Growing as an RSK graduate with hands-on project experience and a mentor
Earlier this year, we met Ecology and Environment Graduate Erín Hood, who was undertaking her first placement at RSK Group company Cambridge Environmental Assessments (CEA).
In the months she’s been at the business, she’s had the opportunity to become thoroughly involved in many projects and has been assigned a mentor, who is on hand to guide her.
As her time at CEA comes to an end, Erín is looking back at the progress she’s made since first joining RSK in 2023.
These past few months have been busy and varied. I was able to help in the preparation of a mesocosm study, which is an outdoor experimental system that examines the natural environment under controlled conditions. It was fascinating to see complex projects set up and carried out. Sometimes the work was physically demanding, but I enjoyed spending lots of time outdoors.
As my placement has gone on, my confidence in my knowledge and professional ability has grown substantially. When I first joined RSK, I was apprehensive that I wouldn’t have enough industry knowledge, but now I confidently express my opinion and offer solutions to work-based problems. Laboratory work used to feel daunting, but I’m pleased to say my skills in that area of the role have improved! I now complete day-to-day tasks with ease and enjoy doing them.
Everyone at CEA has been incredibly supportive and provided me with training when needed. Being able to use the knowledge I gained from my undergraduate and postgraduate studies and apply it to real-life situations has been great.
Principal Consultant Catherine McQuillan from RSK Ireland has been assigned as my mentor. Through her, I’ve been provided with a brilliant insight into the different types of professional chartership. I am looking forward to developing further under Catherine’s guidance in the coming months.
During this placement, I’ve allowed myself time to settle into my new job, house and city. In the coming months, I intend to look out for networking events and training opportunities that I can attend. I would love to get involved with the promotion of geoscience careers within secondary and primary schools.
As the first part of my journey at RSK concludes, I appreciate the chance to have worked at CEA alongside a close-knit and brilliant team and to have been so hands-on with projects. My time here has flown by, and I will certainly miss it; however, I am remaining in the Boxworth office for my second placement so will see my old colleagues every day.
Up next, I will be joining the team at RSK Geosciences. I am looking forward to learning new skills while making use of the knowledge I gained during my undergraduate studies in environmental geosciences. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead in the coming months.
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CEA
Cambridge Environmental Assessments (CEA), established in 2001 and having several physical footprints in the UK and Ireland, provides strategic support for chemical product registrations across Europe, encompassing agrochemicals, biocides, veterinary medicines and other chemical products. It specialises in higher-tier risk assessments, including designing and conducting higher-tier studies.