Emily Boram is a Marine Scientist in the offshore renewables team at RPS Energy. Emily is based in Woking, although she regularly visits client’s offices and attends consultation meetings, both in the UK and throughout Europe.

How did you become interested in the marine environment?

I have lived by the coast nearly all my life and loved spending my summers snorkelling, sailing and kayaking. As a result I became fascinated by the underwater world, the species that inhabited it and became conscious of the impact that man could have on this environment.

What was your entry route?

Following the completion of my degree in Marine Biology and Oceanography at the University of Southampton, I studied for a master’s degree in Environmental Diagnosis and Management at Royal Holloway. By this time, I knew I wanted a career in environmental consultancy and the key element of the masters was a four month industry placement.

How has your career progressed so far?

My first job at RPS was on secondment with a client. I was responsible for the environmental management of a 100 acre industrial site. Following this, I worked for the marine ecology team undertaking surveys (although I was a little sea sick at times) and data analysis for proposed developments. After a couple of years, I moved to the RPS offshore renewables team. I am currently an assistant project manager coordinating the Environmental Impact Assessments for a Round 3 offshore wind farm.

What are your main responsibilities/tasks?

As an assistant project manager, I am responsible for the coordination and management of Environmental Statements. This includes liaising and working with a range of disciplines within the client organisation (including consents managers, engineers, legal advisors and senior managers), day to day management of specialist technical authors, undertaking consultation and working with stakeholders.

What are the main qualities and skills you need to do your job?

Although a background in environmental sciences is important, it is imperative that a project manager is organised, able to juggle a large number of different tasks and is an efficient and effective communicator. At times, the work can be stressful (especially near deadlines) so it is important to not get flustered under pressure.

Where do you see your career heading?

I would love to gain more experience on a variety of projects. There are fantastic opportunities as an environmental consultant to explore the world and hopefully I will be lucky enough to do so. What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy working as part of an experienced team at RPS – it is a brilliant way to learn a huge amount. Having to work with different clients and stakeholders also increases my understanding of people’s concerns and demands on our environment.

Do you have any tips for someone considering a similar career to yours?

Wherever possible, undertake work placements to learn more about what you would like to do for a career and use this to identify an appropriate degree. It is important to remember that careers are not often a straight path and all the opportunities and different experiences you have along the way will only aid your development. Above all, you must have a passion and love for your subject as this really shows through in your work.