Government and Local Government

Geography’s emphasis on seeing connections between differing aspects of society is a highly prized skill for those with careers in and around the halls of power

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Libby Davis, Emergency Planning Officer

East Sussex County Council

Degree: Geography BSc, University of East Anglia

Studying geography was the natural choice for me, driven by my fascination with natural hazards and their impact on communities. My A-Level geography teacher was the person to introduce me to the field of emergency planning — where the human and physical worlds intersect in preparation for and response to various hazards, both natural and man-made.

I studied Geography at the University of East Anglia (UEA), and I embraced a diverse curriculum, exploring modules in environmental science, international development, and law. Although challenging, mastering Geographic Information Systems (GIS) became an invaluable skill.

Today, I am an Emergency Planning Officer for East Sussex County Council, fulfilling my dream career. My role involves planning and responding to a wide array of threats, including flooding, terrorism, disease outbreaks, and cybercrimes. This work often involves coordinating emergency exercises with multiple responder organisations to ensure preparedness.

My experience has been varied and rewarding, from collaborating with the Lawn Tennis Association to working with nuclear power stations. My geography degree provided me with a broad perspective on hazards, enabling me to lead initiatives in promoting using GIS maps to enhance emergency response strategies.

Cengizhan Sehir, Global Trade Programme Manager for Americas and Turkey

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Degree: Geography and Economics, Aberystwyth

I lead on regional activities for the Global Trade Programme in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The programme’s primary objective is to utilise economic diplomacy to promote global prosperity, growth and gender impacts whilst alleviating poverty in our partner countries. I lead on these developments within the Americas geographical region as well as with Turkey.

Geography is part and parcel of working at the FCO. Having an understanding of the world is what our job is all about, both the human and physical side of things. Having a wide variety of skills and knowledge that geography develops as well as just being able to operate with different people.

Hannah Procter, Planning Officer

Local Authority Apprentice Town Planner

Degree: BA Geography at The University of East Anglia, working towards an MA in Town and Country Planning at London Southbank University

My desire to study Human Geography was due to my keen interest in environmental conservation. Its multi-disciplinary nature allowed me to explore a range of topics regarding both the built and natural environment, from climate change and the Anthropocene to energy and people.

I feel that a degree in Human Geography gives you the tools which you can utilise in a variety of different careers. I most enjoyed learning about human interaction with the wider environment. This has led me to continue my studies in the form of an MA in Town and Country Planning whilst working as an apprentice Town Planner at a Local Authority.

While studying geography, I gained experience with various software, such as GIS, which is applicable in my current role in the planning sector, from mapping Article 4 directions to highlighting site allocations for potential development. Report writing and analysis for Undergraduate assignments gave me the tools to help with writing Officer’s Reports for planning applications, as well as my understanding of Local and National policy and how it influences planning decisions.