Case studies: Sustainability adviser: Hanna Hayward

Hanna has a first class honours degree in environmental geoscience from Cardiff University and works as a sustainability adviser for BAM Construction Ltd...

In order to get my current job, I demonstrated that I had the passion and enthusiasm for working hard. This involved taking a placement year and working in industry gaining invaluable experience.

I worked for the Environment Agency (EA)  in the hydrometry and telemetry team, which involved a lot of fieldwork measuring water levels and flows. It also provided me with greater understanding of the regulatory body and how the organisation operates. I was lucky to carry out some research with the EA which contributed to my dissertation on the subject of the southern damselfly.

Going back into my final year at Cardiff University , I was definitely more focused on what I wanted to achieve and, most importantly, I knew that a career in the environmental sector was the right direction.

I started the search for jobs early in the calendar year and was fortunate to be offered a job as an assistant environmental adviser for BAM Construct UK Ltd  starting two weeks after my last exam.

I've been based at the company head office for 16 months and have recently been promoted to sustainability adviser for the London region.

The job required a related degree so my environmental geoscience degree gave me the foundation which I was able to build upon in applying my knowledge in the construction industry. The main transferable skills are organisation, time management and being conscientious.

My role is extremely diverse and the only typical part of my day is the commute into London. After that, I may have a site visit where I carry out an environmental inspection, which involves advising the construction site on how to be more efficient - reducing waste, being more energy efficient, checking environmental performance data. I could be in the office and writing case studies that showcase our environmental best practice on construction sites. I have found BAM a great company to work for and it has supported me in progressing in my environmental career.

My degree gave me the broad knowledge of environmental science, as well as the analytical and IT skills to be able to carry out my job. I was also able to use my knowledge to pass the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA)  open book exam and become an Associate Member.

What I love about my job is going out and about visiting our construction projects in the region. I enjoy the variety and also that my role is very broad, which makes it interesting. It's great to learn about the construction industry which is adapting to sustainable ways of working and it is great to be part of this dynamic sector.

My advice to other students is to make the most of your summer breaks and get work experience related to your degree. Put yourself out there as early as possible to build up experience on your CV. Three years ago I was measuring river levels and now I'm working for a construction company. There are more opportunities than you think with a degree in environmental geoscience.

AGCAS

Sourced by AGCAS editors

Date: 

November 2012

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