Richard J Taylor, BSc Geological Sciences

Graduating and gaining a job in the oil and gas industry has really made me appreciate my Geological Sciences degree from Leeds. Talking to many of my colleagues and comparing the quality and depth of subjects covered in our different geosciences  degrees from different universities, it is clear that Leeds really is a world leader and offers an excellent  year in industry-based package.

The applied nature of engineering geology, basin dynamics, sedimentology, geomechanics and petroleum geology based modules were invaluable for me getting a job. They gave me the technical cutting-edge research grounding that formed the tungsten carbide foundations of my career. There isn’t a day that goes by where I do not utilise and draw upon knowledge that I gained from my time at Leeds.

The calibre of teaching staff really charged my passion for my degree, geology and the oil and gas industry, especially when topics could be injected with industry specific knowledge and experience that many of the teaching staff at Leeds can draw upon.

Leeds University is a fantastic place to study as it has so much more than ‘work’ going on. There are many clubs and societies from wake boarding and rugby to snow sports and sky diving to get involved with. The city centre is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants, not to mention all the pubs in Headingley.

Becoming a part of the Gardline Geosciences team (a key player offshore geotechnics to the oil and gas industry) has opened my eyes to the privileged opportunity that a rewarding career in the oil and gas can offer. The excitement that comes from being surrounded by exceptional thinkers in an environment that is constantly changing from one day to the next, from the arctic circle to the Caribbean, utilising cutting edge technologies and meeting  incredible people. The fast moving pace and offshore life style make you throw yourself into the job and love every minute. I highly recommend it!