Anna Gocher

Current Employer/Organisation Name

South West Water

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Working at South West Water. I’ve been with the water company for about 15 years now, starting in the laboratory and continuing my career in the water quality department.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I didn’t choose this career, I sort of fell into it through necessity to work and found a supportive company, and an interesting industry. I enjoy continuously learning and playing an important role in the future direction of the investment in water quality.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a member of the snowboarding society, for which I still have the hoody!

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

Definitely the Bahamas field trip! Studying fish, doing statistics.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Variety and enthusiasm of lecturers.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I grew up in Devon, Exeter was the main stomping ground of my teens.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Practical science, IT, logic and confidence.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Learn all you can from hands on experience, ask lots of questions and put yourself forward for opportunities to find you.

What are your plans for the future?

To continue to understand how water quality can be maintained through legislation and challenge business decisions that go against investment to prevent risk to water supply.