Case studies: Assistant project developer: Laura Cole

Laura graduated with a geography degree from Canterbury Christ Church University. She went straight into the position of assistant project developer for a company involved with wind farming in Oxfordshire, after initially applying to the company for work experience opportunities

Throughout my degree I knew that once I graduated I wanted to work within my area of study and contribute to something I was passionate about. Studying geography at undergraduate level prepared me very well for what I am doing now, as I studied themes such as renewable energy and climate change, which are key to my current position.

Whilst studying, I ensured that I took every opportunity that my university gave me and immersed myself in various activities and events. I took part in some volunteering in my first two years of study, which led to my being made a volunteer ambassador in my final year. This role involved leading groups of other students in several volunteering activities, such as tree planting, visiting care homes, and organising book sales to raise money for schools in Tanzania. Once I had finished my degree, I took a self-funded trip to visit the schools that I had helped.

In my current role, my day-to-day tasks are varied, which I enjoy. I frequently meet and work with consultants, council members and the public, and I feel I am working in an industry that is worthwhile. There are challenges of course, such as learning new technologies and liaising with individuals who do not agree with wind farms, but this also presents interesting and challenging aspects to my work, which I like.

In the future, I hope to gain the experience and learn the skills required for developing my own project of having a wind turbine farm installed. This position will enable me to take steps towards doing this.

I obtained my role through applying for work experience with the organisation. My advice to others would be to gather all the experience you can, volunteer as much as possible and do not turn down jobs, even if it is not your ideal career. It can take time to get your dream job and you can pick up valuable experience and skills in volunteering and work placements, which will help you in achieving your end goal. In my experience, it's much easier to get a job when you have experience and skills on your CV.