Scott Dawson

How did you get your current job?

I saw an advert by a recruitment consultant looking for an experienced hydrologist at a principal level for work in the Yorkshire area. I emailed him stating that I would be interested in any graduate level opportunities they had. He contacted me
straight away and discussed my CV with an Enzygo director before arranging a meeting.
I had also completed a work placement module at the Environment Agency as part of my Masters to ensure that I had some industry experience in hydrology and modelling, and my experience with using hydrological modelling. As a mature student, I had previously worked full-time and was already competent with Excel and word processing; skills which were noted as desirable by my current employer – never underestimate the appeal of working life experience.

How relevant was your degree?

The course is accredited by CIWEM and therefore geared towards preparing candidates for work in the environment sector while also encouraging further study. Previous candidates have all gained employment relevant to the sector in some form – the MSc is widely known in the industry as an excellent course for preparing graduates.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I’ve gained so much experience within the short time I have worked for Enzygo. I feel I am quickly becoming a competent hydrologist, and I’m more or less left to it with my own projects! Smaller consultancies offer the chance to vary your work, with independence on projects encouraged. I think you get to learn more about how the consultancy runs – you really feel like you are a significant part of the business.