Emma Chambers MSci Geophysics, 2014

Time processing geophysicist, ION

The MSci Geophysics course combined my love for maths and physics at school with geology. There were also lots of opportunities for field trips and so many different career pathways to choose after finishing.

The University of Southampton stood out as it was one of the few universities in the country to offer this degree.

How did being located at Highfield benefit your time at university?

For most of my degree I was based at the NOCS campus, but for my first year having some of my physics and maths lectures on the main campus meant I felt included with the rest of the University. I also met a range of people studying things rather different to me which gave me a broader outlook on life.

What did you enjoy most about your degree?

I really enjoyed the fieldtrips (particularly Brittany) and also the opportunity to carry out research with leading professors, lecturers and PhD students alongside my degree. There were always opportunities to get involved with research that I found interesting.

What opportunities did you take up that really added value to your experience as a student?

I worked for a summer with one of my lecturers on the East African Rift. This led to a publication in a scientific journal and fed my passion for research. There were also numerous careers fairs to meet industry experts plus opportunities to take part in music societies such as Concert Band and Jazzmanix.

How did your studies and experience at Southampton shape your future?

During my studies I learned to use programs such as ProMAX and Petrel and ArcGIS, which are used in industry as well as learn about many areas of geophysics from the wide range of modules available. These skills combined with the OES careers day allowed us to make connections and helped bridge the gap between University and industry.

When you graduated what were your career ambitions?

When I graduated I planned to work for several years and then later return back to academia for a PhD in a similar field.

Where are you working now?

I am currently working for ION, an upstream data processing company in the oil and gas sector.

Tell us about your current role?

I am currently a time processing geophysicist, meaning I typically take marine seismic data and use a series of noise removal and multiple techniques to generate the best image of the subsurface possible before the data is migrated and imaged in depth.

What tips would you give to current students looking to start a career in your sector?

For people looking for jobs in data processing or oil and gas, I would recommend writing to companies asking if they offer internships or work experience. The company I currently work for wrote back saying no they don't offer placements initially but with this contact I set up a summer internship program and we will be taking another student from Southampton this year. Don't be afraid to ask!