Geography Career Insight by LJMUCareers

Geography CAREER INSIGHT

LJMU CAREERS TEAM 0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

Introduction A degree in Geography from Liverpool John Moores University will open many doors in terms of career choices. LJMU students often ask what career options are open to them as a result of studying their particular subject so here we provide some examples of employment sectors and typical jobs that are closely linked to your degree in Geography. We highlight the importance of the skills developed during your degree together with links to relevant careers information/vacancy websites for you to start your research, along with details of who to speak to for further advice. Researching your future career is important, as employers are increasingly looking for relevant experience. If you are looking to do further study or research it may also be important to think about selecting your modules carefully early on. You should also consider setting up a LinkedIn profile and following relevant organisations via Twitter. Many employers use social media to post work experience opportunities so take advantage of this to help you make links with potential employers and find out more about what opportunities are out there. Whilst many students will look for a career directly related to their degree (and many geography students do) it is also important to remember that this is by no means the only career route to consider. There are opportunities to enter a wide range of careers that are not directly related to your degree subject. For example, there are many Graduate Training Schemes (within both the public and private sector) and many of these employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject (see below for more information about Graduate Training Schemes).

Career opportunities after a Geography degreeâ&#x20AC;Ś. A degree in Geography will equip you with a range of skills that are in demand in industry, local and national government, environmental consultancy, utilities, planning and regeneration. Geography students can directly use their skills to work within a range of organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors and with any employer who utilises GIS. Core skills developed as a Geography graduate and jobs utilising GIS skills spread beyond geography specific careers into a number of other areas including retail organisations, financial and leisure services, insurance companies, police authorities and emergency services (including all the motor vehicle rescue services and the armed forces) market research groups and advertising agencies. Recent Geography graduates have found employment with the Environment Agency, Environmental consultants such as APEM, local authorities, and in the water industry as flood risk consultants at companies such as JBA. Others have entered the Geoscience industry working overseas in oil, gas and mining. As a Geography graduate with a broad skill base you are well suited to pursue careers in other fields such as financial consultancy, marketing and sales, insurance risk and loss assessment, disaster and risk management, further education, research and teaching. Some Geography graduates go on to further study. For example there are Masters Courses in GIS (see specific information below), Environmental Change, Catchment Management/Science Environmental Engineering, sustainability, town planning and landscape architecture etc. Other Geography graduates

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

may consider Masters Courses in environmental engineering, oceanography or meteorology. If you wish to go into teaching then it would be necessary to take a PGCE (post-graduate certificate in education) course and this is available here at LJMU as well as at other universities. There are also other routes into teaching such as Schools Direct or Teach First. Please refer to our guide about ‘Routes into Teaching’ on the World of Work Careers Centre website.

What skills have I gained from my geography degree? Geography students acquire a wide range of skills and qualities that are valuable in many professions. The combination of numerical and analytical skills are highly sought after by many sectors of employment. Some of the specific skills gained while doing a degree in Geography at LJMU include: • • • • • •

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The ability to view problems from a number of angles - including changing scales of space and time. The ability to write a professional standard document, as well as effective verbal communication. The ability to work to deadlines gained from projects and fieldwork. The independence gained from working abroad and producing a report in foreign conditions. The ability to work in a group gained from fieldwork or projects. An analytical approach to people and their environment, which means that geographers should also have developed an objective aptitude for management. Skills in using the latest GIS software and state-of-the-art analytical equipment.

To help you communicate your skills to employers on CV’s and application forms, we have broken down the ‘key professional skills’ you will have developed whilst studying Geography at LJMU. We have given you examples by level of study:

Key Professional Skills Developed at L4 Key Professional Skills Fundamental Written and Oral Communication Skills Critical and Analytical Abilities Collection, Analysis and Presentation of Geographical Data

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Developed in: All modules

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All modules

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4103NATSCI Earth Systems 4104NATSCI Natural Hazards 4109 Landforms, Landscapes 4103NATSCI Earth Systems 4105NATSCI Env, Soc & Sust 4109 Landforms, Landscapes

• •

Field Competency in Human and Physical Environment Observation and Interpretation

• • •

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Examples: Methods qualitative presentation Landforms, Landscapes poster assignment Env, Soc & Sust data logging exercise Earth systems Fieldtrips

Landforms, Landscapes Fieldtrip Castlehead Residential Fieldtrip

Used in: Most Professional Roles Most Professional Roles Consultancy work Local Authority Roles Research related Roles

Integrated analysis of range of environmental issues Consultancy work

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

Key Professional Skills Developed at L5 Key Professional Skills Advanced Geographical Data Collection & Analysis

• •

Developed in: 5107NATSCI Overseas Field Project 5113NATSCI Env Systems

Examples: Spain Fieldtrip

Used in: Consultancy work

Env Systems Reports

Local Authority Roles

Advanced GIS Capabilities

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5111NATSCI Geomorphology and GIS

Portfolio of GIS practical work

Stakeholder Analysis

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5110NATSCI Globalisation 5115NATSCI Urban Geography

Urban Geography Report Globalisation Case-study

Research related Roles Specialist GIS professional roles [GIS Officer, GIS Analyst, GIS Manager] Public Sector & Consultancy roles related to environmental management and development

5113NATSCI Env Systems 5111NATSCI Geomorphology and GIS 5114NATSCI Climate change 5107NATSCI Overseas Field Project

Climate change report

Many roles in the Environment Sector

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Advanced Environmental Modelling and Analysis

• • •

Team Work

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Env Systems Reports L5 Tutorial Project

Most Professional Roles

Key Professional Skills Developed at L6 Key Professional Skills Professional Standard Oral and Written Communication

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Examples: Project Viva & Report

Project Development & Management

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6000NATSCI Research Project

Design and delivery of research project

Advanced Environmental Interpretation & Analysis

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6103NATSCI Environ Change 6107NATSCI International Exp 6114NATSCI Geoforensics Your selected modules

Overseas Fieldtrip & Report

Tailored Professional Expertise in your Chosen Area / Topics

Used in: Essential for all professional roles

Sustainable Natural Heritage Presentation

• •

Developed in: All Modules

•

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Environ Change Fieldtrip & Practical Report Dissertation Project Selected L6 Modules

Essential for all professional and managerial roles Managerial & Professional Roles in the Environment Sector

Niche Managerial & Professional Roles in the Environment Sector

Career Insight: BSc Geography

Potential Areas of Employment for Geography Graduates

1) Environment sector Job roles: Environmental Consultant, Environmental Practitioner, Environmental Education, Soil Scientist, Geoscientist, Hydrologist, Meteorologist, GIS Officer, GIS Analyst, Town Planner, Surveyor, Waste Management Officer, Sustainability Officer, Recycling Officer, Water Quality Scientist, Environmental Impact Officer, Environmental Campaign Organiser Employers include: Public sector - Local authorities, Environment Agency, DEFRA, Natural England, Rivers Trusts (e.g. Trent Rivers Trust), Forestry Commission, MMO Private sector - Arup, JBA, Atkins, Amec Foster Wheeler, AECOM, Black and Veatch, Jacobs, Mott McDonald, JRS, CH2M Hill (Halcrow), Royal HaskoningDHV, Penny Anderson Associates, RSK, NGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Charities: RSPB, Wildlife Trusts 2) GIS Specific Job roles: GIS Officer, GIS Analyst, GIS Manager. GIS specific jobs are available within both a subject specific and non-subject specific environment. Employers include: Most major companies that manage client databases (e.g. commercial monitoring of sales). United Utilities and Scottish Power for example use GIS to map utility location. Civil engineers/geotechnical/land surveying, NHS - public health analysis, Policecrime data, fire service - location of fires and incidents - pattern analysis, Armed forcesRemote Sensing operations etc. Charities: RSPB, Wildlife trusts 3) Sustainability Job roles: Most public and private companies have endorsed the concept of sustainable development and need the skills necessary to apply sustainability principles in their daily activities. Jobs may include: Sustainability Officer/Manager, Corporate-SocialResponsibility Manager, Research Associate, Environmental-Sustainability Advisor/Manager, Sustainability Consultant, Energy Policy and Strategy Officer/Consultant, Community Engagement Officer, Climate Change Officer, Climate Adaptation Officer, Risk Management Officer, Campaign Officer. Employers include: all major companies with an environmental impact for example Deloitte, GSK, Astra Zeneca, McDonalds INC, as well as local authorities (city and county councils), NHS, Universities, DEFRA, Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission, Environmental consultancies, Business performance and innovation consultancies Charities: The National Trust, Carbon Trust, Historic England, WWF 4) Non Environment / Business Job type: Accountant, sales and marketing, insurance related, Author (scientific writing), retail management, marketing, NHS, buyer, location analyst, management consultant Employers include: all major companies including multinationals such as Arcadia group, Nissan, Pepsi etc.

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

5) Conservation Job type: Environmental Education, Research Assistant, Scientific Officer Employers include: Conservation International (CI), Wildlife trusts e.g. WWF, Environment

To explore more careers following a Geography degree you could also explore the Royal Geographical Society website and their publication ‘Going Places with Geography’: http://www.rgs.org/OurWork/Study+Geography/Study/Careers+with+geography.htm Another option is to look at the prospects.ac.uk website and explore the ‘Options following my degree in Geography’ section: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_geography.htm. The website includes useful job profiles for the following: • • • • • • • •

Geographical Information Systems Officer http://www.prospects.ac.uk/geographical_information_systems_officer_job_description.htm Environmental Consultant http://www.prospects.ac.uk/environmental_consultant_job_description.htm Hydrologist www.prospects.ac.uk/hydrologist_job_description.htm Planning and Development Surveyor http://www.prospects.ac.uk/planning_and_development_surveyor_job_description.htm Secondary School Teacher http://www.prospects.ac.uk/secondary_school_teacher_job_description.htm Town Planner www.prospects.ac.uk/town_planner_job_description.htm Landscape Architect www.prospects.ac.uk/landscape_architect_job_description.htm Nature Conservation Officer www.prospects.ac.uk/nature_conservation_officer_job_description.htm

The suggestions listed here are by no means exhaustive so we would encourage you to conduct further research to find out about additional careers open to you and consider other relevant options, e.g. based on previous work or voluntary experience, skills and interests. To explore job options by sector, check http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm. You can also use career planning tools like http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm and http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report to generate initial career ideas. Ensure you check entry requirements for each area, e.g. will you need a degree in a specific subject? Is a 2:1 degree classification essential? Will you need to complete a postgraduate degree? Is any specific work experience required? If it is, how could you go about gaining the required experience? We also recommend that you download a copy of our “Planning your Career” guide from the World of Work website at https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm This includes a list of useful questions to help you explore your career options.

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

Some examples of the destinations of our former Geography graduates include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Nichola Strandberg (2014), Operations Coordinator, The Scottish Flood Forum, Edinburgh Rebecca Burns (2014), Graduate Trainee Scheme, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk Paul McHugh (2013), Geotechnical Engineer, Allied Exploration and Geotechnics ltd, Preston Zoe Ireland (2013), Water Quality Technician, South Staffordshire Water, Walsall, Staffordshire Martyn Parker (2013), Graduate Acoustic Consultant Engineer, Resource and Environmental Consultancy Ltd, Manchester Jen Sutton (2012), Assistant Analyst, JBA Consulting, Warrington Chris Jenner (2011), GIS Technician, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bath Joseph Brennan (2010), Head of Geography, Weatherhead High School, Wallasey, Merseyside Andrew Cameron (2010), Business Development Manager – GIS and Planning, Envirolink, Warrington Katie Smith (2008), Hydrologist and River Modeller, JBA Consulting, Warrington Claire Bithell, (2012), Assistant Analyst/ Hydromorphologist, JBA Consulting, Warrington Darren Maxwell (2008), Senior Exploration Geologist, Moultrie Geology, Queensland, Australia Dr Hayley Mills (2006), Marine Data Scientist, British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC), Liverpool Ian McLoughlin (2006), Strategic Development Officer, Environment Agency, Solihull

Looking for work experience If you wish to work within some of the above fields, then it is a very good idea to gain relevant work experience during your degree course. If you wish to work within the Environment sector, the Environment Agency for example runs a competitive process for student placements each year. Many undergraduate students also secure work experience through a more ‘speculative’ or ‘creative’ approach, i.e. after contacting organisations directly through networking events, via email or through LinkedIn. The Geography team here at LJMU organise networking events at the University with local and national employers to foster the development of links and develop potential work experience opportunities for our current undergraduates. Most recently these have included representatives from Environmental Consultancy firms such as APEM, JBA, Atkins and governing agencies such as the Environment Agency. If you are interested in work experience with an environmental consultancy, you may also wish to consult the ENDS directory (details below) which provides a list of consultancies across the UK. We have very recently had students carry out work experience in more exotic locations such as the National Center for Prevention of Disasters (CENAPRED) in Mexico City. This involved the monitoring of two active volcanoes; Popocatepetl and El Chichon. As part of their work experience the students carried out geochemical analyses, monitored seismological data amongst other tasks. If you are looking for paid placements within conservation or countryside management, then make sure that you check council websites. Some research organisations and pharmaceutical or consumer goods companies also offer summer or year-long placements in both scientific and non-scientific roles. Examples of such companies include AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, P&G, the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK. Check their websites for details and closing dates. Research

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

placements such as through the Nuffield Foundation (http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/nuffieldresearch-placements) can also be a useful way to test your skills in a work-based environment and to find out whether a career in research is for you. Some National Trust organisations may also offer voluntary work opportunities within conservation. Research/fieldwork projects Some organisations offer bursaries and grants to enable students to undertake lab or fieldwork projects during vacations or as part of their PhD research. You could also ask academic staff about volunteering to assist with their research. • •

The Royal Geographical Society lists awards for undergraduate and postgraduates www.rgs.org/OurWork/Grants/Postgraduate+grants/Student+grants British Ecological Society undergraduate fellowship scheme www.britishecologicalsociety.org/careers/undergraduate-fellowship-scheme

Other organisations that may offer work experience/project placements, some of which are suitable for graduates include: • • • •

• • • •

The British Geological Survey offers internships and voluntary work experience www.bgs.ac.uk/vacancies/opport.htm?src=topNav Carbon Trust www.carbontrust.com/about-us/job-vacancies/internships Change Agents UK - paid work placements for graduates (1-24 months) http://changeagents.org.uk/graduate-recruitment Cogent - sector skills council for the Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Nuclear, Life Sciences, Petroleum and Polymer Industries www.cogent-placements.com - Their website lists a range of placements and internships. www.ecotourism.org/internship-program - internship opportunities offered by the International Ecotourism Society LEMUR (Learning Environments in Marine, Urban and Rural Areas) – 9 month placements aimed at people with little or no relevant work experience www.projectlemur.org National Trust – offers internships and skills training opportunities, in addition to volunteering www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/join-us STEP programme – internships for undergraduates (Step Classic) and graduates (Step Graduate) with a small or medium sized company. Some placements have an environmental focus www.step.org.uk

You can also use vacancy websites such as www.prospects.ac.uk, www.targetjobs.co.uk, www.ratemyplacement.co.uk to search for work placements. The Countryside Jobs Service website summarises a wide range of job opportunities plus work experience and volunteering opportunities in the environment sector www.countryside-jobs.com. You can also download our mini-guide on “Making yourself employable whilst at University” from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm for an overview of the different types of work experience available and some general suggestions about finding work experience opportunities.

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

Some large employers may offer summer or year-long sandwich placements, but this depends on the type of industry. These are quite common in the financial and accounting, marketing, legal, retail, and business and consultancy sectors. Opportunities are generally advertised on websites like Prospects, Targetjobs or Milkround as well as the organisations’ own websites. Many placement schemes are open to students from any degree discipline. Check your eligibility before making an application, as some summer placements are specifically aimed at second-year students. LJMU has been managing a summer internship programme for Level 5 students in recent years, so keep an eye on your LJMU inbox for details of any opportunities. Useful websites to research a range of voluntary opportunities include http://www.do-it.org.uk/ http://www.volunteeringliverpool.org.uk/ and http://www.Frontier.ac.uk/. You could also contact LJMU Volunteering Manager Chris Prescott on 0151 904 6356 or c.j.prescott@ljmu.ac.uk to enquire about current opportunities. It is also worth researching relevant organisations/charities and contacting them directly to find out about voluntary roles on offer. There are further links below to help you with this research.

Further Study Masters level Many students now to choose to supplement their UG degree with a Masters level qualification. There are many different Masters level opportunities for Geography graduates. Below are some specific examples relevant to the course: •

• • • • • •

• •

•

MSc Geographical Information Studies, MSc River Basin Dynamics and Management, MSc Sustainability and Consultancy, MSc Climate Change and Environmental Policy at the University of Leeds MSc Food and Water Security, MSc GIS and Remote Sensing, Environmental Change, Impact and Adaption at Aberystwyth University MSc Environment and Climate Change, MSc Environmental Science, MSC Civil and Environmental Engineering (Eng) at the University of Liverpool MSc Environmental Engineering, MSc Environment Resource Assessment at the University of Newcastle MSc. Sustainability and Management, University of Bath MSc. Sustainability, Planning and Environmental Policy, MSc. Eco-Cities, MSc. Spatial Planning and Development, MSc. Geography: Policy and Practice, Cardiff University MSc. Environmental Sustainability, MSc. Carbon Capture and Storage, MSc. Environment, Culture and Society, MSc. Environment and Development, MSc. Sustainable Resource Use, The University of Edinburgh MSc Energy and the Environment, MA Environment, Culture and Society, MA Environmental Management and Consultancy, at Lancaster University MSc Environmental Impact Assessment & Management, MSc Geographical Information Science, MSc International Development: Environment Climate Change and Development, at Manchester University MSc Sustainable Development, MSc Sustainable Energy, at the University of St Andrews

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

PhD Study Some students go on to study for a MPhil or PhD after graduating from Geography. Websites such as www.findaphd.com can help with the search for available PhD projects. If this is something you are interested in please speak to the Geography team and we can develop project ideas with you where possible.

Graduate Training Schemes In addition to the options mentioned above, there are lots of Graduate Training Schemes with large companies and many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject. If you are interested in these roles you will need to be aware of the graduate recruitment cycle. Many recruiters begin the graduate recruitment process during the autumn term for final year students. Some placements are advertised then as well. Most closing dates are in November and December but some are earlier so it is important to start researching companies that you want to apply to early on. The application process for graduate training schemes usually involves completing an online application form, which may require you to answer ‘competency based questions’. This may be followed by psychometric tests, a telephone interview and an assessment centre. You may also need to submit your CV. Most of the large recruiters have a section on the student/graduate pages of their website that outlines the different steps of their selection process, so check these to find out what is required. For more information about graduate schemes, download the ‘Graduate Schemes’ guide from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm. Many of these opportunities are advertised in the Prospects Directory and the Targetjobs Directory (available from the World of Work Careers Centre or on the Prospects and Targetjobs website); on websites like www.milkround.com as well as on the organisations’ own websites. Check out the Target Jobs website for more information: http://targetjobs.co.uk/graduate-schemes. We also deliver a Graduate Schemes uncovered workshop on a regular basis at the World of Work Careers Centre. To reserve a place on the workshop visit: https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events/

Recruitment schedule Recruitment cycles and deadlines will vary depending on the type of work you are applying for. Again, research is key to ensure that you do not miss relevant opportunities. As a rule of thumb, the selection process takes longer in larger organisations, as they tend to receive a higher number of applications and use several different stages to reduce the number of potential candidates. As a result, application deadlines can be as early as November in your final year of study for a start date in August or September of the following year. If you are considering postgraduate study, find out if there are any specific closing dates for applications. Bear in mind that some postgraduate courses, e.g. in teacher training, may require you to demonstrate a significant amount of relevant work experience so start looking for opportunities early on in your course. Opportunities also exist in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These types of organisations don’t usually have structured graduate training schemes but will recruit ‘as required’. They may use their own application form but most applications will be by CV and covering letter. These positions will

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

be advertised on company websites, relevant recruitment websites and national and local newspapers. The ‘creative’ or ‘speculative’ approach to job hunting, outlined above, is also important when looking for graduate roles. Using your personal contacts and/or approaching organisations speculatively to look for work are common routes into employment. In this sector, it is not uncommon to secure a graduate role with an employer a candidate had previously completed work experience with, so gaining experience and building up a network of professional contacts is important. For more information about the speculative approach to job hunting, download a copy of our guide to ‘The Hidden Jobs Market’ from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/123871.htm. You can get advice about the recruitment process by booking a one-to-one appointment with a careers or employability adviser or you can attend relevant workshops in the World of Work Careers Centre.

Useful links and websites Professional Associations Societies and professional bodies can be a good source of careers information (see suggested links below) and many have careers pages. Each and every occupational area will normally have at least one society and/or a professional body associated with it. • Royal Geographical Society • http://www.rgs.org/OurWork/Study+Geography/Study/Careers+with+geography.htm • ‘Going Places with Geography Careers Publication’ • http://www.rgs.org/OurWork/Study+Geography/Going+places+with+geography.htm • Association for Geographic Information www.agi.org.uk • Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management www.ciwem.org • Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport www.ciltuk.org.uk • Royal Town Planning Institute www.rtpi.org.uk • British Cartographic Society www.cartography.org.uk • Institute of Environment Management and Assessment http://www.iema.net/ • Institution of Environmental Sciences - case study videos plus details of its mentoring scheme, talks and opportunities for members to network with professionals: www.the-ies.org/careers • Ecology Careers - information about ecology and environmental jobs in different employment sectors plus a downloadable booklet, ‘Rooting for a Career in Ecology or Environmental Management’: www.cieem.net/employment-sectors • British Ecological Society www.britishecologicalsociety.org • Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) http://www.wcs.org/ • Lantra (Sector Skills Council for land based and environmental industries) www.lantra.co.uk/ • Royal Meteorological Society www.rmets.org • The Geological Society www.geolsoc.org.uk • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors www.rics.org

Other Useful Careers Information / Vacancy sources:

Prospects ‘Options with Geography’ http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_geography.htm Ashton Geo (Geospatial & Environmental industries) www.ashtongeo.co.uk/ British Geological Survey www.bgs.ac.uk/ British Overseas NGOs for Development www.bond.org.uk/ Civil Service Recruitment www.civilservice.gov.uk/recruitment Countryside Jobs Service www.countryside-jobs.com/

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

Department for International Development www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-forinternational-development Department for Transport www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport Natural England https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england DEFRA https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-ruralaffairs Environment Agency https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency Earthworks Jobs www.earthworks-jobs.com/ Environment Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ ENDS Environmental Consultants Directory www.endsdirectory.com/ Environment Job (Recruitment- site for green jobs) www.environmentjob.co.uk Forestry Commission http://www.forestry.gov.uk/ Geoconnexion Recruitment www.geoconnexion.com/recruitment/ Getting Into International Development www.gradsintocareers.co.uk/development GIS Jobs www.gis-jobs.co.uk Conservation Jobs http://www.conservation-jobs.co.uk/ Naturenet www.naturenet.net/people/careers.html Green Jobs http://www.greenjobs.co.uk/ New Scientist Jobs http://jobs.newscientist.com/en-gb/ Academic, science and research jobs http://www.jobs.ac.uk/ Other Example Employers Ordnance Survey http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/about/careers/index.html AB Agri http://www.abagri.com AECOM www.aecom.com/Careers/Student+Connections Atkins www.atkinsglobal.com/careers APEM (Environnemental Consultants) http://www.apemltd.co.uk/about Black and Veatch http://bv.com/ JBA Consulting (Flood risk consultancy) http://www.jbaconsulting.com/ Centrica www.centrica.com ExxonMobil www.exxonmobil.co.uk/UK-English/HR/careers.aspx Mouchel www.mouchel.com/careers/default.aspx United Utilities www.unitedutilities.com/Jobs.aspx Yorkshire Water www.yorkshirewater.com/careers.aspx Canal and River Trust http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-jobs Rivers Trust http://www.theriverstrust.org/ The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology www.ceh.ac.uk/personnel/index.html The British Geological Survey www.bgs.ac.uk/news/vacancies.html?src=topNav United Kingdom Hydrographic Office www.ukho.gov.uk/AboutUs/Careers/Pages/home.aspx Research Councils: Research Councils UK Economic and Social Research Council Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Natural Environment Research Council Science and Technology Facilities Council

www.rcuk.ac.uk www.esrc.ac.uk www.epsrc.ac.uk www.nerc.ac.uk http://www.stfc.ac.uk/

Additional ways to explore types of careers: Guardian Careers: http://www.theguardian.com/careers and Guardian Professional Network: www.theguardian.com/guardian-professional have lots of useful advice and discussion on environmental and graduate careers

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Career Insight: BSc Geography

Social Media: Follow relevant companies/websites through Twitter @LJMUwow @Prospects @targetjobsUK @RGS_IBG

@RGS_IBG @FieldStudiesC @Earthworksjobs @environmentjob

@ljmugeog @jobsacuk @environmentjob @Jobsgopublic

Applying to Teacher Training Courses: Information about the various ways to train as a teacher: www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options.aspx Information about the funding available for PGCE Courses www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding/training-in-england Teach First www.teachfirst.org.uk UCAS Teacher Training http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training Open University Flexible PGCE http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/education/pgce/index.htm Teaching factsheets from the World of Work Careers Centre – info about postgraduate teacher training options and gaining relevant work experience http://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/worldofwork/123871.htm General graduate websites for research into careers: Prospects (check ‘jobs’ section and ‘industry insights’) www.prospects.ac.uk Target Jobs Careers website http://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors Job Profiles on National Careers Service https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx Milkround - Graduate jobs, placements & internships http://www.milkround.com/ Other Useful Job Vacancy websites: LJMU My Jobs and Placements website http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk/ Prospects (click on ‘jobs’ and then ‘graduate job search’) www.prospects.ac.uk Target Jobs (for a variety of graduate jobs) www.targetjobs.co.uk Guardian Jobs Website http://jobs.guardian.co.uk Graduate Talent Pool (internship for graduates) http://graduatetalentpool.direct.gov.uk/ Graduate to Merseyside www.graduatetomerseyside.co.uk/ Local Government Jobs www.lgjobs.com Opportunities: The Public Sector Media http://opportunities.co.uk Jobs Go Public www.jobsgopublic.com Volunteering opportunities: ‘Do-It’ lists volunteering opportunities www.do-it.org.uk/ LJMU Volunteering Service www.ljmu.ac.uk/volunteering Volunteering Opportunities for 14-25 year olds www.vinspired.com Volunteer Centre Liverpool www.volunteercentreliverpool.org.uk/index.htm Frontier http://www.frontier.ac.uk/ Traveller’s World www.travellersworldwide.com (Note that Frontier and Travellers Worldwide can arrange voluntary work projects abroad in wildlife conservation but there is a charge for their services) School Experience Programme http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/schoolexperience/sep.aspx

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Geography

Post-graduate study: Prospects (see ‘post-graduate study’) UCAS Database of Taught and Research Masters Courses Database of PhD Opportunities Post-graduate Studentships Website Jobs.ac.uk (allows you to search for PhD Studentships)

www.prospects.ac.uk http://www.ucas.com/ www.findamasters.com www.findaphd.com www.postgraduatestudentships.co.uk www.jobs.ac.uk

Self-assessment in relation to career choice/Job Suggestion Questionnaires: Prospects Planner http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm TARGET Jobs careers report http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report National Careers Service's own Skills Health check tool https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/tools/skillshealthcheck/Pages/default.aspx# Manchester University Careers Kickstart quiz www.manchester.ac.uk/careerkickstart Myers Briggs Personality Type www.personalitypathways.com Keirsey Temperament Sorter www.keirsey.com

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Liverpool Careers Fair: usually held in the autumn and spring of each year, see fairs website http://www.liverpoolfairs.org.uk/ for additional events The ‘Undergraduate Ecological Careers Conference’ organised by the British Ecological Society: http://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/learning-and-resources/careerdevelopment/undergraduates/ Manchester Careers Fairs: open to students and graduates from any university; check http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/events/ for detail Careers and Employability events at LJMU Keep an eye on our events pages at https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events/ for details of upcoming employability workshops, networking sessions and employer talks. LiverpoolSU Clubs and Societies: https://ljmu.unioncloud.org/groups?parent_link=clubs-

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LinkedIn: You could also consider setting up a LinkedIn account (http://www.linkedin.com/) to network online with professionals and organisations in your chosen industry. LinkedIn have produced 6 video guides aimed at students and graduates to help get you started: http://students.linkedin.com/uk

Other information Centre for Entrepreneurship The Centre for Entrepreneurship supports students and graduates who want to set up their own businesses. Whether you want to develop a new business idea, work as a freelancer or launch a product or service, the Centre for Entrepreneurship can help. To book a place at one of their free workshops or a confidential business advice session with one of their business advisers, call 0151 231 3300 or visit their website https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/startup

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Geography

Careers Zones Campus-based Careers Zones provide easy access to careers support in convenient locations at Byrom Street, Aldham Robarts Library and at IM Marsh, staffed by the team from the World of Work Careers Centre. Support available includes CV and application form reviews, Careers Adviser appointments, drop-in quick queries, practice interviews and access to careers resources and information. The Zones also host regular employer visits during term time where you can meet and network with employers and discuss job and placement opportunities. For the latest updates and details of locations and opening times, see @Byrom_Careers, @Aldham_Careers or @IMMarsh_Careers on Twitter. Finally, here are some example case studies of LJMU Geography Alumni. There are also other examples in your school Career Planning Guide:

Graduate Case Studies: NAME: Victoria Roscoe ORGANISATION: Mouchel Consulting (Kier Group) ROLE: Graduate Land Quality Engineer Briefly, what does your job involve? Primarily my job involves the assessment of ground conditions in order to determine the presence or absence of contamination that may pose risk to human health, controlled waters and infrastructure. Three things that I like about my Job: 1. The opportunities available to work with other teams including working abroad. 2. The site work, which gives my day to day some variety 3. The responsibility to manage yourself (to some degree), I manage my general time between several jobs at any one time. For your first job, what did the application/selection process involve and did you prepare? I applied though a website to which I prepared a tailored CV and Covering Letter. I then had a telephone interview, which was very informal and just generally about my experience. I was subsequently ask to come for a formal interview. I prepared for this by researching the company and the job for some time. Key points in my career development to date: Getting my job with Mouchel and gaining experience in the surveying team and also the hydrometric team. My experience within the hydrometric team has led to the opportunity to have a bigger input into their work. What relevant work experience/volunteering did you refer to during the selection process? I volunteered at an environmental consultancy through my 2nd and 3rd year of my degree, from this I got a job with the same company for the 3 month period between my BSc and MSc. What advice would you give to other geography students at LJMU to improve their employability? Volunteer! Companies are still a bit wary about employment after the economic crash, particularly small companies. Volunteering your time whilst you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a job will show them how dedicated

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Geography

you actually are. It may well lead to a job but at worst it will give you experience to put on your CV. For those students who don’t quite know what sector they would like to go into after their degree, it is a perfect opportunity to gain experience in several areas. Also: - Tailor CVs! - Look up companies and send CVs direct - Volunteer if a job doesn’t come up - Get on LinkedIn and network! Would you do anything differently if you were a student again? I would actually enjoy it more. It is stressful and you do need to work hard, but you are young and with friends, enjoy it while it lasts. I would also be much more confident about my ability, heck you have earned it. Ok you still have a bit to learn, but never again will you be so close to research and experts in that field with access to lots of equipment. You may be fresh faced but you have new and exciting skills to bring to the table. NAME: Zoe Ireland ORGANISATION: South Staffordshire Water ROLE: Water Quality Technician https://www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/ What do you do in your work? South Staffordshire Water is a company responsible for drinking water only. In the Water Quality department we ensure that the quality of water is satisfactory at all times. The analysis of the samples is mostly contracted to an independent lab, however as a Water Quality Technician I carry out basic tests such as chlorine, clarity, particulates and taste and odour. Other main responsibilities in my role include: programming sample rounds, analysing data, compiling reports and leading investigations into any failures and reporting these to the Drinking Water Inspectorate. My role is mostly officebased but with the occasional visit to treatment works, reservoirs and pumping stations. What do you enjoy about your job? I enjoy the responsibility I am given in my job; I have had the ability to lead investigations within a couple of months of joining the business. The site visits are a perk, every day being different. The job can be challenging and unpredictable as the occasional event can cause big issues, however this results in my job not being boring. I love the fact I have put my degree to good use. How have your skills and experiences acquired from LJMU helped you in your role? To me it was made very clear that my skills were useful. In my interview I was asked “Why do you think your Geography degree will be useful in this job”. I explained about the skills I had acquired: report writing, independent research, lab work and analysing data, all of which I now use in my role. I took my research project and my Mexico overseas report with me. The interviewer looked at these and changed the role of the advertised job as they were keen to utilise the skills I possess, particularly the ability to compile a concise, detailed scientific report. What was the best thing about studying geography at LJMU? Choosing to study Geography at LJMU is the best decision I have made. All my tutors were extremely supportive of me at all times, enabling me to achieve to the best of my ability. The field trips were informative and taught me a number of skills. I found that things became much clearer when I had seen them out in the field. Adding to this was the enjoyment that I experienced whilst on these, particularly the ones overseas.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Geography

NAME: Tim Shaw ROLE: PhD Studentship UNIVERSITY: University of Liverpool What do you do? I’m in the 3rd year of my PhD aiming to reconstruct past sea-level changes along the coast of Croatia using biological indicators preserved in coastal sediments. I spend a lot of my time analysing foraminifera collected from salt-marsh environments in order to understand the controls behind their present day distribution before applying them back in time to reconstruct past sea-level for the Adriatic Sea for the last 1000 years. What do you enjoy about your PhD? I enjoy the versatility that my PhD involves, there is always something new to do and learn! I’ve been fortunate enough to conduct my field work along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world which helps to put my research in context that we need to fully understand the effects of sea-level change as these are the areas most at risk. How have your skills and experiences acquired from LJMU helped you in your PhD? The skills that I acquired have been invaluable in preparing me for postgraduate study and for attaining a future career in academia or scientific research. The wide range of subject material that is taught throughout the degree programme meant that there was always something of particular interest that you were able to study, either through taught modules or through the dissertation project. Most importantly for myself, however, was that it provided a genuine interest into environmental change and developed the foundation skill set I needed to secure the role I have now. I routinely produce scientific reports and I’m confident doing presentations thanks to the teaching and practice I received at LJMU. I also acquired a wide variety of field and laboratory skills which are very important in my role. What was the best thing about studying geography at LJMU? Before starting at LJMU I was unsure of what career path to take but always knew I had a fond interest in the physical and natural sciences. Throughout the degree programme I became aware of the specific subject areas in geography that were of particular interest to me and realised that I’d like to pursue these at postgraduate level. My degree at LJMU certainly provided the knowledge and skills in order to do this! NAME: Katie Smith ORGANISATION: Various (Environment Agency/local authorities) ROLE: Hydrologist & River Modeller What do you do in your work? I use river flow data and computer models to help predict extreme flood events and their impacts on river catchments in the UK and Ireland. I also use GIS software to produce maps of where it is most likely to flood for organisations such as the Environment Agency and local authorities. What do you enjoy about your job? I love the technical side of my job and the problem solving that is inherent with river modelling. With modelling, you are able to understand the mechanics of a river and this is different with every river you work with. In this way you never really stop learning. I also get to go out on a number of site visits to the rivers I am modelling and enjoy being able to see the river in the real world. My job involves a good variety of roles and has a nice balance of fieldwork, meetings with clients, conferences and office work.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Geography

How have your skills and experiences acquired from LJMU helped you in your role? My interest in rivers developed at LJMU where I experienced river systems in lots of different environments from the Lake District and the Isle of Arran to the dry badlands of SE Spain. For my dissertation, I was fortunate enough to join a research team including lecturers from LJMU in the Swiss Alps. While in Switzerland, I carried out measurements on glacio-fluvial river discharge and sediment flux. This was an amazing experience, one which I will never forget and wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have happened without LJMU. I use GIS daily in my role and LJMU helped me understand how this type of software works and how this software can be used effectively to assimilate information. LJMU also helped build my ICT skills in terms of digesting and presenting data in a way that can be interpreted by the user much more easily. I use these sorts of skills a lot to present my work in Environment Agency reports. Lastly, LJMU helped me develop my confidence in my geographical knowledge. The lecturers at LJMU are incredibly approachable and I always felt they had time for me if I was worried or unsure about a topic. I owe LJMU a lot for the geographer I have become and I have the utmost respect for all those lecturers who put up with my pestering and frequent queries!! What was the best thing about studying geography at LJMU? The field trips are fun and always memorable for one reason or another. The lecturers are very approachable and have a lot of time for you. They are also very knowledgeable and were my inspiration to succeed as a geographer.

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Career Insight: BSc Geography

https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/Careers/index.asp

Are you looking for a graduate job, placement, internship, voluntary work or part-time job?

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myjobs& placements

One website. Thousands of opportunities. Available to all LJMU students and graduates. To register go to:

http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk LJMU CAREERS TEAM

0151 231 2048/3719 || careers@ljmu.ac.uk

www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers