Hannah Evans
Alumni
My first job since graduating from UoB was for an environmental consultancy where I worked as a Habitat Creation Consultant, focusing on wetland restoration. This was a fantastic role which taught me a great deal about the practical applications of ecology and involved lots of unique field work across the UK.
In 2020, I moved to my current job working for an environmental NGO based in Scotland. Here I work on tackling chemical pollution and it’s impacts on the environment. Each week is different and can vary from working with policy makers and industry representatives, to academics and the media. It is an incredibly fulfilling role that has allowed me to gain experience and progress in my career, all whilst working towards positive solutions for the environment.
Why did you choose to study Environmental Science at Birmingham?
The Environmental Science course offered at UoB was unique as it covered a wide variety of subjects, from chemistry and biology to international relations and economics. This allowed me to get a better idea of my own interests and where I wanted to focus my efforts when pursuing a career. This also provided me with a good over-arching understanding of the complexities and challenges faced within the environment sector which has been invaluable throughout my career.
What skills/knowledge did you develop at Birmingham the helped you to follow your career path?
One of the most valuable skills I was taught at UoB was critical thinking. This ensured our ability to evaluate large bodies of information, question and understand the broader context, and discern well-reasoned arguments. This has been an essential part of each job role I have held. The course also covered a wide variety of practical skills such as lab and field work, as well as the opportunity to apply for an internship abroad. I was fortunate enough to secure an internship in New Zealand, which, needless to say, was an unforgettable experience both personally and professionally.
What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?
Make it work for you. I found that there was a lot of flexibility to tailor the course to your interests, whether that be through choosing modules or topics for your essays. Leaning into the subjects I was passionate about made studying much more enjoyable and helped me identify the career path I wanted to pursue.