University of Edinburgh
Geographical Society Newsletter
EDITOR'S LETTER
I hope you have had a great semester so far and well done on all your coursework that has been handed in. It'll make a great topic of conversation over Christmas dinner! I know from when I was in third year that you have had a tough and very stressful semester, I have good news... it does get better and you should all be very proud of yourselves. First years I hope you have had a great first semester at Edinburgh and are no longer getting lost around Kings Buildings. Good luck for your Human Geography take-home exam next week! (Nature is a social construct...)
The theme for this newsletter is 'where are they now?' relating to the scary prospect of the life after graduation. I have interviewed three wonderful past Geography students about their journey from fourth year to the positions they are in today. I hope this helps and gives you some guidance on the different options that are out there. In addition, I have added some pictures from our charity events this semester, enjoy!
I wish you the best of luck for your exams and enjoy the local festivities!
Rebecca Shannon ~ Creative Manager
GEOSOC CHARITY OF THE YEAR
This year the Geographical Society chose to support the Beatson Cancer Charity. Beatson is determined to beat cancer and is committed to securing significant funding to support and enhance the treatment, care and wellbeing of current, former and future cancer patients and their families.
This charity also supported a friend who was a student here at Edinburgh, supporting her through her battle with cancer and ultimately making her final year as comfortable as possible.
We ran a number of events this semester in our efforts to raise money for the Beatson including the 'Great Geography Bake Off' and the Winter Ceilidh! A great thank you to everyone who has been to our events! Hopefully we can raise more money next semester and continue contributing to the fantastic work of the Beatson!
The Great Geography Bake Off
The Winter Dance
So far we have raised a fantastic £865! A great big thank you to everyone who has contributed through these events! Roll on next year!
'WHERE ARE THEY NOW?' EDITION
Have a dream job and don't know what steps to take to get there?
DO NOT PANIC! It's getting to that point of time in our lives where we need to decide our next steps on our journey. To give you a starting point I have asked some Geography alumni (who are also past geogsoc members!) to tell their story and give some tips on how they got to the position they are in today! As we are all going in different directions I have asked Rebekah Miller, a PHD Student, Michael Flavin, a student in the finance and business field, and Hannah Cooper, a student in the Geographical field, for their thoughts. I hope these articles help and give you some idea of how to go about your next steps.
PHD Student
Rebekah Miller graduated from Edinburgh University three years ago. Since then she has successfully completed a Masters in Human Geography and is now in the midst of studying a PHD. Check out her story here...
Finance Analyst
Michael Flavin, last year’s GeogSoc president, is now enjoying his fantastic new job as a Finance Analyst with Centrica. Check out his journey and tips here...
Consultant within Flood Risk
Hannah Cooper graduated from Edinburgh University two years ago. Hannah successfully completed a Masters and is now employed as a graduate consultant within flood risk. Check out her journey here...
Would you like a session covering guidance and tips on applying to do a Masters?
Email: s1305674@sms.ed.ac.uk
GEOGPALS FOR FIRST YEARS
Next semester we are back to give you guidance with your Physical Geography course by running three workshops across the semester where we will be focusing more on the content of the course. Think of it as GeogPALs presents fun with Soils!
Follow our Facebook page for updates and reminders!
GEOSCIENCE CODING CLUB
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn to code as it not only enhances your skills but it has also given many students the tools to use R in their dissertations. You soon discover how much easier working with large data sets are when you know how to code!
THE ECOMETRICA AWARD
The winning entry will be a project that uses spatial or earth observation data to answer a specific environmental, social or commercial question. Ecometrica suggests, but does not limit, themes relating to agriculture, biodiversity, water security, forestry or demography. Last year's winner was Zoe Whitley who created an amazing Agroforestry Suitability Model.
The deadline is FRIDAY, 9TH DECEMBER. Details on applying and more detailed information can be found here. Good luck with your entries!
SPORTS ROUNDUP
Like what you hear and fancy giving it a shot? Don't hesitate to get in contact:
- Netball - s1536339@sms.ed.ac.uk
- Football - s1305047@sms.ed.ac.uk
- Hockey - s1302561@sms.ed.ac.uk
RSGS AMBASSADOR SCHEME
The RSGS ambassador scheme that was set up last year is hoping to continue next semester. If you are interested in promoting the importance of Geography to school pupils, improving your communication skills and boosting your CV than please email your interest and any questions you may have to s1313822@sms.ed.ac.uk.
Check out the final RSGS talk this semester...
Jenny Balfour-Paul
Jenny Balfour-Paul, traveller and authority on indigo, traces the footsteps of Thomas Machell, a Victorian adventurer and fellow indigo lover. Through India, Arabia and the South Pacific, she combines her own journals and sketches with those of Machell's; offering a unique insight into the social history of British colonialism, while telling the story of a forgotten, progressive pioneer.