Anna Rhone-Jenkins

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Civil Service

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

After leaving Exeter, I worked briefly as a seasonal ecologist at an ecology consultancy, which gave me valuable insight into environmental work. I then worked as an intern at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, working on policy around Electricity Networks. I then applied to the Civil Service Project Delivery Fast Stream and was successful in securing a place.

Over the past year, I’ve been developing my project management skills through roles in two government departments. I spent a year at HM Treasury working on a Data and AI programme. More recently, I’ve moved to the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs, where I’m working on an International Biodiversity and Climate programme. I’m continuing to build my experience and working toward becoming a project manager.

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

I chose to work in the public sector because I wanted to feel like the work I do contributes to something bigger – in the UK and globally.

I was drawn to project management because I’ve always enjoyed working in a structured and organised way, and you get to see tangible results for what you do. Whilst working for the Civil Service I will also pick up knowledge and skills in public policy which is another area of interest to me.

Ultimately, I hope to apply the skills I’m building to projects focused on environmental sustainability and conservation.

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

I was a member of Tennis society in my third year.

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

I really liked the lecturers and support I was given during my time studying Geography. My favourite modules were on Earth’s history, Cities, and my Berlin module, where I went on a field trip. I liked the flexibility to chose between Human and Physical Geography modules.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I love the South West – being close to so many beautiful places like Dartmoor and the beaches was the highlight. I liked the fact that Exeter was a smaller city; it meant I was able to feel at home there.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

It was one of the top universities for my course, I like the proximity to the coast, and it’s a beautiful area of the country.

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

My skills in writing have significantly improved through studying Geography and all the essays I wrote. Learning to write concisely has been very important when working in government and with ministers. The deep dive that Geography gave me to current UK/global problems has also been valuable for working in government.

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

If you want to work in government – follow the news and current affairs, understand why the work that government does is important. If you want to be a project manager – realise that a lot of the work you already do at university, such as writing your dissertation, is a mini-project. You can then use these experiences in interviews, etc. to get you your first project related role.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to complete the Fast Stream and become a government accredited project manager. I then hope to continue to work in government on environmental projects or causes.