Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

Graduate Schemes for Geographers

Andrew Falconer Careers Adviser, Horton Building

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London Today’s Session

• Typical Geography careers

• What is a graduate scheme?

• Relevant graduate schemes for Geographers

www.rhul.ac.uk/careers/departments/geography.aspx

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

Typical Geography Careers

• Cartographer - evaluates sets of geographical data and presents the information in the form of diagrams, charts, spreadsheets and maps.

• Environmental consultant - collects and interprets data from a variety of sources to help formulate policies for clients. Works in air and land contamination, noise and water pollution or ecological land management.

• Geographical information systems officer - IT professional who uses computer-based systems to handle geographical information

• Planning and development surveyor - investigates, plans and manages proposals either to build new developments or to organise the refurbishment of existing buildings.

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

And some more....

• Secondary school teacher - you'll need to take a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or equivalent course, before you can teach geography in schools or colleges.

• Town planner - directs the planning of land use, trying to reconcile any conflicting demands such as the needs related to housing, the environment or recreation.

• Commercial/residential surveyor - values, manages and markets residential and commercial property and may act as an agent for clients in the sale, purchase or leasing of property.

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

And finally....

• Logistics and distribution manager - manages the supply, movement and storage of goods and materials through the whole supply chain process from manufacturer to customer.

• International aid/development worker - focuses on meeting the needs of people and communities in the developing world. The work may be located either in the UK or in a developing country or region.

• Market researcher - performs a wide range of activities and will often specialise in a particular area such as consumer, industry or social and political research.

• Transport planner - devises transport strategies in line with government policies.

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London What is a graduate scheme?

• Applicable to finalists and PG students

• Usually…need 2.1, although a 2.2 in some organisations is possible

• Very competitive, companies often recruit from summer internships

• Structured with exposure to different teams within an organisation

• Remember - Process often begins in the autumn term

Are typical in:• commercial

– finance (inc. banking, accountancy & tax)

– law, management consultancy, marketing

– graduate management schemes

• other– public sector: Civil Service

Fast Stream, local Government

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

Cartographer

• www.cartography.org.uk

• Starting salaries for graduates are in the region of £20,000. A senior cartographer can earn £35,000 to £40,000.

• Graduate level roles and schemes:

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

Environmental Consultant

• collects and interprets data from a variety of sources to help formulate policies for clients. Works in air and land contamination, noise and water pollution or ecological land management.

• Salaries for graduates - £19,000 - £26,000• Graduate Schemes:

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

GIS

• IT professional who uses computer-based systems to handle geographical information

• British Association of Remote Sensing Companies

• Graduate Salaries: £23,000 - £30,000

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

Surveying & Property

• Values, manages and markets residential and commercial property and may act as an agent for clients in the sale, purchase or leasing of property.

• Estate Agency vs Estate Agent• Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors• Graduate Salaries - £19,000 - £36,000

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

Logistics & Supply Chain

• Manages the supply, movement and storage of goods and materials through the whole supply chain process from manufacturer to customer.

• Salary: £21,000 - £28,000• Not just retail!

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

And a different type of supply chain....

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

International Development

• No real graduate schemes but:– Civil Service Fast Stream– DfID– Christian Aid Graduate Internship (secular role, no faith

required)

– Crown Agents– EU Commission– UN Internships / Agencies

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

Royal Holloway Careers Service is part of The Careers Group, University of London

How we can help you

• Career direction• Workshops and employer presentations• Information resources and support• CV and application form checking• Skills development • Alumni contact database• Access to central London careers events• Mock assessment centres• Postgraduate study applications and advice• Facebook and other online resources• www.rhul.ac.uk/careers/departments/geography.aspx