Karin Brothers

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Terra Genesis International

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

Since I left Exeter I moved to the US and got married. I spent time job searching and set up a small regeneratively sourced leather goods business. I used my time to network and continue learning in the area which I wanted to get a job in. I did several courses and made as many connections as I could.

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

I chose this career because it uses my degree and gives me meaning and fulfilment. I believe regeneration is vital for both the environment as well as socially. This career goes deeper than simply being a career, it is a way of life and sometimes I have a hard time distinguishing between work and play. It gives me the freedom to continue learning and evolving while doing such meaningful work all around the world.

Were you part of the Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme at any point during your studies?

Yes.

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

I enjoyed the breadth of my programme and the different options and modules I could choose to make my degree uniquely mine and to fit in with my interests. My biggest highlight was my Master’s dissertation and having the opportunity to conduct my own research project with surfing citizen scientists.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

I enjoyed the environment and culture the most. The Cornwall felt like home instantly and it is sorely missed. I truly think place is so important and Cornwall is unlike anywhere else. It’s essence and beauty made studying such a joy. I think this also created a unique culture at the university that was laid back, creative and adventurous. I loved that we shared a campus with Falmouth University – this gave such a diversity in students and I thoroughly enjoyed being connected to creativity and art focused students as well.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Location, location, location. I didn’t want to be anywhere else than Cornwall. I also loved the structure of the course and the lecturers who lead the course.

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

Research. Managing my own projects. Experience writing journal style papers. Statistics. GIS. Experience doing modules that involved work experience and reflecting upon those experiences.

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

Be willing to dive deep. Be willing not only to constantly learn but to also evolve the way you think. Find your unique essence and potential and go after it fearlessly.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to stay with Terra Genesis International as a Designer of regenerative supply systems for the foreseeable future. This is something I want to dedicate my life and career to and while the expression of it may evolve, I do not see myself ever not wanting to do this work.