Going Places with Geography Part 1

Summary

The Royal Geographical Society's video features individuals from diverse backgrounds, all connected by their passion for geography. It showcases how the study of geography, with its blend of physical, social, and environmental aspects, can lead to a variety of careers. From weather forecasting at Sky News to property valuation and charity work, the video highlights the practical applications and career opportunities that stem from a geographical education. It emphasizes the subject's real-world relevance and its role in understanding global interactions, making it a springboard for exciting and impactful careers.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The script emphasizes the diversity and global nature of geography, highlighting its relevance to understanding the world's people, places, and environments.
• 🎓 Geography is portrayed as a stepping stone to various careers, including weather forecasting, property valuation, and environmental work.
• 💼 Real-world experience and internships are valued in geography-related fields, as they provide practical insights and can lead to job opportunities.
• 🏫 The Royal Geographical Society promotes geography as a discipline that fosters understanding of the world and its interactions.
• 🌍 The script showcases the international aspect of geography, with examples of work and studies spanning different continents.
• 📈 Geography is linked to current issues like climate change, demonstrating its importance in addressing global challenges.
• 🏛️ The video features individuals working in various sectors, from media to charity, illustrating the broad applicability of geographical knowledge.
• 🌳 Fieldwork is highlighted as a crucial part of geographical studies, providing hands-on experience and a deeper connection to the subject matter.
• 🏢 The script mentions the importance of keeping options open during education, suggesting that geography can be a flexible foundation for various career paths.
• 🔍 The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping technologies is underscored as a key skill in the modern geographical field, with applications in various industries.
• 🌉 The script connects geography to community work and social services, showing how geographical understanding can inform and enhance community engagement and support.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers?

The main focus of the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers is to promote geography, which includes understanding the world's people, places, and environments, as well as the interactions between them.

Why did the speaker choose to study geography at a higher level?

The speaker chose to study geography at a higher level because they found the subject very diverse and it kept them in touch with the world around them, combining political, social, physical, and human aspects.

What career path did the speaker who is a weather forecaster and presenter at Sky News take after studying geography?

After studying geography, the speaker who is a weather forecaster and presenter at Sky News got connected with the PA weather center through a university lecturer, did work experience there, and later wrote to Sky News, which led to a job at Sky News.

What inspired James Cheshier to study geography at the University of Southampton?

James Cheshier was inspired to study geography at the University of Southampton after participating in a field trip to Iceland, which ignited his interest in fieldwork and the subject.

What type of properties does Kate, who works at Fullop Property Consultants, value?

Kate values a broad range of properties including Penthouse Flats, grotty bedsits, development sites, and affordable housing schemes.

How did Haley's role as the director at Volunteer Centre Cambridge involve geography?

Haley's role as the director at Volunteer Centre Cambridge involves geography through coordinating with various organizations and promoting volunteering opportunities, which often have a spatial component such as the Pirate Club's swimming program.

How does Clifford Pereira's family history relate to geography?

Clifford Pereira's family history relates to geography because he is an East African Asian living in London, which involves three continents, making geography a significant part of his family's story.

What is Sally White's role at Ordnance Survey, and how did her university studies lead her there?

Sally White is the International Relationship Manager at Ordnance Survey, managing relationships with national mapping agencies worldwide. Her university studies in GIS and mapping, which included using mapping for practical applications like emergency services and locating facilities, led her to her current role.

What project is the speaker working on at the Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)?

The speaker is working on a project at DEFRA aimed at improving air quality in the UK, focusing on cutting down air pollution.

How did the speaker's geography degree contribute to their understanding of climate change?

The speaker's geography degree provided a solid understanding of the issues related to climate change, which is crucial for their role in persuading people about its importance, as demonstrated by their interaction with Al Gore.

What was the speaker's career path after studying geography at SOAS, University of London?

After studying geography at SOAS, University of London, the speaker worked at the Zoological Society of London, then the Natural History Museum, and eventually at the Science Council, focusing on promoting remote science.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Exploring Geography's Impact on Careers

This paragraph introduces the theme of how geography as a subject can be both inspiring and practical, leading to diverse career paths. Steve Brace from the Royal Geographical Society emphasizes the importance of geography in understanding the world's people, places, and environments. The video aims to showcase the value of geography in further studies and career opportunities. Various professionals share their experiences, including a weather forecaster at Sky News, a student preparing for fieldwork in Alaska, a property consultant, and a charity director. Each individual's journey illustrates how their interest in geography has shaped their professional lives and kept them connected with the world.

05:01

🌐 Geography in Action: Careers and Personal Endeavors

The second paragraph delves into how geography has been applied in various professional and personal contexts. It features Clifford Pereira, who connects his family history research across continents to geography, and his career in GS development. Sally White, working for Ordinance Survey, discusses her role in international relations within the field of mapping. Another individual works on air quality improvement with the Civil Service, highlighting the application of geographical knowledge in environmental policy. The director of a project on climate change engagement shares the importance of a geographical understanding in addressing global issues, as exemplified by Al Gore's passion and knowledge. Lastly, the narrative includes a person's journey from studying geography to working at the Science Council, emphasizing the broad applicability of geographical education.

Keywords

💡Diversity

Diversity in the context of the video refers to the range of different experiences, perspectives, and subjects that geography encompasses. It is highlighted as an inspirational and engaging aspect of the field, which keeps individuals connected with the world around them. The video emphasizes how geography combines political, social, physical, and human elements, creating a rich and varied discipline. For example, the interviewees discuss how their studies in geography have led to diverse careers, from weather forecasting to property valuation.

💡Geography

Geography is the academic study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. The video underscores the importance of geography as a discipline that offers a holistic understanding of the world, including its people, places, and environments. It is portrayed as a subject that is both academically enriching and practically applicable, with graduates using their geographical knowledge in various professional fields such as weather forecasting, property consulting, and environmental policy.

💡Travel and Tourism

Travel and tourism are mentioned as areas of interest that naturally align with the study of geography. The video suggests that an interest in these fields can be a stepping stone to studying geography, which further explores the cultural, social, and environmental aspects of different places. For instance, one interviewee's passion for travel and tourism led them to pursue geography, which in turn opened up career opportunities in weather forecasting.

💡Royal Geographical Society

The Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers is highlighted as an organization that promotes the understanding of geography. It represents the academic and professional interests of geographers and plays a role in advancing geographical knowledge. The video features Steve Brace, who is the head of Education at the Society, emphasizing the value of geography in further studies and careers.

💡Careers

Careers in the video are depicted as diverse outcomes of studying geography. The interviewees discuss how their geographical education has led to various professional paths, such as weather forecasting, property valuation, and environmental work. The term illustrates the practical applications and career opportunities that can stem from a background in geography.

💡Fieldwork

Fieldwork is a critical component of geographical research, involving hands-on data collection and analysis in the natural environment. The video mentions fieldwork as an exciting aspect of studying geography, which allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. One interviewee shares their experience of conducting fieldwork in Iceland, which inspired them to pursue a degree in geography.

💡Environmental Surveying

Environmental surveying is a specialized field within geography that focuses on the study and mapping of natural and human-made features of the environment. The video includes an interviewee who started their career as a surveyor, working on environmental projects such as land, castra, sewage systems, and utility systems. This keyword showcases how geography can lead to specialized careers in environmental management and planning.

💡GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

GIS is a technology used for capturing, storing, analyzing, and presenting geographical and spatial data. In the video, GIS is mentioned as a key tool in the field of geography, used for various applications such as mapping, environmental analysis, and resource management. One interviewee discusses their work with GIS in the context of software development for global customers, demonstrating the practical use of GIS in the professional world.

💡Climate Change

Climate change is a significant global issue that is addressed in the video through the lens of geography. The interviewees discuss the importance of understanding climate science and the role of geographers in tackling climate change. One individual mentions working on a project that engages citizens in climate change mitigation, highlighting the relevance of geographical knowledge in addressing environmental challenges.

💡Air Quality

Air quality is a concern that intersects with geography, particularly in the context of urban environments and public health. The video features an interviewee who works on improving air quality in the UK, emphasizing the role of geographical analysis in identifying pollution sources and implementing solutions. This keyword illustrates how geography can inform policy and practice related to environmental health.

Highlights

Diversity in geography is inspirational and fun, keeping one connected with the world.

The Royal Geographical Society promotes understanding of people, places, and environments.

Geography's value extends to further studies, careers, and later life.

A weather forecaster at Sky News found geography diverse and pursued a degree in geography and Earth Sciences.

Networking through university led to a weather forecasting opportunity at PA Weather Center.

A university student is traveling to Alaska for dissertation and fieldwork, inspired by a field trip to Iceland.

A property consultant values a broad range of properties, from penthouses to affordable housing.

Studying geography at A-levels kept options open for university and a career in property.

A charity director manages staff and volunteers, promoting inter-agency work and community engagement.

Family history research led to a career in GIS, with a focus on environmental surveying and software development.

Ordnance Survey's international relationship manager uses GIS for global mapping agency collaboration.

Geography's practical applications include optimizing emergency services and locating amenities.

A Civil Service worker focuses on improving air quality and reducing air pollution in the UK.

The importance of a solid understanding of climate change for effective advocacy, as demonstrated by Al Gore.

The Science Council represents professional bodies in science, advocating for scientific work and its applications.

A career path from A-levels to university and diverse roles, including at London Zoo and the Natural History Museum.

Transcripts

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diversity it's a kind of inspirational

thing I'd actually have to say fun I

don't think I've ever been bored I've

always had an interest in travel and

tourism so in some ways it's just the

next step it's all about the real world

it roots me it keeps me in touch with

the world around me I think just the

diversity of it um political social the

physical side job for human just it

combines

everything welcome to the Royal

geographical Society with Institute of

British geographers I'm Steve brace and

I'm head of Education here and what the

society stands for is to promote

geography that is an understanding of

the world's people the world's places

and the world's environments and the

interactions between them what this

video will do is show you you the value

of geography to further study and also

in your careers and later

life my name is l veras Sami I'm 26

years old and I'm a weather forecaster

and presenter at Sky News I took

geography at a level because I enjoyed

the subject so much I found it very

diverse and from that carried out a

degree in geography and Earth Sciences

at Brunell in West London a lecturer put

me in contact with someone from the PA

weather center based in London in

Victoria and they write weather

forecasts for worldwide public

Publications mostly for newspaper and

radio and it sound like sounded like a

perfect opportunity so I contacted them

uh while I was still at Uni and carried

out some work experience with

them I thought what's what's the harm in

writing Sky News and seeing if they've

got any weather forecasting positions or

presenting positions and um on the back

of that I ended up with a job here at

Sky News hi my name is James cheshier

I'm studying geography at University of

Southampton uh this summer I'm off to

Alaska for 2 months to do my

dissertation and get some field work

experience with my school I went to

Iceland as a part of a field trip there

and that's kind of thing that really

inspired me about classers and W to get

involved at degree

level my name's Kate uh I currently work

fullop Property Consultants uh which is

based in London and I'm an associate was

made up this year and I've been working

there for about 5 years now in the

residential valuation Department I see a

a broad range of property ranging from

Penthouse Flats to grty bedsits I see

the full full range uh see development

sites um affordable housing schemes and

I basically go out and value them

inspect the properties and then write up

a report which usually goes to a bank

well on finishing my a levels um I

decided I wanted to go to university and

I thought um I wanted to keep my options

open for as long as possible I was

interested in property at that point um

but I wanted to be flexible keep my

options open I thought geography was

great it was always an area that I was

interested

in my name's Haley I graduated from um

Bruno University um 7 years ago um and I

now work for volunteer Center camam

which is a small um voluntary sector

organization so we're a charity um and

I'm the director here I've been here for

just over a year I've worked in

Charities actually since I graduated I'm

the director at the center which means

that I manage all of our staff um and

some of our volunteers so overall I'm

responsible for a team of four staff and

about 20 volunteers I'm responsible of

like inter agency work I meet often with

kind of lot of organizations such as

Social Services the youth services talk

to them about how to promote

volunteering there's an organization

called the pirate club that teach kids

to swim and they do this from kind of a

pirate ship um that's kind of next to a

pool that's got like swimming facilities

and stuff so people could volunteer to

go and play pirates for the day which is

quite popular uh my name is Clifford

Pereira I started off looking at Family

research family history uh which at

first doesn't sound to be geographically

related but in my case cuz I'm an East

African Asian uh living in London it

actually involves three continents so

whether I like it or not geography is a

big part of my family

history at the moment I work for GS

developer we do GS software

for various customers around the world

and I got there from Germany through a

degree first as a lens surveyor where

was mostly based on environmental

surveying land castra sewage system

Utility Systems um went from the s to

the

Army um where I did um less technical

work but more exciting work um from the

Army I went back into L surveying and

started with G mapping computer mapping

and um sanus was quite exciting I went

on to study GS at Kingston

University um got my degree in GIS and

um started to work for GS developer my

name is Sally white um I work for

Ordinance survey which is Great

Britain's National mapping agency um and

at the moment I work within the public

affairs team and my job is the

international relationship manager and

that means that I manage ordinance

surveys relationship with all the

national mapping agencies um across the

world um when I went to to University

that was when I started doing a lot more

of the the gis and the mapping and using

mapping for example for getting

ambulances to an accident or being able

to locate a

supermarket um and that kind of thing

and also some of the certainly using

some of the satellite imagery which I

also used that was only really at

University um and at the end of end of

the course it was it was writing to

different companies saying you know I'd

like to do GIS I'd like to use the

skills I've learned but Ordinance survey

was kind of Great Britain's National

mapping agency and that's what I really

want or where I really wanted to

work I'm now working for the Civil

Service been working there for about 4

years and at the moment I work for defra

department for environmental food and

Rural Affairs and I leave a team in

there which is to do with improving the

air quality in the UK so I'm trying to

cut down on air pollution in the UK I'm

director of a project at the RSA called

carbon limited which is looking at a new

policy Innovation which is around

engaging individuals and citizens in

tackling climate change I have to

persuade a lot of people about the

importance of climate change actually

and it's very hard to do that without a

solid understanding of of the issues

actually I was lucky enough to meet Al

Gore back in um in Mar he was a

geography student and his under I

assumed he wouldn't have that deep an

understanding of of climate science but

in actual fact he really needed stuff

and I was I was really pleased well this

guy did a geography degree he really

needed stuff he was really passionate

for a long time about this and he

emerged as you know perhaps the most

important uh leader on the issue of mod

I currently work at the science Council

which is an umbrella Organization for um

professional and learned bodies in

science and so we represent working

scientists went on to do a levels at

siton college and then from there I had

3 years out before going on to

University uh I worked a bit in my

hometown um I traveled quite a lot um I

worked in Australia for a year I did

some um obervation work I just kind of

made the most of three years and then I

went to um soas uh which is University

of London School of Oriental and African

studies and um I did a ba in geography

and I went to work at the Zoological

Society of London so London Zoo which

was really good fun uh from there I went

to the Natural History Museum and then

from there I went to the science Council

um to really remote science and the work

the scientists

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do

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