Lucy Daniels

Coming from a small village, Cardiff had everything I needed for my first move away from home – plenty of outdoor activities, a vibrant city and a friendly, and a welcoming Earth and Environmental Sciences department.

My degree provided me with an excellent overview of the Earth Sciences, keeping the door wide open to a range of career paths. Throughout my three years of study, I developed many transferrable skills and had the opportunity to pick modules suited to my interests.

Alongside my studies, I made lifelong friends and memories through Cardiff University Mountaineering Club, making the most of the incredible scenery (and nightlife!) in South Wales.

I also had the opportunity to travel further afield as part of my degree, including a week-long visit to learn about the Netherlands’ impressive flood defence systems. My interest in flooding developed on this fieldtrip turned out to be an important factor in my life, leading me to my current role.

Graduate career

As a Consultant at Wallingford Hydro Solutions, my role revolves around the water environment. My job is incredibly varied with my favourite projects being those involving flood risk assessments and hydraulic modelling, as well as hydrometric fieldwork.

My experience at Cardiff University provided me with strong academic and personal foundations on which to build upon in my career. I use skills developed during my degree on a day-to-day basis, including GIS, hydrology and report writing skills as well as softer skills surrounding teamwork and communication.

I can’t recommend Cardiff enough. It’s a great city and I’ve always felt safe here. It had everything I needed when I first came to university, and it still does now I’m in the world of work!