Carl Wright

The analytical problem solving that was part of Carl Wright’s geography degree at Edge Hill has prepared him for his role as deputy operational services manager for Fairbanks Environmental.
The content of your course may not be directly related to your job, as was the case with me,” said Carl, who is based in Skelmersdale. “But there will be transferrable skills and this is what I tell students.

Carl, who graduated in 2012 has returned to campus to talk to current students about his job.
I’ve been back to Edge Hill twice for careers events and I’ve stayed for networking and questions afterwards because I think it’s really important for students to get insights into different types of jobs. I think it’s more beneficial to the students if you can be specific about the skills required in the workplace, because of course there are many transferrable skills.

Carl has worked at Fairbanks Environmental for six years and his work concerns wet stock data analysis, which means he monitors the fuel on petrol station forecourts and detects any leaks.
It’s all based on teamwork and communication. I help my manager run our team of 14, responding to customers and dealing with internal and external communication.

Time allowing, Carl makes sure he keeps up to date with training and upskilling.
Since I’ve been working I make the best of every opportunity that comes along. I’ve finished NVQ Level 5 in management and leadership and the discipline learnt at Edge Hill has stood me in good stead in my job.

Career planning while at university is important, he says.
You need to be preparing for working life as well as focusing on the study side, especially in third year. At Edge Hill there are excellent student support services to help you with writing CVs and mock interviews and so on. I took full advantage of this support and I’m glad I did.

When I was at university I felt the stress of writing essays and assignments into the early hours. I used to avoid modules with presentations because frankly they terrified me, but over time and with the support I got from the staff at Edge Hill my fear lessened. Since then I’ve also developed confidence in the workplace.

I loved my time at Edge Hill and it was a shame in a way to leave when I did because current students are benefitting from all the work that’s been done on the campus with the upgraded facilities, for example with The Hub. I haven’t ruled out an MA and Edge Hill would be my first choice. I would gladly go back.

To find out more about studying this programme, please view full course information for BSc (Hons) Geography.