What can you do with a geography degree? Iain Mitchell RGS- IBG University of Birmingham 29.10.12

Key strengths of geography Breadth Links with other subjects Relevant/ Contemporary/ hot topics Career openings Solid academic subject Proactive people Hands on / doing subject Team/ group and full range of communication and personal skills well developed

Career Areas Settlement Geographical techniques Physical systems Travel, leisure and tourism Economic world Development and global issues 3

Antony- Retail location analyst I am currently working for a large retailer doing location planning. This involved plotting store locations and customer details onto a digital map. 4

Geographical techniques Are you interested in using cutting edge technology and IT systems to create and interpret visual data? GIS specialist Location analyst Surveyor Military analyst

Physical systems Coastal engineer Flood protection officer Do you enjoy being in the landscape and working with the natural environment? Coastal engineer Flood protection officer Weather presenter Environmental consultant

Lucy – Sky News weather forecaster and presenter I love the changing patterns of geography; no day is ever the same and geography keeps me on my toes.

Development and global issues Are you interested in world events? Do you want to work towards improving social inequality across the globe? Diplomat Overseas volunteer Aid worker Charity co-ordinator

Tania – DEFRA & United Nations I work on projects for DEFRA with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Sustainable Development Programme. I help organise meetings, write speeches and prepare briefings. I often visit New York and Nairobi.

Excellent Transferable Skills……. Project management skills Communication skills ICT skills Independent research & report writing Data description & analysis Recognising the moral & ethical issues involved in debates & report-writing

…And Also Practical knowledge Understanding of issues of globalisation, environmental sustainability, multiculturalism and citizenship Moral and ethical issues arising from an understanding of diversity in people and places Investigating issues at a variety of scales, including local, regional and international perspectives

To Transfer Into……. Finance/accountancy ICT Law Education, social & youth work (my own background!)

Education & youth work opportunities Do you want to work with people and affect their everyday lives? Teacher Education advisory roles Social worker Youth and community officer Museum educator

…..The challenge! There isn’t a defined career path, you need to work it out for yourself! The areas of geography which most interest you Your strengths Your weaknesses, and how to overcome them Identify appropriate organisations for work experience Is further study necessary, now or later?

Your Career as a Ladder Top Job Second job First job Postgraduate degree? Work experience paid/unpaid Undergraduate degree

Further qualifications Masters degree is important in some geography-related careers, eg - Planning : Masters in Urban & Regional Planning - Teaching : PGCE - GIS : Masters taught degrees

and qualified to become a Chartered Surveyor. Kate – Surveyor I studied geography at Cambridge and on leaving I got a job with my current employer, Allsop Property Consultants. I did a masters degree for two years and qualified to become a Chartered Surveyor. 17

Gain work experience in a geographical area! Geography Ambassadors Programme Students Union opportunities Local Authorities Voluntary Services Councils Wildlife Trusts

Useful Volunteering Websites http://www.do-it.org.uk/ The Guardian jobs pages include some useful volunteering roles (often part-time) : http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/

Voluntary Services Councils BVSC, The Centre for Voluntary Action 138 Digbeth Birmingham B5 6DR 0121 643 4343 http://www.bvsc.org/ Council Finder : http://webdb.navca.org.uk/home.aspx

Wildlife Trusts Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust 28 Harborne Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3AA info@bbcwildlife.org.uk 0121 454 1199 http://www.bbcwildlife.org.uk/volunteer

Other Suggestions Oxfam offer nationwide volunteering opportunities Canal & River Trust Formerly British Waterways http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer/ways-to-volunteer Oxfam offer nationwide volunteering opportunities Sustrans offer nationwide volunteering opportunities including “travel champions”

Start looking through job adverts to get an idea of the knowledge and skill requirements

Example : Assistant planning officer post 1. Job description – describes the position MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB To assist in all aspects of the development control function of the Borough Council subject to direction from the Planning Control Manager and Principal Planning Officers MAIN DUTIES The processing of applications submitted under Town and Country Planning legislation Inspecting and surveying application sites, undertaking consultations with a range of stakeholders Making recommendations, including through the preparation of draft reports to the Planning Committee. Preparing appeal statements to be dealt with by the written representations procedure and providing support for senior colleagues at public inquiries and hearings as necessary.

Example : Assistant planning officer post Person specification – outlines the knowledge & skills which are ESSENTIAL or DESIRABLE to meet shortlisting criteria KNOWLEDGE Essential - Education to degree/diploma level (or equivalent) - Experience of working in Planning Control - Eligible for corporate membership of RTPI - Familiarity with planning legislation, procedures and national guidance Desirable - Experience of appeal procedures

SKILLS Essential - Good written and verbal communication skills incorporating the ability to prepare and present verbal and written reports on technically complex issues - Ability to persuade and negotiate - Ability to liaise and consult with others at all levels - Ability to balance complex issues and to make recommendations and decisions - Confident presentation of evidence and advice at meetings and to committees - Reading and interpreting maps and plans Desirable - Possess creative/design ability in relation to development proposals - Knowledge of GIS

My story GRADUATION TEACHER TRAINING TEACHER SUMMER SCHOOL COORDINATOR EXTENDED SCHOOL COORDINATOR VOLUNTEER PROJECT OFFICER RGS SCHOOLS PROGRAMME MANAGER

My example : the Daneford Trust The Daneford Trust is a youth project and registered charity based in east London. They arrange youth exchanges and overseas volunteer placements in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean for young people from all London boroughs