Kimberley Waugh

Throughout my degree, I was introduced to key skills such as qualitative and quantitative datasets, how to collect and analyse them and interact with the public to gather their thoughts and opinions. I was introduced to research methods, sustainability and the global built environment, GIS, and heritage tourism which sparked my interest in the built environment sector. I learnt about key decisions and processes that need to be taken and how we end up at those decisions, who plays a part and what impact they have on people, places and the environment.

The fieldwork was the most practical way to practice your skillset and break through any nerves around engaging with the public and in different environments that are new to you, and one of my favourite things about studying at Edge Hill. I also really loved the campus and the staff, who really looked after you and made you feel part of the Edge Hill family, they couldn’t do enough to give you every opportunity you needed. It was also really cool to learn so much new information about a variety of topics across the Geography umbrella.

We had a careers and employability week which helped us with CVs, skill identification and interview tips such as the STAR technique. We also met different employers along the way. Our lecturers had specific specialities, and they were a wealth of knowledge and good networking point. I also volunteered with the Royal Geographical Society, encouraged by the department.

The top three skills that I gained from my degree were:

• Research and analysis
• Interpersonal skills
• Confidence and leadership

In my final year, I did a Heritage Tourism module which I think became the driving force behind the decision to go for it as a career choice. I have always loved heritage! I live in a mining town (St. Helens) and the heritage in my town shines through in every part of the environment, whether it’s obvious or not. I loved educating people on this and sharing my passion, and I loved being able to make a difference in the area I live. I used to work at the local glass museum curating exhibitions and giving guided tours. I then met PLACED (Liverpool based CIC) at a community engagement event I was volunteering at, based on a historic building in my hometown, and from there I knew I loved talking to people, giving them a voice in major regeneration projects, planning projects, masterplans or other project work – things that led to visible change for the better of the community. At the same time, I became a Director at a local CIC working to regenerate a Grade II listed building in St. Helens with Town Deal Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund money.

My job is varied! One day I can be in Wirral working on a local transport project, the next I can be at our youth programme in Liverpool (PLACED Academy) inspiring young people to take steps into Architecture, Planning or other built environment careers. I could be at my desk planning and coordinating a variety of workshops, events and pop ups, or working internally on our policies, IT safety and budgets/time management. I also have oversight of our Ambassador programme of over 150 professionals/students who volunteer with us. I’ve worked across the North West on a huge variety of really cool projects so this keeps me really busy. You may occasionally find me joining major conferences and networking events, and joining roundtables on Heritage-led Regeneration with Historic England and similar organisations.

Geography under pins everything – you can go in so many directions with it. At Edge Hill you’re going to be pushed to do your best. The team know you’re capable of doing it, you just need to believe in yourself and give everything your best go. It’s OK to not know it all or not be good at it at first, experience will help you along the way. The more you do it, the better you’ll be.

The Geography department at Edge Hill gives excellent support and guidance – follow their lead and you’ll absolutely smash it!