Alex Rusling

Course studied: Geography BSc (Hons)

Year of graduation: 2021

Current job title: Team Manager

Current employer: Waitrose & Partners

Industry sector: Retail

I’ve always been passionate about geography and enjoyed studying the subject from a young age, so I was keen to increase my knowledge and understanding at a more in-depth level. I chose the University of Northampton mainly due to the enthusiasm and care demonstrated by the course lecturers at the open days I attended, as well as the content that would be studied over the three years. I was also excited by the opportunity of an overseas field trip in the final year and the prospect of a brand-new, purpose-built campus. I’m really pleased that I chose to study at the University of Northampton as the staff were extremely supportive with my subject development, as well as my personal life, and the course content was informative, engaging, and enjoyable.

I particularly enjoyed learning a mixture of physical and human geography and meeting new people who were also passionate about the subject, as well as the field trips I was able to attend. In my first year, I went to London for the day, where we looked at place and scale as part of the Issues in Human Geography module. During the Physical Environment module, I visited Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve in Dudley to look at the topography and rock types, and in my second year, I went to Sheffield to focus on social inequalities, deprivation, and changing urban spaces. In Northampton, I also had the opportunity to look at trees and their planting and development from historic points until present day. I really enjoyed these trips as they gave me a practical understanding of how geography is a feature of our everyday lives.

In my final year, I completed my dissertation, which was a fun and informative experience. I chose the topic of Human Geography, looking at a new housing estate near where I live and the impact it had on the different stakeholders involved. This enabled me to use my skills from the course to collect and analyse data and to compile my findings into a report.

Alongside my studies, I worked as a Student Ambassador, where I supported the geography lecturers in speaking to prospective students at UON open days. I was also Vice-President of the Geography Society in my final year. These extra-curricular activities helped to boost my confidence in speaking to a wide range of people from different ages and backgrounds. They also helped me improve my teamworking and leadership skills, which got me to where I am today.

Looking at my career, my studies have helped me with a wide variety of skills. For example, my interpersonal skills – including speaking to people I don’t know – presenting to a group of people in front of an audience of peers, and consolidating information into different written formats. This supported me when I was interviewed for my current job and enables me to work well with people from different backgrounds and viewpoints so I can provide effective leadership. My studies also helped me to build resilience, not just with my working life, but also in my personal development.

I started my career at Waitrose when I was 17, working two evenings a week after school. Once I started University in 2018, I continued to work there on a casual basis and in January 2022, I applied for a Team Manger role at my local store. I was unsuccessful, but it gave me the desire to increase my skills as a Team Leader and to start working towards becoming a Duty Manager, which I achieved in July 2022. In January 2022, I was signed up to a management training course in a non-local store, and in April 2022, I applied for a Team Manger role at a store closer to my home – a role I’ve been in since May 2023.

I now plan to build on my skills and experience, and although I’m sure there will be hurdles, the skills I developed during my degree will help me overcome them. The most useful skills I learned are interpersonal skills, the ability to work with others, knowledge of a wide range of written and verbal forms of communication, resilience, timekeeping, and the importance of friendship.

The University of Northampton taught me knowledge and skills which prepared me for the world of work and of being an adult. All the course lecturers provided the support I needed, whether it was with tough assignments, or in my personal life, and this taught me that it’s never a weakness to ask for help. Without them, my university experience wouldn’t have been the same and for that I’ll always be grateful.

The main piece of advice I’d give to undergraduates about to start their university journey would be to make the most of the opportunities you’re given to build your life skills and your interpersonal skills.

My time at the University of Northampton was one of the best experiences of my life so far.