Technical Profile
Laura Brown How is your placement going?
University of Birmingham
Why did you study environmental health?
I have always been interested in the diversity of the job and, in particular, food safety. I did some work experience at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council to find out if I was suited to the job and I knew it was for me. I decided to study at Birmingham as the course was recommended and I could finish it in a year full-time.
Do you want to specialise in any particular area of environmental health?
I enjoy all areas of environmental health for different reasons but my preferred choice is food safety and health and safety, where I will probably specialise, as generalists are a thing of the past in the majority of local government posts.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully in local government and in a senior role, although I would like to work in the private sector for a time if the opportunity was the right one.
What were you doing before studying environmental health?
I previously worked as an event co-ordinator, then as a university catering manager.
Have you found it hard financially to support yourself through the course?
Yes, even though I saved enough to apply for the course and live for a year, it was very tough; there are always hidden costs you don’t think about. It’s also harder to get funding for a mature student so you have to be aware of the financial commitment you are making, as I found the course is too demanding full-time to have a job as well.
What qualities do you think you need to be an environmental health professional?
You need to be a good communicator at all levels and have good problem solving and decision making skills. I think it is imperative to be able to justify your decisions.
I’m really enjoying my placement and I feel I have experienced so much already from the past four months. The best part is the variety of work and actually getting involved in what I want to do. The worst part is the travel, as I have a placement that is quite far away from my home.
What advice would you have for other students searching for placements?
Don’t give up. Email around your interest early to councils and make sure you start early as I found the placements were few and far between. I was lucky enough to get one first time but just make sure you prepare for the interview when you go, such as researching and being able to answer environmental health-based problems.
Are local authorities doing enough to help students gain experience?
I know it is a difficult time for local authorities and more cuts are going to be made but it is really important to keep training the next generation of professionals. Even if councils can offer some unpaid or shorter placements it would really help.
What is the future of environmental health?
I think local authorities will have big changes ahead and a lot of restructuring will take place. I also think a lot of regulation will change and the private sector will start to employ more consultants, which I think will be of great concern if local authorities can be refused entry if a company can self-regulate.
What are the biggest dangers facing environmental health?
The future of the profession is looking very different, which I think will mean substantial change to regulations. Health issues such as obesity and the ever increasing population will also come with its environmental health problems, in addition to the usual poignant climate change and health inequalities issues.
