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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. …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

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

13. 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

14. …..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?

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

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

17. 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

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

19. Useful Volunteering Websites
The Guardian jobs pages include some useful volunteering roles (often part-time) :

20. Voluntary Services Councils
BVSC, The Centre for Voluntary Action
138 Digbeth
Birmingham
B5 6DR
Council Finder :

21. Wildlife Trusts Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust
28 Harborne Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 3AA

22. Other Suggestions Oxfam offer nationwide volunteering opportunities
Canal & River Trust
Formerly British Waterways
Oxfam offer nationwide volunteering opportunities
Sustrans offer nationwide volunteering opportunities including “travel champions”

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

24. 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.

25. 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

26. 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

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

28. 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