Emma Wilson

After doing a seven month placement with Darlington council which was organised by the university, I have now been offered a full time role.

What are you doing now?

I am currently a Food Safety & Environmental Protection Officer at Darlington Borough Council.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

It is one of a few places that offer a Masters in Environmental Health in the North. I really liked that most of the staff have had careers in Environmental Health. In addition the University offered a discount for achieving a good grade at undergraduate level. The location is ideal for commuting as it's right in the centre of Newcastle so transport links are great.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

The teaching styles are very varied on the course. The lectures and seminars were very interactive and encourage active discussion. We often had guest lecturers and there were plenty of field trips to allow you to put the lectures into context in a real world setting.

How connected was your course with industry?

The Environmental Health staff were very well connected and offered me several opportunities that have helped me gain employment. They helped me to obtain my first choice of placement, which was excellent experience and helped me to obtain employment. They also arranged for me to do my dissertation with a real business in Gateshead, which looked great on my CV and has helped towards my PPP.

What was the best thing about your course?

The teaching staff!

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

The course is CIEH accredited which is a requirement to become an Environmental Health Officer. The staff also have strong ties to the CIEH and the North East Regional Management Board which is excellent for making connections.

Which skills/ knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

All of the assessments mirror what you would be expected to do once in employment which helps you to hit the ground running.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

I met some fantastic people.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

If you have any questions just get in touch with the programme leader, they couldn't do enough to answer any of my questions or queries.

How would you describe your time at Northumbria in 3 words?

Challenging, rewarding and fun.