Mia Whittaker

After completing my BSc Geography and MA Climate Change Politics and Policy, I joined JBA Consulting’s graduate scheme. At JBA, I am a Climate and Sustainability Assistant Analyst and have worked on projects with major clients. Most of my work has been around climate adaptation, decarbonisation strategies and flood management.

My Master’s gave me a solid foundation for my profession and meant that, despite an incredibly steep learning curve, I had the academic knowledge and transferable skills to join project teams and work on client deliverables straight away. This meant that the degree program’s emphasis on practical skills such as research, data analysis and policy evaluation, empowered me to effectively contribute to complex environmental projects. The Climate Science into Practice module was instrumental in giving me an insight into consultancy work. The coursework tasks directly emulate the type of day-to-day work I do in my job.

In addition, my MA has equipped me with skills to support internal business development including environmental legislation compliance and writing tenders to win project work. Working with the Environment Agency (EA) as a key client whilst at JBA Consulting is an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to directly apply my knowledge and skills in a real-world context. The projects I have worked on with the EA range from flood risk management to coastal defence schemes; these require a deep understanding of climate science coupled with the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders.

Upon reflection, my project experiences highlight the importance of the transferable skills nurtured at Loughborough, such as critical thinking, effective communication, and innovative research.  For future graduates of the Climate Change Politics and Policy program, it’s essential to recognise the value of these skills. Engage deeply with your coursework and seek out opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in practical settings. The ability to translate complex climate science and policy into actionable strategies will be your greatest asset, particularly when working with influential clients.