Chloe Bayliss

Current Employer/Organisation Name

ERM

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

After my MSc placement, I secured a job and worked in industry for almost two years before moving into consultancy, working across the UK and on international projects. I use my degree every day, and without my MSc and my time at Exeter, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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

I chose this career because it allows me to work on projects that are fundamentally about people and communities. My work focuses on understanding communities, connections, and places. I enjoy translating technical analysis into meaningful outcomes that help shape better decisions for people and places.

What I enjoy most is the variety of projects and the opportunity to engage with different communities, ensuring their voices and social considerations are properly reflected in decision-making.

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

What I enjoyed most about the programme was its strong focus on sustainable development in a real-world context. The course linked theory to wider studies and practical application, which gave me opportunities to understand Cornwall as a place while also considering sustainability challenges at a regional, national, and global scale.

The opportunities for placements and applied projects were a major highlight, as they allowed me to gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, and make meaningful connections with industry. These experiences were invaluable in shaping my career path and giving me confidence to move into the sector after graduating.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose the University of Exeter because of its strong reputation in sustainable development and its emphasis on applied, interdisciplinary learning. The programme offered the opportunity to study sustainability in a real-world context, with strong links to regional case studies such as Cornwall while also engaging with wider national and global issues. Exeter’s focus on placements and practical experience was also a key factor, as it aligned well with my career goals and provided valuable opportunities to gain industry experience alongside academic study.

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

The most useful skills I gained from my degree were critical thinking, research and analysis, and the ability to understand complex social and environmental issues in a practical context. The programme developed my skills in stakeholder engagement, qualitative and quantitative research, and clear communication, all of which are essential in my work on Environmental Impact Assessments and community-focused projects. The applied nature of the degree, including placements and project work, gave me valuable industry experience and confidence, helping me transition smoothly into employment and progress into consultancy. I use these skills daily in my career.

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

My advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity for applied learning, particularly placements, internships, and project-based work. These experiences are invaluable for understanding how theory translates into practice and for building professional networks. Develop strong research, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, as working with communities and people is central to this career. I’d also encourage students to stay curious about the wider social, environmental, and policy context, as a broad understanding of sustainability will really set you apart when entering the sector.

What are your plans for the future?

In the future, I plan to continue developing my career in consultancy, working on increasingly complex and impactful projects across the UK and internationally. I’m keen to build on my experience in community-focused work and Environmental Impact Assessment, taking on greater responsibility and contributing to best practice in the sector.

Longer term, I hope to help shape projects that deliver meaningful social and environmental outcomes for communities, while also supporting and mentoring others entering the profession.