Environmental graduate: How Annabel has enjoyed her first year at GGS

Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Annabel Edwards and I am an Environmental Science graduate from the University of Manchester. I spent the summer of 2018 as an intern at GGS and it’s great to now be a member of the team.

How did you get into consultancy?

My degree was varied and like most other students; I had no idea what I wanted to do when I graduated. I had a very stern lecturer who ran the first and second year field trips and introduced us to what environmental consultants do on a day-to-day basis. I had another lecturer who taught us the relevance of environmental monitoring outside of an academic space. They made me realise that a role in consultancy could be for me, as it relies on all the problem-solving skills you develop at university and allows you to apply them to real life projects.

What was it like when you first started with GGS?

One of the best things about working at GGS is the environment; I instantly felt part of the team. This is in part due to our small size compared to many larger consultancies, but also due to how everyone pulls together. Teamwork is a critical ethos here and I have never felt alone or embarrassed to ask questions. This along with the extensive knowledge of the team is a real asset to GGS and makes working here both challenging and enjoyable.

What is your favourite aspect about your work at GGS?

It is exciting to be involved in a diverse range of projects. The balance of site and desk work keeps me driven. I have found site work particularly useful as a junior member of staff for helping me to understand different concepts and appreciate site specific risks. It is an essential part of working in our industry and I am fortunate to have been guided though this in such a professional yet approachable manner.

Site work is even more important to get to grips with when our own instruments are involved. Having contact with leading continuous monitoring equipment, like the GGS Gas Sentinel®, has been invaluable, not only for the unique skills developed but also for improving my ability to handle large sets of data.

What have you gained out of your time so far at GGS?

It has been very fulfilling for me to see how the skills and knowledge I developed over my degree can be converted to ‘real world’ situations. My appreciation of the source-pathway-receptor model has hugely expanded as now I am working on real sites that have real consequences. Consultancy leans on the intelligence I acquired at university while allowing me to expand my skills base through hands on experience, which I have found particularly refreshing. I was nervous that I did not have enough specific knowledge but working at GGS has helped me develop confidence in areas I had not considered before.

What do you think the future will bring for you?

I am looking forward to becoming more proficient on site and getting involved with a wide variety of GGS projects. I also hope to continue to build on the skills I have developed as a graduate at GGS to further become a well-rounded member of the team.

GGS occasionally has graduate internships available. If you’d like to hear more, please send your CV and covering letter to info@ggs-uk.com.