Naomi Groome

"I chose Plymouth as it was one of the only Universities in the UK offering this course - it struck the perfect balance between developing my interests in physical geography (my favourite subject throughout school) and the broadening of my more specific interest in coastal environments. Having this combined offering meant I didn’t have to commit myself to one degree subject and gave me the opportunity to meet likeminded people across the two degree programmes. The location of Plymouth within the South West and the associated coastline perfectly aligned my interests, making it the perfect environment to undertake my degree."

"The academic staff were key in guiding and shaping my University experience. I found them willing to provide unwavering help and support throughout my studies with nothing too big of an ask. The help from the staff in LABPlus was vital in developing my understanding of the more technical elements of the degree, such as using ArcGIS and other software, and this guidance was invaluable. For my dissertation, the support provided by my advisor was incredible, they made themselves available to me to answer my questions and provide guidance throughout the whole process which I believe was certainly a key factor in my project’s success."

"The ‘hands on’ elements of my studies I found to be most inspiring. I found that through putting into practice the theory behind the things we learnt about in lectures, my understanding was greatly enhanced along with a huge sense of enjoyment. Such experiences included the undertaking of fieldwork on the university’s research vessel as well as field trip experiences in Ireland and Iceland."

"The final year field trip to Iceland was one of my favourite memories from my time at university. I got to work with a group of people that I had previously not met on the course, whilst exploring an incredible landscape and undertaking fieldwork where I was able to put my learnt knowledge into practice. My other favourite memories are of long days in the library with friends, lunch from loafers, and a pint at air at the end of the day."

"Having undertaken a specific module in second year around employability and setting us with the skills to stand out during the job application and interview process, I have felt well prepared going into my subsequent job interviews. This skill development has certainly been key to my success in progressing in my current role and is definitely a skill set I will carry going forward as I look to progress further in my career. "

"The careers and employability service were a huge help to me when looking for a placement. They gave me the skills and confidence to reach out to companies and organisations in order to put myself ‘out there’ as someone who could be an asset to them whilst gaining practical skills myself that would set me up for future employment. Without this guidance I feel I would not have been in a position to make the moves I did in order to have received an offer of a placement year with Portsmouth City Council, which subsequently set me up nicely for the career I now find myself in."

"My placement year ended up being key to me being offered my role at the Environment Agency and cemented my interests and desire to embark on a career within flood and coastal risk management. The work I undertook on my placement year with Portsmouth City Council fed directly into the work of the local EA team and as such this cross-over aligned me perfectly to have the insight for the role I was offered at the EA. Without this placement year I would not have gained the experience or knowledge that put me in the position to get my current role straight out of university."

"Plymouth and its surroundings provides the perfect environment for the university experience. Whether undertaking a degree related to the natural environment or not, Plymouth’s surroundings provide the perfect escape from the stresses of university work. The help and support provided by the university, from subject tutors to the careers team, helps to set you up and gives you the confidence for the future. With a large emphasis on employability you are sure to be set with the skills and tools to go out and get a job in your chosen field upon graduation."

"Upon finishing university, I managed to land myself a job with the Environment Agency working in the Partnership and Strategic Overview team, as a Flood and Coastal Risk Management Team Member. This has seen me working with our partners and the public to inform them on matters concerning fluvial and tidal flood risk within Hampshire, working on strategic projects to help alleviate the flood risk to local communities. In addition to my work at the EA, I have continued work for the RNLI as a seasonal beach lifeguard."

"I have worked on the delivery of a number flood alleviation schemes in my local area which has involved lots of engagement with the public and stakeholders. I have really enjoyed partaking in these engagement events and sharing knowledge on how the delivery of our schemes will help to better protect people’s properties and businesses against flooding now and in the future. I have also been fortunate enough to work on a number of large high profile flood alleviation schemes that are in the pipeline for delivery over the next six years and am looking forward to following the process of these important projects over their lifetime."