James Hagan

• Year of graduation: 2023
• Current job title: Energy Management Advisor
• Current employer: Purchase Direct Ltd
• Industry sector: Energy

From primary school level, I’ve always had a love and appreciation for geography and what makes the places we live in so special and unique. I chose UON because of the clear vision of learning in a sustainable manner and the University’s desire for graduates to work in a sector that relates to their chosen course. This, alongside a modern and clean campus, were the reasons I selected UON as my first choice.

My favourite aspect of the course was the community formed within our cohort, notably during dissertation season, where everyone gave advice to their peers so that we could all come out with the best possible grades. I also really enjoyed the lectures – while the early mornings were difficult to get used to, it was the content within the lectures that made the early starts worth it. The lectures provided new insights on our ever-changing globe and kept us up to date with science’s most recent breakthroughs.

Without my university experience, I’m sure that I wouldn’t be the same person and it’s defined who I am as an individual. UON allowed me to express myself how I liked, furthering my confidence and my personal development. I can also confidently say I would have struggled significantly if it wasn’t for the advice I received from my lecturers and peers on how to approach CVs, personal statements, and interviews, and it was this support that enabled me to go for my current position.

My career progression so far has been perfect. I believe I’m in a role that ticks all the boxes I wanted to find in a post-graduate position – it’s related to my course and aligned with my own personal beliefs. Looking to the future, I only want to progress within Purchase Direct – what they offer is unique and they truly stand out in their field, which is something I think is critical for me as an employee, especially as I build on my career.

The knowledge and understanding I gained on my degree that’s most useful in my job is data collection and analysis, as those skills are at the core of my role. Currently I’m using all the skills I developed during my studies and these skills are consolidated further as I spend my time working at Purchase Direct.

The advice I’d give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be to do your research into the role. Preparation is the key to a successful interview, so show them you’re worth it!