Geology - Applied Environmental Geoscience MSc

Hydrogeologist at Geosyntec Consultants, Dublin.

1. Can you give a brief outline of your current role?
As a graduate hydrogeologist working in the contaminated land sector most of my time is spent out in the field. This work includes oversight of site investigation contractors, soil and groundwater sampling. Time in the office includes analysis and interpretation of hydrogeological and chemical data as part of the preparation of technical reports.

2. What was your impression of the MSc Applied Environmental Geology programme at UCC and how did it benefit your career?
The MSc Applied Environmental Geology programme at UCC bridges the sometimes difficult gap between finishing your education and entering industry. The placement during the MSc was hugely beneficial. The placement will allow you to greater understand the direction you want to take your career in.

3. Did you find it easy to obtain employment after you finished?
One of the biggest causes of worry and stress during the MSc was the thought of unemployment at the end of it. The course incorporates a wide range of modules so that students are employable in a range of different sectors. Lecturers and industry professionals genuinely look to help in any way they can.
How did you find living in Cork? Did you find the student community here supportive?
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time living in Cork and studying this MSc at UCC. Cork is a beautiful city with something for everyone. The other students in your MSc and in the department become like your family. It is here that the team work and the comradery that are so important in your career, start to develop.

Do you have any tips you would pass on to other students considering postgraduate study at UCC?
I feel as though postgrad study is crucial to secure employment in this industry. With only a BSc, you will find that time and time again you may be pipped to the post by candidates with an MSc so this course will give you the best chance of gaining employment in a number of sectors.

4. What are your plans for the future?
Right now I’m enjoying my time with Geosyntec. I’m learning every day and making connections with other industry professionals around the country. In the future, I hope to combine my hydrogeological knowledge and experience with the agricultural industry.

Geologist at Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG), Dublin.

1. Can you give a brief outline of your current role?
Shortly after finishing the MSc in Applied Environmental Geology I was employed by GDG to work as a geologist on their offshore geotechnical projects. At the moment I am undertaking a 6 month long secondment as an Assistant Hydro-geologist in the Groundwater Section of the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI).

2. What was your impression of the MSc Applied Environmental Geology programme at UCC and how did it benefit your career?
Having the opportunity to do the research project through industry placement was fantastic as I gained work experience as part of the degree. I did my placement with the INFOMAR programme in the Geological Survey of Ireland which helped me improve my CV and gave me a competitive advantage when job hunting.

3. Did you find it easy to obtain employment after you finished?
The industry connections made during my time in UCC were invaluable when seeking employment. Having had the opportunity to meet with professionals in the geosciences sector and visit various companies throughout the year proved to be highly advantageous. The lecturers gave a huge amount of support/advice with finding placement for the end of year research project.

4. How did you find living in Cork? Did you find the student community here supportive?
Cork is a wonderful city to both live and study. The UCC campus and the city itself are beautiful and there was never any shortage of activities or entertainment. My classmates and I were a very tightknit group that often studied and socialised together.

5. Do you have any tips you would pass on to other students considering postgraduate study at UCC?
Start looking for accommodation as early as possible as it can be difficult to find a room before the academic year begins. Most of the student residences fill up months in advance and there is a huge demand for house shares so make sure to give yourself plenty of time.

6. What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue working as a geologist on offshore projects. During my time in UCC and during placement in the GSI I had multiple opportunities to work offshore on a variety of research vessels and I would love to continue doing research offshore in the future.