Charles Anderton graduated in 2020 with a BSc in Environmental Management from Manchester’s School of Environment, Education and Development. After graduating, he opted to continue his studies with an MSc in Environmental Impact Assessment and Management, graduating again in 2021. He now works at Avison Young, a real estate company who have won multiple awards for innovation and strong management.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

I’m a Senior Environmental Planner, which involves co-ordination of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for major planning applications.

How did your degrees (both your undergraduate and your masters) help prepare you for your current role?

As part of my role, I work with technical experts across a range of disciplines including ecology, flood risk, transport, air quality, health, socio-economics, climate change, landscape, heritage and archaeology. My degrees provided me with an understanding of the key concepts behind these disciplines and, importantly, the potential impacts on people and the environment which need to be considered during the EIA process. This understanding has allowed me to more effectively communicate with technical experts and stakeholders such as members of the public or local planning authorities.

And are there any skills or knowledge from your studies that have proved especially helpful?

Using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) applications such as QGIS to be able to convey to convey information as easy-to-understand visuals.

What has your career path looked like since graduation?

After graduating, I started as a Graduate Environmental Planner at Avison Young and have since had the opportunity to work on some of the most exciting projects in Manchester – my home town! The project which I am most proud of having worked on is the masterplan for the regeneration of the Red Bank neighbourhood in north Manchester which, when built, will provide over 4,800 new homes, new high-quality green and play spaces and the renaturalisation of a stretch of the often under-appreciated River Irk.

How was the University able to help you with your career when you were looking for jobs?

I was made aware of Avison Young through one of my course’s lecturers who circulated a job advertisement for a Graduate Environmental Planner which I applied to, and the rest was history!

Which parts of your journey in your career have been especially exciting or surprising?

As I am part of a national team at Avison Young, I have had the opportunity to work on projects all across England, Wales and Scotland which has made for some exciting site visits!

Are there any moments from your degree that stand out? That inspired you or that you still think about now?

My course director, Anna Gilchrist, who helped inspire my love for the natural world – I’ll never forgot her field trips or the days out volunteering as part of the Tree Musketeers society! Also my tutor and academic advisor, Ian Mell, who supported me through my four years at the University.

What are the next steps for your career? What do you hope do accomplish in the future?

I have loved my time at Avison Young and hope to continue working with my colleagues on projects bring meaningful environmental, social, economic benefits for years to come!

Do you have any advice for current or aspiring students?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals working in roles you may want to go into today! The majority of people I work with love having the opportunity help people starting out in their career – whether that’s through work experience or mentoring.

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