Employment opportunities

Careers and Postgraduate Study

• Almost 100% of Dundee Environmental Science graduates in employment or further training.
• Dundee graduates are the highest earning graduates in Scotland.

Employability: Demand for Environmental Science graduates

• The UK Association of Graduate Recruiters rates communication, team and analytical skills as the most important graduate attributes. These skills are highly developed in Environmental Science undergraduates through fieldwork, written work and verbal presentations, practical classes, group and problem solving exercises.
• Increased environmental legislation and requirements for public bodies and private sector companies to meet specific environmental standards means there is a skills 'gap' and strong demand for graduates trained in areas such as water quality analysis, site investigation and report writing.

Careers Training at Dundee

• Work placement and internship opportunities during the summer vacation, or during semester on a part time basis, through schemes such as the Business-Environment Partnership and the Shell Step programme.
• Dundee students perform exceptionally well on national placement schemes, including both 2007 winners of the Business-Environment Partnership Environmental Placement Scheme, with many students receiving offers of permanent jobs on graduation from their host company.
• The University of Dundee Enterprise Gym. Team building, entrepreneurship and business plan role play exercises run by local business leaders with cash prizes for winners!
• Regular workshops on job applications, CVs, interview techniques, etc provided by the University Careers Service.

Postgraduate study

• Many graduates enter taught masters (MSc) degrees or research degrees (e.g. PhD) to develop specialist knowledge and skills at a more advanced level, either at Dundee or at other Universities in the UK or overseas. Postgraduate qualifications can provide a gateway to an even wider range of exciting and rewarding careers in the Environment and other sectors.
• Examples of recent post-graduate qualifications include: Coastal Engineering, Environmental Management, Wastewater Management, Epidemiology and Policy, Energy Studies, Civil Engineering, Marine Resource Management, Town and Regional Planning, Environmental Resources and Development, Waste Water Engineering, Surveying, Geographical Information Systems, Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, Teacher Training.

For Postgraduate study opportunities in Environmental Science at Dundee see: Prospective Students: Postgraduate.

• Kelly Wyness MA (2004), GIS and Database Cartographer, Harper Collins Publishing Glasgow:

  "I am part of a small team whose role is to produce maps and images used in a wide range of atlases and maps produced by Harper Collins. Examples include population density, landuse and transport maps. My other responsibilities are to collate, update and manage the GIS database used to generate these map products. My degree was of vital importance as in addition to general graduate skills I learnt to use ArcGIS software which I apply every day in my job. Being class representative and president of the Geography and Environmental Science student society at University also got my CV noticed by my employers."

  Career highlights: "One of my recent maps ended up being used in the 'Superman Returns' film starring Kevin Spacey and Marlon Brando!"

  Kelly's advice to current ES students:

  "If you enjoy the University course then you can enjoy a career in one of the fields you studied. The opportunities open to environmental science students are endless."

• David Haggart, MA (2000), Environmental Engineer, Raeburn Drilling and Geotechnical Ltd, Hamilton:

  "I am the first point of contact for clients or consultants requiring water wells to be drilled, aquifer / borehole yield or quality analysis and final waterwell pump installation. In my job I have to plan, price and oversee any contracts awarded to our company, including site and personnel management. I am also involved in the planning and organisation of marketing strategies and displays at expositions. My job profile dictates that I not only have to have an understanding in geomorphological and geological processes, but also in marketing and one to one business interactions. My degree, which also touched on economics, history and human geography, gives me the basic tools needed."

  Career highlights: "Being able to combine desk work with field site visits and attendance at national expositions means my work is never dull!"

  David's advice to current ES undergraduates:

  "Enjoy your degree and time at university. Don't worry about what happens after your degree - if you are determined enough the right job will come along for you. Your degree will make that happen."

• Helen Primrose, BSc (2003), Hydrologist, Jacobs Babtie, Glasgow:

  "I work as an assistant hydrologist within a large international engineering consultancy firm. My responsibilities are varied, some set by senior members of staff, but including independent work. Projects I have worked on include flood frequency analysis across the UK, modelling of floods and low flows and study of water resources on Skye. I have also carried out water quality analysis, culvert design and road drainage schemes. Computer literacy is vital and being able to produce coherent and logical reports whilst working to a deadline is an important skill. Many of the techniques I learnt, for example water quality sampling procedures, have come in handy too."

  Career highlights: "An important aspect of my degree was fieldwork as I have to do on site as well as office work. Having the knowledge of basic procedures such as risk assessment and safety, as well as having no fear of being out in the cold and rain are important skills!"

  Helen's advice to current ES undergraduates:

  "Work hard but play hard too. Employers like to see other skills and interests to show you are an adaptable person who works well in a team."

• Dawn Petrie, MA (2002), Teacher of Geography, Wester Hailes Education Centre, Edinburgh:

  "I teach Geography from S1-S6. I also teach History and Modern Studies in S1 & S2. I am responsible for developing engaging and exciting course materials to get pupils involved in the learning process, especially as I teach in a socially deprived area, with a wide spectrum of needs and abilities. In addition, I voluntarily set up a swimming club, as an extra curricular activity."

  Career Highlights: "Having an in depth and wide understanding of contemporary issues in Geography is vital to teaching and inspiring young people. The skills learned as part of my Geography and Environmental Science degree, particularly in ICT and communication are important too, as is the ability to manage a large workload and meet deadlines!"

External Links

• Regulatory agencies
  • Environment Agency for England & Wales
  • Scottish Environment Protection Agency
  • Environment & Heritage Service (Northern Ireland)
  • Rivers Agency (Northern Ireland)
• Recruitment agencies and environmental jobs websites
  • ENDS job search
  • Earthworks job portal
  • Matchtech
  • New Scientist Jobs
  • Graduates for Business Programme
• Consultancies
  • Halcrow
  • Hydro-Logic
  • Jacobs Babtie
  • JBA Consulting
  • Mott MacDonald (including student placements)
  • Royal Haskoning
• Water Companies
  • Water Operator Links