My Â鶹´«Ã½ Story: Building a career in digital services with Mia Macfee
August 06, 2024
Mia, a graduate geographic information system (GIS) analyst, shares how Â鶹´«Ã½ supports her professional and personal growth
In the My Â鶹´«Ã½ Story series, our designers, engineers, marketers, project managers, and leaders come together to share how their career journeys at Â鶹´«Ã½ have shaped their lives and moved them closer to their goals.
Tell us about your role¡
I joined Â鶹´«Ã½ in October 2023 as a graduate geographic information system (GIS) analyst in the Leeds office. My role within the Digital Services team involves working on projects across the UK water industry. We strive to deliver meaningful data-driven insights to projects as innovatively and efficiently as possible for both internal teams and clients. This can take the form of data visualisation via maps, dashboards, and Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) experiences, or the development of unique automated geospatial analysis tools, to help streamline and optimise project work.
What attracted you to a career at Â鶹´«Ã½?
As a geographer at university, I was always keen to see my interests in natural science, environmental data, and policy design be materialised and applied in the context of current problems facing water, energy, and environmental sectors. Â鶹´«Ã½ offered this opportunity to participate in real-world problem solving amongst a large network of likeminded people. Beyond this, I was drawn to the people-focused nature and values of the company, as well as the attention given to professional development opportunities.
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How has your personal and professional development been supported at Â鶹´«Ã½?
In addition to being surrounded by supportive colleagues who motivate me, I¡¯ve been able to grow personally and professionally through multiple initiatives that keep me busy. Participating in the Leeds Developing Professional Group (DPGs) is a great way to build my Â鶹´«Ã½ network. I join monthly talks, lunches, and activities which centre around learning more about the disciplines and people in the wider business. The Graduate Development Programme and Storm Overflow Academy Training Programme also provides dedicated training and networking opportunities. Â鶹´«Ã½ has also provided a great environment to begin thinking about my professional chartership¡ªfrom covering membership fees and helping to find a mentor, to promoting events and training that contribute to my professional development.?
I enjoy working on projects with different teams and skillsets, promoting a collaborative culture, and gradually building a breadth of discipline experience on top of my technical GIS and analysis skills.
What has been the standout project for you during your time at Â鶹´«Ã½?
Since joining Â鶹´«Ã½, I¡¯ve worked analytically on a range of projects that include GIS-based contaminated land and pollution pathway assessments. Working with my team, I tested the performance and viability of multiple, newer smart monitor types for observing water quality, both in the wastewater network for signalling levels and in the river watercourse. ?It was rewarding to be using data-driven techniques to inform decision-making towards improved river health.??
What are your ambitions for your future at Â鶹´«Ã½?
For now, I hope to continue progressing in the Digital Services team, building on both my technical capabilities and knowledge of the wider business disciplines. With time, I¡¯m keen to develop my experience and skill in consultancy and management in water and environmental sectors. Alongside this, I¡¯m working towards professional chartership with the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
What are your passions outside of work?
I simply love spending time outdoors and with family and friends! The ideal day would be a big group outing with the dogs, along the beach or in the dales, followed by a few plates of good pub food. I¡¯m also passionate about glaciology, which I studied with remote sensing in my recent Masters¡ªI¡¯m currently working with the University of Leeds in my free time to push forward this research.
Why should others join the Â鶹´«Ã½ team?
Joining Â鶹´«Ã½ will have you feeling welcomed with open arms. Everyone I¡¯ve met along my Â鶹´«Ã½ journey has made me feel glad to have joined. In my experience, the company stays true to its values¡ªcreating a culture that motivates you to achieve, whilst also prioritising your needs and allowing you the freedom and independence to design your own growth.
At Â鶹´«Ã½, we put people first. For Mia, that means being surrounded by supportive colleagues and programmes that help her develop professionally and personally.
