Stuart Benette
Stuart Benette, BSc (Hons) Geography and Criminology (combined), MSc Environmental Management
Postgraduate study was a great career move for Stuart Bennette who landed his first job through his work placement.
"Studying geography during my degree really opened up the subject for me. I began to realise there was so much more to it than what I had learned at school.
"Through geography I began to examine how the world around us impacts on everyday life. The course took us outside the lecture room too with field trips to really bring the subject to life.
"The north east is also a great and diverse area to study geography with so many different landscapes and Sunderland of course has its dramatic coastline.
"During my course I also became more interested in the environmental aspects of geography which led me to study for a Masters in Environmental Management.
"As part of my postgraduate studies, I went on a placement with one of the UK's leading Environmental and Engineering consultancies who then offered me a job after just three weeks. I now specialise in environmental noise and acoustic monitoring, modelling and reporting for a range of residential and commercial developments.
"The work can be really varied, from predicting the noise effects of a late night food store delivery to the potential noise effect of a new road scheme upon the surrounding local residents.
"I did not plan to go to university, but a last minute change of heart led me to go through clearing and to get a place at Sunderland. I'm really glad I did as it opened up a whole area of study for me that has put me on an excellent career path and led me to make some great friendships that will last a lifetime.
"I enjoyed a good social life at university which included working in the student union bars and nightclub as well as actively getting involved with the golf society. I keep in touch with a lot of friends from my time at the university and we meet up regularly."
Stuart Benette, BSc (Hons) Geography and Criminology (combined), MSc Environmental Management, Environmental Engineer at WYG Environment
