I am a BSc Physical Geography student studying at the University of Leeds. I am currently undertaking a placement year at LEAP Environmental as part of my degree. I applied for the role after meeting one of LEAP’s former undergraduates at my university’s STEM fair. As an outdoorsy person, I enjoyed hearing about all the interesting site work and projects she had been involved with during her placement, and I wanted to experience it myself.

I am learning how dynamic this industry can be and find myself carrying out different tasks every day! I have been encouraged to undertake a variety of fieldwork including gas monitoring and groundwater monitoring and sampling, as well as preparing for and assisting in site investigations and verification jobs. My reporting responsibilities have also included typing up logs and drafting Phase I Desk Studies and factual letter reports. My colleagues also tell me I’m the queen of QGIS!

One of the things that I love most about LEAP is its friendly and inclusive nature – whether its playing badminton, taking part in bake-offs or camping on the weekend – there’s always something in the LEAP social calendar to look forward to!

LEAP also strongly encourages personal development; which I believe is so important when starting a career. From attending regular graduate training sessions and external lectures, and frequently being given new and exciting challenges in both the office and the field, I feel that I have gained a wealth of invaluable experience in the geo-environmental and geotechnical industry to date. And this is only the beginning…

Name
Emilia

Role
Undergraduate