Richard Purkis

My time at University 

Edinburgh was the only choice for me. The degree had an excellent reputation, and the orienteering club is the best in the country. Combining studying and training/racing was the biggest challenge I faced, especially during the dissertation period. But I always looked forward to coming into the lab and working alongside my friends.

My experience since leaving University 

After finishing my MSc, I job hunted for two months, and then I secured employment at Helyx Secure Information Services as a Junior Consultant, where I am still working. Helyx SIS specialise in delivering GIS solutions to clients in the Defence Industry. ESRI owns us, so we are the first to be introduced to the latest and greatest of all things ESRI.

Without my degree, I definitely would not have been accepted for my position. The degree taught me GIS desktop skills and a thorough introduction to database management and web development. The dissertation I chose was also the perfect topic for when I had to present to my employer during my interview.

My MSc was the main reason I have got to where I am now. It allowed me to reach the level of technical knowledge required for my job, but having held positions of responsibility in the orienteering club during my undergraduate degree has helped shape me as an individual.

During my MSc, there were ample networking opportunities in which I always participated. At the time, I was set on going straight into a job after graduating, hoping to remain in Edinburgh. I backed myself with a respected degree and hoped that an employer would choose me soon enough, and luckily Helyx did. Although this position was down in Gloucestershire, I was sure that it was a fantastic opportunity, too good to turn down, where I could develop my skills and maybe one day, I will return to Edinburgh.