Studying at Reading has enabled Neve to grow her knowledge and experience ready to progress into a career within the hugely valuable environmental sector. She has benefitted from a breadth of module choice and a range of activities through societies and opportunities for personal growth.
“During my time at Reading, I’ve learnt so much from the broad choice of modules and exciting field trips. I have met an interesting network of people and discovered new hobbies through various societies and clubs”.
One of the modules in the second year of the course involves students undertaking a micro work-placement, to enable them to gain insight into the world of work and begin their professional development journey.
“My micro placement was at BerryWorld, a leading grower and supplier of soft fruit in the UK. It opened my eyes to how critical environmental knowledge is to the world of marketing and communicating with consumers, and the direct effects companies can have on public perception of things like sustainability in the food industry. This experience motivated me to want to investigate careers where I could work to inform people about the simple actions we can all take to protect our environment and the people who rely on it.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the volunteering in the ‘Students in Schools’ module as I cherished reading with the kids and seeing their confidence grow each week. With my volunteering and insights gained from the University’s THRIVE mentor programme, where I received career advice from a professional, I hope to have a fulfilling future ahead of me.”
Neve’s dissertation research project has allowed her to bring together all of the knowledge she’s been developing within the course, by investigating a topic she is passionate about.
“Utilising the diverse range of knowledge and skills developed through the modules I’ve completed over the last three years, my dissertation investigating ‘Sustainable Consumption Perceptions Surrounding Green Marketing by Fast Fashion Brands’, is multifaceted, and lets me focus on things I really enjoy. This includes understanding what people think about sustainability currently, and how we can move forwards in improving our knowledge and actions to actually become more sustainable. Using fashion as a key example allows me to demonstrate how all aspects of our lives are affected by environmental issues, and analyse the value environmental management holds in society.”
Being a Course Rep, Student Ambassador and a Digital Ambassador has given Neve further opportunities to experience different roles, and hone her communication skills.
“Being a Digital Ambassador has helped me to work on my employability skills even more, and allowed me to show my passion for the environment through social media, by sharing how environmental management is relevant to everyone. I have built connections within the School and been able to take part in events, sharing my enthusiasm with both prospective students and a wider audience.”
Neve has also made the most of student life outside of her studies, making lasting memories of her time here.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the social experience at Reading. I have met an interesting network of people and discovered new hobbies through various societies and clubs, including the Reading Uni Women’s Football Club - which also led me to find a Sunday League Team to play for! I’ve also participated in a Book Club and continued with my painting hobby.”