In 2024, Geoscience for the Future is keen to highlight the stories of recent geoscience graduates! If you have a story to share, get in touch with us at geoforthefuture@gmail.com.
This month, we hear from David Whitworth, a carbon storage geoscientist!
How did your degree in geoscience help you in your chosen career?
Studying geology has helped me build a career as a geoscientist, first in academia, and now in the energy transition industry. I currently work as a carbon storage geoscientist for a consultancy while completing my PhD in my spare time.
I also volunteer as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) partner with outreach programmes funded by the Royal Society. This has enabled me to support dozens of students to carry out professional level research in the field of coastal geomorphology, and learn to fly drones!
What have you learnt since being employed?
My employment as an industry geologist has taught me to apply rigorous academic knowledge to common industry problems, both in oil & gas exploration, and in low-carbon sectors such as carbon storage, geothermal, and nuclear waste storage. A wide grounding in different geological systems gained from my degrees (Bachelors, Masters, and PhD), gives me a good foundation of skills to build on. This has enabled me to gain experience in a range of subdisciplines of geology which has further strengthened my career prospects.
I’ve learned that industry work relies heavily on academic knowledge and research, but often without the long timeframes involved in gathering this knowledge- so smart, efficient working is key. I’ve also learned that fieldwork is key to a holistic geological knowledge base, so grab those fieldwork opportunities while you can!
What knowledge can you pass onto students currently undertaking their degree or A-levels?
My advice to early career geologists and students is to follow your passion, whichever aspect of geosciences that may be. As a soft-rock geologist, I’m often told that my work isn’t as exciting as that of a volcanologist, but I still love a good sandstone, and I relish every opportunity to go and look at ‘real-life rocks’.
What helped me to stand out in the job market was the additional activities and efforts I made alongside my studies. These included being a member, and later President, of my university Geoscience Society, being a Peer Guide for younger students, and volunteering as a department guide on open days. My other recommendation is to make the most of any resources at your disposal, such as becoming a member of the Geological Society of London, accessing their library either online or in London.
These things will help you stand above the crowd of other graduates, as a geoscientist who is passionate about their work, as well as driven to have a successful career.
What do you wish you’d known?
I wish I knew during my GCSEs and A Levels how important those years really were. The grades themselves are less important than the knowledge gained. Basic maths comes up in any kind of numerate profession, and I often find myself thinking “if only I’d listened to that Friday afternoon maths class with Mr Hampson in 2010…”!
