Case studies: Environmental consultant: Barry

Barry has a degree in geochemistry. He advises that you have to get used to transferring skills from your degree to a professional environment...

After my degree I went to work for a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Cambodia researching drinking water quality issues. This gave me valuable experience which I was then able to demonstrate to my current employer.

My degree is very relevant to my role. We did a lot of practical work in the lab and in the field. Fieldwork prepares you for this job more as it gives you an insight into what the job really is and makes you think about things holistically. Most people in my sector have a first degree in geology, geochemistry, geography or hydro geology. This is often supplemented with some kind of environmental management masters.

There is a very steep learning curve. You have to get used to transferring skills from your degree to a professional environment and appreciate the differences. The work is very interdisciplinary, so you develop an appreciation of how your work can fit in or conflict with other sectors.

As an environmental consultant specialising in water, I regularly undertake work which involves drilling boreholes, taking water and soil samples, logging, and applying quality control procedures. I also conduct monitoring of water and gases. Samples are sent for analysis, and we report the results to the client. I also carry out desk research studies.

I enjoy the balance of site work and office-based work and the fact that I can still do technical work. On the other hand, site work in the winter can be hard, and there is often a lot of travelling involved.

There is a grade-based system so the aim is to move through the grades. There is a lot of overlap between the grades. Usually there are two main routes - becoming a generalist who concentrates on project management or becoming a technical specialist. I would like to become a technical specialist.

If you want to get into the sector, usually a Masters is required. I don't have one, however. Experience is the key. Try and do a job placement - get to know people and network. It seems most people who start with a placement end up getting a job afterwards within their respective company. Start thinking about the types of job you are interested in early and not in the last year of your degree.