I learned not only the fundamentals of GIS but how to apply it to real world applications

Where are you now working and what does it involve?

I am a Graduate GIS Consultant at AECOM. My day to day role involves creating, managing, validating, and visualising a range of geospatial datasets for projects ranging from Airport Expansion DCOs, Solar Farms, Ecological Surveys, town master planning, and much more.  A typical day involved working with a range of internal teams to create outputs (figures and analyses) for reports and clients. I am also enrolled on the Advance graduate scheme which involves a range of in person and online training.

What do you enjoy about your work?

Working on some really big exciting projects and doing GIS means that I get to work with the majority of the teams within the company… and making nice looking maps!

How have you transferred skills from your degree into your career?

I use a range of different work flows and processes which was taught as part of the MSc and it was really helpful in increasing my GIS skills in preparation for work.

Why did you choose to study USP at Sheffield?

I chose Sheffield as I had always wanted to live in the city having visited many times, and the course being taught by both USP and Geography was an exciting proposition as it meant that I would learn not only the fundamentals of GIS but how to apply it to real world applications.

What advice would you give to  A level students?

When I was doing my A levels I hadn’t even heard of GIS and was something I discovered at University, so I would say to start off with a broad geographical knowledge as GIS requires an understanding of geographical concepts.