Emily Farquharson-Smith

Throughout my time in the Geography department at the University of Leeds, I always took the opportunity to focus on any fluvial based modules on offer. In particular, I studied Fluvial Processes, Water Resources, Arctic and Alpine River Systems, all of which increased my interest in the water environment. As you can expect, this followed through into my dissertation topic where I chose to study the prediction of water temperature in alpine river systems. At the end of this, I was extremely happy to achieve a first class degree and the Fowler Prize for the Best Geography Finalist.

After graduating, a flyer was circulated around the recent finalists advertising a graduate level position at Weetwood, a consultancy which specialises in providing flood risk management services. It ticked all the boxes for what I wanted in a career, and even though I was going travelling, I applied for the position highlighting my circumstances.

I have been working at Weetwood since the beginning of 2009, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. My job involves preparing flood risk assessments for developments of various scales across the UK, undertaking site visits, and completing surface water drainage strategies, including the assessment of viable sustainable drainage components. Weetwood recognised my interest in hydrology, and therefore I am now responsible for providing all hydrological analysis within the company.