Thomas Kirk

• Course studied: Geography BSc (Hons)
• Year of graduation: 2023
• Current job title: Engineer (Development Planning)
• Current employer: JJP Consulting
• Industry sector: Engineering/Consulting

I’ve had a passion for geography since I was a young child. During my school days, I found it the most interesting subject to study and I wanted to pursue it at higher education so I could go on to pursue a geography-related career. However, I was never too keen on leaving home to study away at university, so being from Northampton, I thought the best route for me to achieve my goal of obtaining a geography degree was to study at UON, whilst staying at home.

As is echoed by several students who study geography at UON, the best thing about the course was the sheer variety of topics that are covered throughout the different modules. I enjoyed learning about all the topics and they were presented by inspiring lectures with a real passion for sharing information. The emphasis on group discussions also made learning much more engaging.

On a personal level, the transport and mobility module was the highlight of my studies. It not only informed my independent research investigation but also gave me the initial career idea of becoming a transport/development planner.

Without doubt, the skills I learnt in completing assignments have helped me the most within my career. This developed my formal writing techniques, which I now use daily when writing reports, liaising with clients, or communicating with professionals internally or externally within my industry. The time management aspect of assignment work is also crucial to learn, so you’re able to apply this to working life after you graduate. During the degree, you experience tight deadlines, so managing time accordingly and prioritising tasks over one another is a key skill.

The careers module was also such a useful tool for my personal development. Applying for job roles and attending interviews is scary, but the module provides a great basis to develop your skills in being able to sell yourself to employers.

Currently I’m focused on ‘learning the trade’ in the planning sector, gaining more experience within my role on a day-to-day basis. My job is so varied, and although I’ve learnt a lot over the past 18 months, there’s still so much more for me to learn. Thankfully, I work in a team where I can learn from my mistakes via the experienced professionals around me.

I am however in the process of starting to apply to associated chartered professional bodies such as CIHT (Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation) and the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers) to give myself further credentials in the industry.

My role as an engineer working in development planning revolves around producing technical reports (e.g. flood risk, drainage and transport assessments) and accompanying drawings (e.g. drainage strategies and site access arrangements) for our clients planning needs, using Microsoft 365 and AutoCAD among other software packages. My studies at UON have directly helped me with this, by providing me with a solid foundation in formal report writing and design works, developed throughout the modules.

Outside of my job role, I’ve recently become a STEM ambassador, attending several careers events at schools in the Northamptonshire area (even returning to UON for the careers EXPO). It’s rewarding to provide information to others aspiring towards similar goals to those I had and being able to give advice and guidance on which pathways may be best.

The advice I’d give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be to make use of all the resources available to you during your studies – you’ll only get out what you put in!

My time at the University of Northampton – I can’t recommend it enough.