I Got Hired: Environment Coordinator

Posted on: 13 April 2023 by Samantha Riella in Graduate stories

Grace Barrett is a BA Geography graduate now working as a Environment Coordinator at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.

How did you get to where you are now?

During my third and final year of university I worked in a part-time admin role in the Covid Vaccination Hub at the Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust on a temporary contract. During my time in this role I spoke with colleagues about my plans and aspirations after I finished university, and talked about how I was aiming for a role working in sustainability/climate change once I graduated. My line manager at the time said she would put me in contact with a colleague who knew more about the NHS's work around sustainability and Net Zero, and she agreed to arrange an informal chat with the Climate Change Lead for the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership to discuss careers in this field. Following this initial discussion, I was offered an unpaid role to support the Partnership's Climate Change team. This involved attending their weekly team meetings and writing and presenting a paper on climate risk, management and resilience in healthcare to the group. This experience was invaluable and instrumental when applying for my current role- the Environment Coordinator for the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, which I applied for on NHS Jobs in the summer after graduated (2021). By working in an admin role within a healthcare setting, taking on an unpaid project for the integrated healthcare partnership and graduating with a first-class degree in geography, I was able to demonstrate a range of role-specific knowledge, relevant, transferable skills, strong work ethic and passion for my discipline. In October, I will begin my transition into the role of Environment Manager, a position which is currently left open for my professional development.  

What has been your best experience as part of your role?

One of the highlights of my role so far was visiting London to attend a seminar at the Royal Geographical Society on boosting colleague engagement with our Green Plan objectives. Going forwards, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in Estates to implement a number of innovative projects which will contribute to the decarbonisation of our hospital estate.

What has been the most challenging part of your graduate journey?   

Being patient- the final year of university can be very stressful and uncertain. Even if you have a clear idea of what you want to do, it can be a very frustrating and disheartening to receive (as I did) multiple job application rejections. It is also easy to feel the pressure to find a 'graduate role' or land a spot on one of the big graduate schemes, even if they are not really the right role for you. There were countless jobs I applied for out of panic that were not a good fit-looking back I can see why, and I am glad I wasn't selected! In addition to this, taking on an unpaid role can be a lot of work, especially alongside a degree and a part-time job, but for me this really allowed me to stand out at interview and I had so much relevant experience to talk about. It was challenging but so worth it and definitely contributed to being offered my current role.

What are your top tips for other students and graduates?   

  • Don't panic- I know it's easier said than done, but take your time, be patient and apply for roles that really align with your skills, knowledge and aspirations.
  • That being said- don't be put off by applying for a role you want but think ""there's no way you'll get"". Obviously use your judgement and be realistic, but there's no harm in putting an application in to see what happens. You never know, and there's no harm in trying.
  • Enjoy and make the most of your final year, it will be over before you know it.