designed to provide incentives to promote the uptake of small-scale renewable electricity. Without the modules I chose in my degree, alongside relevant work experience, I would never have been able to work at the forefront of environmental and climate issues in the UK, administering policy set out in Legislation. Having a degree in Geography with Oceanography particularly provided a unique and great selling point in my interviews, as I had a more in depth focus on Earth and Ocean processes and the current threats that are currently being imposed on these systems.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

I hope to continue working on environmental policy and promoting the use of renewable electricity in the UK to mitigate the impacts of climate change as much as possible.