Describe a typical day/week in your current role? ​

My role is Technical and Performance Coordinator for five municipal wastewater treatment works and a sewage sludge incinerator in Northern Ireland under PFI Omega. Through this role, I am responsible for the continued compliance and process optimisation of these sites and provide a key link between site operations and the wider technical team. ​

My day to day role can differ greatly, however falls under three key areas; Compliance Monitoring, Making Performance Visible and Technical Excellence. ​Through compliance monitoring, I must ensure all environmental (EPA) consents regarding discharged effluent to source, are maintained and targeted. This role can vary from sampling different water sources and testing for key indication parameters to designing input sheets which capture and log data against critical targets. This role works closely with the operational teams onsite and requires good communication and teamwork abilities.  ​Making performance visible is a key role as all exceedances, optimisation projects and time must be reported. This role requires time management as I must check each site’s performance trends daily to make sure all data is within target. ​ Finally, promoting innovation and new technologies is a large part of my role to ensure the all sites are operated to an excellence standard. ​

Did you complete a work placement as part of your programme at Queen’s? If you did, can you tell us a bit about your employer and placement role?​

I completed a year-long placement during my third year at Queen’s with Veolia Water UK. During this time, I undertook the role of Process Technologies for five wastewater treatment works, assisting with optimisation projects and providing key technical support to plant operational teams.​ My placement role included different technical tasks from on-site investigation to data reporting. ​ Veolia is a leading environmental company, specialising in water, waste and energy management across the globe. The company’s purpose is to be resourcers and develop the world’s circular economy through their Impact 2023 Strategy which focuses on tackling major economic, social and environmental challenges.​

What other key steps at Queen’s (apart from placement) do you think helped develop you most - and impacted on your early career path? ​

During my time at Queen’s, I became heavily involved in the Student Union by participating in different clubs and societies along with supporting various university events. I feel this aspect of university life, not only enabled me to meet new people and develop my confidence, but improved my time management skills from balancing degree deadlines with society activities, a key element of my job role. ​

Throughout my time with Queen’s, I was part of the Biochemistry Society, taking on the role of Secretary in my final year. This allowed me to meet my peers and develop a social aspect of my degree. ​I was an active member of the Rowing Club, undertaking many national competitions. This sport pushed me outside my comfort zone daily and helped me understand the importance of teamwork.​ During my final year, I founded and chaired the QUB Scout Network Society. Being chair of a society, taught me valuable organisation and people management skills, which I incorporate into my role daily when coordinating projects. ​

I gained Degree Plus through volunteering with the Environmental Leadership Programme. This gave me a deeper passion for the environment and helped strengthen my CV for work with environmental companies such as Veolia. ​During my final year, I assisted with starting the Green at Queen’s society and remained an active member, again strengthening my passion for the environment outside work. During my final year, I developed a new and exciting research link between Veolia and Queen’s University  through the completion of a joint dissertation venture. Maintaining this relationship with the water industry during my final year, enhanced my technical learning and provided essential support to study, helping me to achieve a First Class Honours.​

How would you advise your first year self to make the most of your time at Queen’s?​

• Get involved with the Student Union and try new things such as joining a new sport to push yourself outside your comfort zone and deal with high-pressure situations. ​
• Say yes to all opportunities, making sure to put in the effort and build your CV. ​
• Do a placement as this helps you understand which industries within your degree you like and dislike and helps focus your modules and career progression in final year.​
• Talk with your lecturers and use all resources Queen’s departments makes available as these will help improve your grades and guide you through your degree.

Emma Webster

Technical and Performance Coordinator, Veolia Water UK

BSc Biochemistry with Professional Studies