Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES)
Geotechnical Engineer
Angelina Varchione
BEng (Hons) Engineering Geology and Geotechnics
Before officially receiving my degree I had two offers from engineering companies and subsequently accepted a job with GEA (Geotechnical and Environmental Associates) at the head office based in St Albans. Due to the work load they were keen for me to start ASAP.
My current role at GEA is perfect for me as it incorporates office and site work, so I get lots of variety. I am involved on a day-to-day basis in all that goes into designing, supervising and interpreting ground investigation data for construction projects.
I chose my degree as it is an applied course which was instrumental in securing my job. My boss specifically wanted a graduate from Portsmouth with my degree. I was very fortunate to have such great lecturers in my department who supply a mix of academic and industry experience and passion for their subjects. They all know me personally and make a special effort to help when they can.
As for the location I loved having the university buildings, sea and the city centre all within easy walking distance. The marketing team in Purple Door are all really helpful and whilst studying I was able to do some work for them as a Student Mentor and as an Ambassador for the university. It was flexible hours, supplemented my income and was a great addition to my CV.
Graduate Engineering Geologist
Tom Bush
BEng Engineering Geology and Geotechnics
Since my degree I have been living and working for Ove Arup & Partners in Hong Kong where I have managed to gain new qualifications and most recently won the Hong Kong round of the Young Person’s Lecture Competition organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3) with the final round to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
From day to day I may be in the field carrying out mapping exercises, writing reports, analysing data, meeting with clients, producing figures or facilitating the production of technical drawings, researching modern techniques, etc. The study tour to Hong Kong is actually the very reason that I have my job today. I was provisionally offered a job following an ad-hoc interview organised whilst actually in Hong Kong which subsequently lead to me gaining employment here.
PhD Student
Peter Redshaw
BEng Engineering Geology and Geotechnics
After graduating, I decided to continue my studies to PhD level at the University of Southampton. My project involves the investigation of landslides on the south west coast of the Isle of Wight and although only in its infancy, my research has already relied heavily upon techniques and methods introduced to me in Portsmouth. I will be sampling, testing and analysing data which will lead to enhancing the knowledge of landsliding not only on the Isle of Wight, but hopefully throughout southern England.
The technical report writing skills I developed at Portsmouth will aid me in writing papers which I hope to have published in academic journals. Fundamental referencing and presentational skills were taught in conjunction with more advanced subject specific theories so that they all became second nature.
