Jodie Jane Welch
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Stantec
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since graduating in 2017, I have worked as a GIS analyst before moving on to Transport Planning consultancy.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I chose this career as it directly aligns with my interest in STEM subjects and also allows me to apply many of the transferable skills I developed at University in a professional context. The thing I enjoy most about my job is the range of work I am exposed to, from Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) such as working on the Sizewell C nuclear power station, to smaller schemes where I can really make a difference regarding the sustainability credentials of new developments.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was a Committee Member of the Geography Society, a member of the Sea Swimming Society, and helped to establish the Penryn Memory Café via my involvement with the Volunteering Society.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The best thing about my programme was that I was able to study Geography in Cornwall, surrounded by some of the most extreme landscapes in the UK. Plus, being able to revise on the beach was a huge bonus! My biggest highlight was my third year field trip to California when I was lucky enough to camp at the base of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park!
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The lecturers were always extremely supportive and also knew me on a more personal level. At Exeter Penryn Campus, you definitely don’t feel like just a number in a lecture room full of students.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Exeter is a top Russell Group University and consistently performs well in the national and global University rankings. It was also important to me to find a University campus which was small enough to be welcoming and personal, and I found this with the University of Exeter Cornwall Campus.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
I would always say the self-confidence I obtained from my time at University is the most useful skill I now use everyday. In addition to this, on a Geography-specific level, most definitely GIS skills as these are required in nearly every Geography-related career!
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Study hard and start looking into jobs/careers at the earliest possible opportunity. I would always recommend applying for a Graduate Scheme as these provide the well-rounded skills you will need to diversify into any career you wish to pursue.
What are your plans for the future?
I would love to continue climbing the career ladder in Transport Planning. I am also working towards becoming chartered by two separate bodies, the Transport Planning Society and the Royal Geographical Society – so I am looking forward to achieving these over the next couple of years.
