Inspiring Open Day leads to rewarding career

Enthusiastic and knowledgeable

Fieldtrips to Wales, Scotland, the Pyrenees and America are enticing options for anyone looking to study our BSc (Hons) Geology and they certainly attracted Paige when she visited our Open Day. But it was our inspiring staff who sealed the deal.

She says: “On the Open Day, the lecturers were incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I also felt that the quantity and quality of fieldtrips make Derby a great place to gain valuable field experience.”

And, when she started studying, she soon found that her impressions from the Open Day were matched by reality. “From day one the lecturers were so enthusiastic about their subject and teaching that you are more than a number,” she says. “They offered invaluable advice both in lectures and when looking for careers in the industry.”

The right direction

Paige knew she wanted to study Geology as it provides a balance of indoor and outdoor study, together with great career opportunities. She says: “I really enjoy the outdoors, environment and learning about natural processes, and I knew it would set me in the right direction for my career.”

And, at Derby, she also found that subject-related careers support on her course was backed up by other services across the University. “There were CV workshops, and help with interview techniques and report writing, which all helped me when applying for jobs.”

Working world

Paige now works for AECOM, an international consultancy that offers technical services for the private and public sectors. With UK clients including Network Rail, Highways England and local councils, the company’s portfolio of projects includes Cross Rail and the London 2012 Olympics.

Her varied role involves desk studies, creating ground models, coal mining risk assessments, site walkover and planning, and supervising ground investigations. She feels that the modules she studied on her degree have helped her.

“The engineering geology module is crucial to a career in the geotechnical/engineering geology industry, and everything I learned on that module helps in my day-to-day role at AECOM,” she says. “The practical skills, report writing and fieldwork, along with the advice and guidance from the lecturers and technicians, helped me gain the confidence I needed to work in the industry.”

As for next steps, Paige is planning to continue to work towards chartership and to study an MSc in a related subject.