Tyler Spencer Pote

• Year of graduation: 2018
• Current job title: Head of Research and Evaluation
• Current employer: Active Travel England
• Industry sector: Public sector

I developed a real passion for geography at A-level. Having previously been set on studying physics at university, I found applying my scientific knowledge to real world applications to be much more interesting than simply ‘solving for X’. This practical study of the natural, combined with the ever-present socio-political aspect of geography, pushed me towards studying it at degree level.

The aspects of the University of Northampton’s Geography BSc (Hons) course I enjoyed the most were the field trips. Getting to go around the UK and the wider world to learn, at the same time as having fun with mates, isn’t something you get to do on a lot of degree courses. Beyond this however, I found the most satisfying part of studying geography was that it provided me with an answer into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind the observed natural world. Especially now during this time of climate crisis, being able to explain the reasoning behind these changes, as well as outline the implications this may have on our natural world, has never been more important.

The skills and knowledge/understanding I gained on my degree that are most useful in my current role are the research methods. I actively conduct primary research in my role using both qualitative and quantitative methods and being able to identify which methods are appropriate to address a particular policy issue is crucial in my role as a social researcher. Likewise, the interviewing skills I developed during the Geographer’s at Work module proved invaluable to me when applying to the job I have now. From interviewing and focus groups, through to analysis on SPSS software, all aspects of the course are relevant to the day job.

I got my foot in the door in the Civil Service via the Civil Service Fast Stream, a graduate programme that I highly recommend to all geographers interested in a research career. During my time on this programme, I’ve worked my way up to Grade 7 level (management) and have recently moved into a new position as Head of Research at a brand-new government agency, Active Travel England. The Civil Service is a great place to develop your skills and progress your career if that’s what you want.

As a flexible employer, the Civil Service also allows me to volunteer with a charity called Lifeshare, Manchester’s oldest homeless charity, where I’m able to use my Friday mornings to provide breakfast to the homeless community in my local area.

The biggest hurdle in the Civil Service, as with any job I imagine, is getting past that initial application phase, so the skills developed in the Geographer’s at Work module were particularly valuable in overcoming that initial barrier. But even a perfect application can sometimes be rejected, so being resilient and not letting rejection stop you is so important.

Alongside my curricular activities, I was a Student Council member at the University’s Students’ Union and was also the President of the Humanist Society during my second year. Outside of University-related activities, I was very active in multiple activist organisations, as well as the local political party. More than anything, being part of these groups/leading these groups developed my confidence and ability to speak in public – two things that have become invaluable to me in my day job. This experience of being part of grassroot organisations was also highly influential in my decision to pursue a career in the public sector.

The advice I’d give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be to keep applying for jobs and don’t let initial rejection prevent you from trying to get the role you want!

My time at the University of Northampton provided me with a challenging and rewarding experience that I look back on fondly.