Kgomotso Mkhutshwa

My Graduate Story

I am currently employed as an Intermediate Consultant Hydrogeologist at Wellfield Consulting Services, where I have worked for the past eight years. I began my career with the company as a receptionist following the completion of my first degree and have progressively advanced to my current role.

My responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Fieldwork and data collection
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Reporting and documentation
• Numerical and conceptual modeling
• Project management
• Mentorship of junior geologists, hydrogeologists, and geophysicists

A Day in My Life

My role is hybrid, with responsibilities both in the office and on site.

In the office, my day typically begins with a cup of coffee—because what’s a morning without one—followed by a brief update meeting with my line manager. From there, I focus on report writing, data analysis, client liaison, and coordinating with field personnel through meetings or calls.

On site, the day starts the same way—with coffee—followed by safety meetings to ensure all activities are carried out with zero harm, so everyone returns home safely. The rest of the day involves hands-on hydrogeological work, often in remote locations, offering the added benefit of experiencing Botswana’s beautiful landscapes—hydrogeology truly is “free tourism.”

What was your journey to getting a job after graduating from Birmingham? (e.g. application process, visa considerations):
Fortunately, my employer, Wellfield Consulting Services, sponsored my tuition and kindly reserved my position while I was on a year-long study leave. After graduation, I was able to return to the same company, in my home country, to continue my career.

My Birmingham Learning Experience

I had been working in groundwater consultancy for seven years before enrolling in the MSc program, and pursuing this degree was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The program bridged the gap between my fieldwork experience and data analysis, providing me with a deeper understanding of hydrogeological systems.

Before the course, I had limited exposure to numerical modeling, but the program introduced me to modeling techniques, coding, and specialized software that have significantly enhanced my technical expertise and broadened my capabilities in the field.

How did the University's support services (e.g. Careers Network) help to prepare you for your career?

The university organized career fairs where various companies participated, and experienced professionals shared their knowledge and provided valuable insights into the industry, including guidance on how to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the MSc program.

Top tips and advice for students

Stay connected with the contacts you made at the university, your fellow graduates will likely become your colleagues in the workplace. Remember, you are part of the university community for life, so make use of all the support channels available as you prepare to join the workforce. Just as alumni supported you during your studies, be ready to lend a helping hand to those who will come after you.

When you don’t understand something, ask, the university is there to help you succeed. Make friends, enjoy the experience, take short breaks when needed, but always keep your academic and career goals in focus.

Wishing you all the best on your journey!

The best things about studying MSc Hydrogeology

I was fortunate to have the most amazing and supportive professors, John Tellam and Simiao Sun. Their guidance and encouragement were truly exceptional, and I will always be grateful for their support.

My cohort played a big role in making this challenging yet rewarding journey enjoyable. We supported one another throughout the program, shared unforgettable moments, including visits to Old Joe Student Pub for some well-deserved downtime, and bonded over the incredible food at the conferences organized by the university for hydrogeology students.

My Biggest Achievements

I made lifelong friends who, despite living on different continents now, remain in close contact. I believe these friendships will stand the test of both distance and time.

Studying in a multiracial and multicultural environment like UoB greatly enhanced my interpersonal skills, preparing me to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, an invaluable asset in my career, where collaboration with individuals from various cultures is a part of the job.