GEES Masterclass
6 June 2011
From left: Ed Sears, Richard Shaw, Phil Cumming, Carol Goodall and academics Dr Roger Suthren and Professor Guy Daly, EHS Dean.
Talented Derby graduates recently came back to the University to give our current geography, geology and environmental hazard students a masterclass. Our special guests included the following University of Derby graduates:
Phil Cumming graduated in 1998 with a BSc Environmental Science and MSc Environmental Pollution Control. He is now the Corporate Sustainability Manager for the London Olympics.
Phil's role covers all elements of sustainability for London 2012 Olympic Games and includes:-
- Minimising the impact on the environment
- Maximising sports participation
- Responsible sourcing of merchandise and supply.
After leaving Derby Phil developed his CV by becoming a Chartered Waste Manager and Chartered Environmental Manager.
Top tips for students:
- Do consider taking a masters qualification
- Vary your experience and build up skills
- Don't specialise too early on in your career
- Network face to face and on line.
Richard Shaw graduated in 2002 with a BSc in Geology and now works for British Geological Survey as a Mineral Commodity Geologist. BGS is a part of the Natural Environment Research Council and is its principal supplier of national capability in geoscience.
Top tip for students:
- Take a sabbatical to study for a masters, it'll make you more employable.
Simon Greenfield graduated in 2010 with a BSc in Geology and now works for Kirk Petrophysics based in Guildford and is involved with well site core handling services to the oil and gas industries. Simon's role is laboratory based and he enjoys the flexibility of working for a small business.
Top tips for students:
- The petro chemical industry has an ageing population of employees so now is a good time to consider a career in this field
- Starting salaries are around £32,000
- Networking is key particularly at trade fairs.
Ed Sears graduated in 2008 with a BSc in Earth Systems Science and is now a self employed consultant for T4 Sustainability which provides high quality renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainability, and carbon management services based in Derbyshire.
Top tips for students:
- File your course notes as you get them
- Be clear on what inspires you
- Use music to help you study.
Carol Goodall graduated in 2006 with a BSc Geography and Environmental Management and she now works at the National Stone Centre in Wirksworth documenting geological sites and the University of Derby as an Academic Counsellor.
