David Owen

I am now one of a team of Contract Managers at a geotechnical engineering company, running some large ground investigation projects and making full use of the skills and knowledge obtained from the master’s degree from Cardiff University.

My Bachelor’s degree in Geology and Natural Resource Management initially led me into a roll working for a geological charity. Initially know as Gloucestershire RIGS Group, the organisation progressed to becoming a registered charity, Gloucestershire Geology Trust (GGT). After nearly a decade with GGT, I decided that I needed to widen my knowledge in order to progress into a longer-term career with a commercial company, with greater prospect for career development and progression.

Returning to education

The MSc Applied Environmental Geology course immediately appealed to me due to the variety of disciplines covered, the opportunities to work in industry as part of the course, and the reputation of Cardiff University as a campus for the earth sciences. It was apparent that this course could open doors into greater career prospects, and it did not disappoint.

I completed the course part-time over a 3-year period while I continued working with GGT; without this flexibility and the opportunity to continue working while studying, I would not have been able to undertake the course.

Professional project

As I was still working, my independent study placement made use of my existing knowledge of important geological sites, while incorporating subjects introduced to me from the master’s course - most notably the geotechnical based modules. I completed a study of the geotechnical stability of a series of Sites of Special Scientific Interest located in Gloucestershire, assessing the potential modes of slope failure and undertaking a risk assessment based on the findings.

Graduate career

On completion of the Applied Environmental Geology course, I successfully applied for a position as an Engineering Geologist at Geotechnical Engineering Ltd (GEL), where skills and knowledge gained from Cardiff University were extremely valuable.

As a field engineer, I worked on numerous ground investigation projects throughout the country, including both geotechnical and geo-environmental investigations. My previous focus on slope stability was immediately relevant, as a speciality of GEL was the use of the award winning P60 slope climbing drilling rig, used extensively on road and rail embankments, reservoir dams and natural slopes.

I am now one of a team of Contract Managers at a geotechnical engineering company, running some large ground investigation projects and making full use of the skills and knowledge obtained from the master’s degree from Cardiff University.