Sam Walker
Subject: BSc Geography
Graduated: 2015
Place of work: Metro Bank
Position: Cash Management Specialist
What made you choose to study geography at the University?
To be perfectly honest, I had no career path in mind during my time at sixth form completing my A levels. Choosing a career felt too final at the time, and I chose a geography degree because I saw it as a degree for an all-rounder: giving me a chance to improve my writing and communication skills, my mathematical ability and getting to grips with quirky technology and statistics software… oh, and an opportunity to go on awesome trips. That played a part too!
What skills did you acquire during this time?
Aside from huge improvements to my writing and verbal communication, skills with numbers and analytical skills, I look back on University as a time where I made loads of friends and had an amazing time: holistically, something I could never put a price on.
What are your fondest memories from your time at the school?
Completing fieldwork in Mexico and completing my dissertation. During the former, I took cores from the bottom of lakes to help give me insights into what the climate was like 300 years ago; and during the latter I used Borris Bikes to cycle around London sticking up diffusion tubes on lampposts which essentially measure the cleanliness of the air we breathe. I compared this to the local presence of chronic lung disease.
Where are you working now and what does the role involve?
I work in Cash Management for Metro Bank, the newest high street bank in the UK. My role involves working with commercial businesses to ensure they have the technology and banking products at their disposal to make sure they can pay their bills and suppliers.
What advice would you give to someone considering following a similar career path?
Your future employers will take into account the person you are as well as the qualifications and credentials you have.