Penny Crookshank- BSc Geography
Now works as: Tenant Energy Efficiency Consultant
Now works for: London Borough of Havering Council
"I finished my BSc in Geography at Bangor in 2014 after three incredible years. The course was really enjoyable and I especially liked modules that involved energy such as; renewable energy, energy and society, field course: Barcelona, work placement, and sustainable development鈥� although the numerous field trips were equally as fun! Over the three years I gained extensive experience and knowledge into the energy industry by completing numerous work placements with energy companies and businesses. In addition to this I completed various energy management research projects for companies which led me to be awarded ‘most enterprising student of the year 2013.’ Finally, my dissertation was based on creating energy efficiency and microgeneration technology recommendations for a small organisation. I believe all these aspects over the past three years really helped me gain a job.
"Before I graduated, I was overwhelmed to be offered a job as an tenant energy efficiency consultant. The job came to me as a huge challenge as it is a brand new role within the council, it requires me to set my own objectives and projects. The job involves being responsible for the provision of an advice service on energy efficiency for tenants and leaseholders in the Council’s housing stock. I conduct one-to-one advice to individual residents, showing them how to save energy in their own home, how to get cheaper energy prices, and how to check their home is energy efficient. I also give advice at meetings and other events, and provide written advice on websites, in leaflets/publications and other forms of communication. I am also required to go into local schools to educate and encourage children of different age groups to think about energy efficiency. 聽
"This is a brilliant and very flexible job as I will be frequently doing different things, both in and out of the office and constantly meeting new people, making the job very different and exciting. It is great knowing my job involves helping all age groups and family's concerned with fuel poverty. I’ve been really lucky with my job as it is a near-perfect blend of all of the things that interested me during my academic studies; the work placements I completed and my dissertation are also extremely relevant. My job will bring聽 me plenty of future opportunities."