J W.

Senior Environmental Consultant
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

J W.
Chemistry
Chemistry
Undergraduate
2001
United Kingdom

My employment

Senior Environmental Consultant
United Kingdom
Environment and energy
2004

Like this profile?

Add this profile to your favourites so you can return to it later from your account.

A day in the life of a Senior Environmental Consultant in the United Kingdom

How I found out about the job

Graduates Yorkshire

The recruitment process

I applied for an advertised role, and didn't hear anything. Then 6 months later, I got a call inviting me to interview for a similar role. The interview was fairly informal and I was offered a junior position within the company.

My career history

After leaving university, I spent some working in shops and bars to earn enough money for travelling. This included carrying out environmental volunteering work in South America. After a few years I returned to the UK and applied for a huge number of jobs, eventually getting a summer position working for SEPA. Following this I got a position as a technical assistant for an environmental consultancy. I have now been with this company for over 10 years, progressing from assistant to consultant to senior management.

Where I hope to be in 5 years

I have progressed to Senior Management level since joining the company 10 years ago. At the moment I have other commitments to my family and am happy in my current position.

My advice to students considering work

Get some additional experience beyond your degree - whether this is a part time job, volunteering or a year out. And make sure you sell yourself in your CV/applications - make sure you tell potential employers how your experience has given you relevant skills.

About this sector: The environmental sector is a growing sector, and I think there is a requirement for strong scientists and engineers, who can use their background to develop innovative solutions for some of the problems facing the world.

My advice about working in my industry

The environmental sector is a growing sector, and I think there is a requirement for strong scientists and engineers, who can use their background to develop innovative solutions for some of the problems facing the world.

What I do

In my role as Environmental Consultant, I manage a range of projects across the environmental sector, including air monitoring, contaminated land and water treatment. As my role progressed to Senior Management, I am now more involved with business development, marketing, line management and recruitment.

Skills I use and how I developed them



Extracurricular skills:
I use my scientific background and analytical skills which I gained during my time at university. The job also requires a flexible attitude and problem solving abilities, which I developed during my time spent travelling after university. Skills in management and leadership I have developed during my career with the company.

What I like most

I like the variety and the fact that I can use my science background without being confined to a laboratory. The job has also given me the opportunity to travel to interesting places including Africa, South America and Asia.

What I like least

The job can involve long periods away from home, and working unsociable hours.

Next steps...

If you like the look of J’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send J a message to find out more about their career journey.

Related profiles

Andy M.
Director of Ethics and Compliance
BP
Chemistry
1987
Russell R.
Structured Contracts Director
ENGIE
Chemistry
1995
Penny R.
Forecasting Analyst
E.on
Mathematics
2009