Case studies: Hydrogeologist: Fiona

Fiona has an MSc in Hydrogeology and currently works as a hydrogeologist for a large multidisciplinary consultancy.

Usually when I’m asked about my job I say the best thing about it is the fieldwork and getting out of the office, but I’m writing this at 4am in the cold and dark and wishing I was in bed. This is a unique case though. I’m not usually at work so early, and the fieldwork is the part I probably enjoy most about my job. The amount of time I spend in the field varies with different projects but currently it is probably 60:40, office to fieldwork.

I have always enjoyed the outdoors, especially field trips at school. Understanding how landscapes formed and how the earth worked is the main reason I chose to study geography to Advanced Higher level. Completing a degree in geology seemed the next logical step and it helped that I had also gained good grades in physics (Advanced Higher) and maths (Higher).

As I got towards the end of my degree I realised I didn’t want to go into the oil industry and while procrastinating during my finals, I came across hydrogeology by searching through various websites, e.g. the Geological Society  and British Geological Survey (BGS) .

It seemed like an interesting career, and following graduation I looked for a job in related industries. I searched through the ENDS Environmental Consultancy Directory  for companies with offices close to home and I sent speculative letters to at least 20 companies, through which I managed to get an interview.

The job was as a geotechnical engineer, which meant I had some involvement with hydrogeological projects. It was clear to me that to progress as a hydrogeologist I would have to undertake a Masters, and I started to save for the course. I decided to study for the MSc Hydrogeology at the University of Leeds and my employers gave me a scholarship towards the course.

During the course, I attended a careers day where there were representatives and presentations by various companies. Several asked for CVs from interested students. The main reason I secured a job, against some of my fellow students, was the experience I had gained during my previous employment.

Currently I’m involved in the asset management of public water supplies for a large water company. This encompasses organising geophysical and CCTV surveys and carrying out performance testing of water supply boreholes. Initially this was mostly logistical, in the form of ensuring all the relevant parties are on site at the right time, but I will interpret and report on the results once obtained.

I am working towards professional accreditation with both the Geological Society and Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) , paid for by my company. I would like to progress further in understanding the different methods of supplying groundwater, and hopefully at some point I might have a chance to put this knowledge to good use in situations where water is scarce, probably through an aid agency. I am also interested in how groundwater can be used in renewable energy technologies, for example, ground source heat pumps.

My advice to other students is to get any work experience you can as it definitely helps your prospects in looking for work in the future.