Matthew Vickers

• Year of graduation: 2023
• Current job title: Social Value and Communications Officer
• Current employer: Sherbourne Recycling
• Industry sector: Waste and Recycling
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-vickers-546104252

I chose my course because the University’s teaching style and support‑focused approach appealed to me. The course offered a strong balance of practical learning and academic theory, the modules aligned closely with my chosen career path, and I was drawn to the University’s reputation for creating an inclusive learning environment where students felt supported and encouraged to succeed.

I enjoyed the practical elements of the course, especially the opportunities to apply what we had learned through real‑world projects and collaborative work. The strong focus on real‑world geographical teaching, including the development of technical skills and tools such as GIS, gave me a solid understanding of how these methods are used professionally. The techniques I learned were closely aligned with what employers were looking for, which made the experience feel relevant, valuable, and directly connected to future career opportunities. Also, the smaller workshop sessions, rather than traditional lecture‑style teaching, provided a deep insight into each topic and helped me grow in confidence and engage with the course material more effectively. Altogether, my degree gave me both the knowledge, and the professional mindset needed to progress in my career.

During my degree, I developed a strong interest in human and social geography and a commitment to inclusive, people‑focused work – an academic foundation that continues to influence the values I bring to my professional roles. As someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I’m driven by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve and succeed, regardless of physical or non‑physical barriers.

Alongside my studies, I participated in Snowsports, which significantly enhanced my career prospects. Serving as President of the UON Snowsports Club gave me hands‑on leadership experience and helped me develop key professional skills. I managed sponsorships and partnerships, organised training sessions and race participation, planned large‑scale socials and overseas trips, and represented the club at Students’ Union Council meetings. These responsibilities strengthened my communication, organisation, teamwork, and decision‑making abilities, as well as demonstrating that I could take initiative, manage budgets, coordinate logistics, and lead a team – all qualities that employers value highly.

My first professional role after I graduated was as a Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Value Officer at a construction company, where I delivered project‑specific and business‑wide social value initiatives aligned with client commitments. I co-ordinated programmes across schools, community groups and project teams, managed stakeholder relationships, and produced clear, accurate reporting for clients and senior leadership. This strengthened my communication skills, stakeholder engagement experience, and understanding of social value delivery.

I then moved into environmental and operational services at Stratford District Council. My work contributed to maintaining service standards, ensuring compliance, and supporting sustainability‑focused improvements. It broadened my understanding of public‑sector operations and strengthened my ability to work across teams and contractors to support consistent service delivery.

Most recently, I began my current role as a Social Value and Communications Officer at Sherbourne Recycling, where I’d like to develop further. I support social value delivery and engagement activity across the region, collaborate with partners and stakeholders, and contribute to behaviour‑change initiatives within the sector. This will allow me to build on my existing experience, deepen my knowledge of social value within the waste and recycling industry, and continue developing my ability to deliver meaningful, community‑focused impact.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue progressing within social value, community engagement and inclusive practice. I’m motivated to take on roles with greater responsibility, strategic influence and opportunities to deliver meaningful social impact. Potential hurdles may include navigating a competitive sector and continuing to develop specialist skills, but I’m committed to ongoing learning, professional development and building on the strong foundation my degree and early career roles have provided.

The knowledge I gained during my degree that has been most valuable in my current role is an understanding of human and social geography, which directly supports the community‑focused and behaviour‑change elements of my work. The analytical skills I developed – including data interpretation, identifying patterns and producing clear, structured reports – helps me contribute effectively to social value monitoring and engagement activity.

Technical experience with GIS and mapping tools has also been useful when working with spatial information and understanding how environmental and social factors interact across different communities. The course’s emphasis on clear communication, structured project work and working with diverse groups has translated well into stakeholder engagement, school outreach and public‑facing communication within the recycling sector.

I’m currently also a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Ambassador, delivering workshops and presentations in schools and community groups. This involves supporting young people’s engagement with STEM subjects, providing insight into environmental and social value careers, and helping to promote positive educational experiences. It allows me to contribute to community development while supporting inclusive, accessible learning opportunities.

Outside of work, I regularly participate in climbing, skiing and running, which has helped me develop resilience, confidence and focus. I also remain involved in inclusion‑focused activity, contributing to efforts that promote accessibility, awareness and positive change for diverse groups.

The advice I would give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be don’t overlook opportunities just because the role or industry doesn’t sound appealing at first. The skills, experience and progression they offer can be far more valuable than you expect.

I feel lucky to have been taught by such amazing, engaging and supportive lecturers.