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Supporting career ambitions

With growing ambitions to work in sustainability consultancy, Poppy's BSc Environmental Management and Sustainability course at the University of Reading was a natural choice, combining the right course with the right environment.

“I really love how green the campus is! It’s lovely to walk to lectures through trees and green space. I chose to study Environmental Management here due to the University’s commitment to sustainability – it feels good to be studying this subject at a university that practices what it teaches!” 

Poppy adds:

“What I really like about this course is the wide range of module choices, allowing you to tailor your experience on the course to your own interests, or to keep your options open and choose a range of very different modules. I’ve particularly enjoyed learning about corporate social responsibility and global sustainability challenges. 

"I also feel the hands-on field work and development of practical skills have really strengthened my understanding of the subject.”

As part of her course, Poppy completed a short work experience placement with West Northamptonshire Council to gain insight into what it is like to work in an environmental role.

“During my short placement, I gained valuable experience of being in both an office and field environment. I was able to attend professional meetings, conduct fieldwork when shadowing the environmental wardens, and dealt with community issues such as waste in the town centre.

"I also gained insight into the collection of data for sustainability reporting. I was able to network and gain contacts within the sustainability and environment industries that will be useful when I graduate.”

Moving into her final year, Poppy is looking forward to focusing on her independent research project. This project allows students to take an aspect of the course they are most passionate about and turn it into a dissertation.

“I have chosen to develop a project on the environmental impacts of the Transport for London (TfL) integrated transport network.

"I find that I am particularly interested in public transport systems and their impact on the environment, and the potential for their development to reduce road traffic emissions and help urban areas reduce their overall carbon footprint. This will involve collecting data surrounding emissions production and air pollution, as well as public behaviour surveying and the use of geographical information systems (GIS) to map areas worst affected by traffic-related air pollution."

Embracing university life

Poppy has thrown herself into university life and all the opportunities it offers, believing this is the best way to boost confidence, grow her network and relax outside of her studies.

“I’ve done lots of different things at Reading! I’ve been a Student Ambassador for my course, which I really enjoy. I play the violin in the University Orchestra and the String Ensemble, which has led to exciting opportunities to play in concerts including in Reading’s Great Hall.

"I also fit in some part-time work in the town centre. These activities have improved my confidence and social skills while allowing me to meet loads of new people and continue my hobbies alongside studying.” 

Poppy has found the university experience transformative, and reflecting on both her academic and personal growth so far, Poppy says:

“My proudest achievement so far is probably the way I’ve grown my independence and confidence. I have really enjoyed having the ability to structure my own time and develop self-management skills while studying, which will be beneficial when I enter the workplace. 

"I feel I’m an entirely different person from when I started university and look forward to further development in my final year.”

  Poppy adds:

“My advice to anyone starting at Reading is definitely to make the most of the opportunities available, such as societies, part-time work, internships and volunteering, as they can really help you grow and learn a lot about yourself.”

Learn more about BSc Environmental Management

Read about life as an undergraduate in the Department of Sustainable Land Management