Graham Reveley

 

Why did you decide to study a masters at the University of Leeds?

 

I chose to study at the University of Leeds after seeing the unique opportunities that the University and School of Earth and Environment offered. On the open day, I was shown around the campus and loved everything; the union, the gym, the modern lecture theatres and libraries.

I knew I wanted to further my studies in the area of geophysics and potentially go into a career in the oil and gas industry. The master’s course at Leeds allowed me to study a wide range of technical subjects as well as having fantastic job opportunities in almost every sector in the industry. I’d also heard a lot of positive things about Leeds as a city, the nightlife, culture and people and wanted to experience it for myself.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University so far and why?  

 

The course’s amazing depth and breadth in topics taught in the modules is absolutely second to none. This opens your eyes to other possible careers that you didn’t expect or even knew existed in a lot of cases!

 

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed.

 

At the end of the first term, there is a 3 day fast-track seismic processing exercise. You start off with raw data and progress through 3 days of work, with deliverables at the end of every day, to a fully processed seismic section. It’s probably the most rewarding piece of work that I have done during the course because it ties together work across a number of modules and helps you understand the theory behind it so much better.

 

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

 

 Leeds is the best of both worlds really. It has an amazing (and cheap) night life scene in the city centre, any number of possible sports opportunities to get involved in as well as a massive array of shops. On the other hand, it is surrounded by the absolutely stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales which is accessible by car or public transport links so you can easily get out of the city for a day or two if you feel like it. 

 

What are your ambitions for the future?

 

I would like, ideally, to work within the oil and gas industry as a seismic processor or in the area of reservoir characterisation, potentially going into R&D further on in my career.

 

What experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

 

The course at Leeds has given me technical skills in data processing, critical analysis, and professional report writing, to name a few. But not only that, it has developed my self-confidence, communication skills and critical analysis that will help me to no end in the future.

 

What would you say to students coming to do the same course?

 

The course is tough, there is no way around that, but if you put the work in you come out with an amazing degree and have a great time along the way.