Kerrie Plunkett

• Year of graduation: 2021
• Current job title: Trainee Environmental Health Officer
• Current employer: Elmbridge Borough Council
• Industry sector: Public Sector – Local Authority

I chose to study Geography at the University of Northampton as I’d had an interest in the subject since school, which was further enhanced through my travels in Australia and Tasmania. I’d been working in marketing for nearly five years and felt it was time for a change, so I decided to pursue a career in a field that was more in tune with my interests. The University of Northampton was one of my top choices for study.

Studying alongside other students and forming good friendships made the course very enjoyable. This, paired with the lecturers’ enthusiasm and knowledge of the various areas within Geography, made the course both enjoyable and engaging. Going on field trips and participating in group tasks during lectures was also great.

Whilst studying, I joined the Geography Society, initially as Vice President and then as Social Secretary. The role involved arranging key speakers for talks at the University in subjects such as climate change and seismology, as well as arranging social events and providing a platform for people to feel part of a group with shared likes and interests. Undertaking these extra-curricular activities helped enhance my career prospects as it demonstrated my ability to progress, not just academically but socially. It also boosted my confidence levels which is certainly useful with the career I’m in, as it requires a lot of interaction with services such as the Police, as well as other service providers, colleagues, and residents.

Studying this course at UON has enabled me to expand my knowledge in the field and improve my skills, particularly when tackling assessments, group presentations, and analytical components through data analysis and GIS. Whilst it was a learning curve and adapting to study as a mature student had its challenges, such as adapting to being back in a learning environment, it also made it thoroughly enjoyable and provided a different perspective on education and on life. I also had the opportunity to undertake trips as part of the course, both local and regional, during which I was able to apply my learning to an everyday environment. Also, my undergraduate studies have provided me with the platform I needed to undertake an MSc degree.

The skill I gained on my degree that’s most useful in my current role is an understanding of Geographic Information System (GIS). I use these information systems as part of my job role, for example when I’m identifying drainage systems on internal mapping systems. Also, an understanding of air pollution – this is critical, especially when working for a local authority where climate change and improving air quality are key areas of focus.

I’m currently in a trainee position within the Environmental Health Pollution Team at Elmbridge Borough Council. My goal is to become a qualified/registered Environmental Health Officer and I’m actively studying a part-time MSc in Environmental Health at Middlesex University whilst in employment. Once I’ve completed my Master’s, I’ll be aiming to undertake the Chartered Practitioner Programme with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health as part of my further development within the field. With the help of the University of Northampton Employability Plus Programme, career talks at the University and my own research, I’m in on a different career path to the one I expected to pursue, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

The advice I’d give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be that it’s never too late to follow your interests. Also, utilise the resources available to you, as they are invaluable. My UON experience gave me the platform to develop and grow and I’m looking forward to continuing to widen my knowledge base.