Alumni - Ella, Health and Human Sciences

Ella graduated from her degree in BMedSci Health and Human Sciences at The University of Sheffield in 2020 and is now an Environmental Officer. She tells us more about her experiences of studying at the University of Sheffield and the knowledge and skills she has developed in the last 3 years.

Why did you choose the current role you're in?

In the January before graduation, I started to panic about what to do next. I was too late for lots of graduate schemes and didn't want to do a Masters straight away.  So, I started to think about what I was really interested in, what sort of industries I could use my degrees skills in, and how I could make the best start to my career. I was torn between the environmental industry and public health, so I looked for jobs in both. Even though my degree was medical, the content and skills fit so well into the environmental industry, and learning about policy, management and biological pathways has prepared me well for my current role. This is a job where I can help improve the prospects for our planet and no two days are ever the same.

Describe your current role and responsibilities

I am currently an Environmental Officer for JG Pears - I work to monitor, manage and improve our environmental output. This includes reducing odours and noise from the site, monitoring emissions from our combined heat and power plant, reducing consumption, increasing sustainability, data reporting to the Environment Agency, ensuring legal compliance and much much more! 

What do you enjoy the most? Have there been any challenges?

My favourite part of the role is finding opportunities to improve the environment. Using the latest technology and monitoring the data we look for opportunities to reduce our environmental impact and increase profit. I also enjoy working our environmental management system, to ensure it is up to standards and contains everything needed to protect the environment. There is so much potential in this industry, and it is so exciting watching it evolve! 

As a newbie to the industry, there has been so much to learn. I have had to get my head around many acronyms, legal terms and systems, so I'm always asking questions! The first few months I felt like everyone was talking in a foreign language, but I am slowly getting there; but if my job didn't challenge me I wouldn't enjoy it!

Any tips for anyone wanting to secure a similar role to yours?

My biggest tip to anyone going into a new industry would be make sure you are proficient in excel. The reliance on it is enormous. Take an online course, it will help you massively. 

If you can do some reading on environmental management systems, take an IEMA course or read around ISO14001 then you will have a good idea of what you're coming into, and at least a good understanding of your role; giving you plenty of time to get to grips with the specific industry you're in!

Don't be afraid to apply for a job even if you don't completely fit the bill. My company initially wanted a chemistry graduate, but they were impressed with my grades so took a chance on me - I am so glad they did, because I have been fine without the chemical knowledge.