'I feel like I’m in a place where my thoughts are valued’

I’ve wanted to go into climate science research since I was a teenager. I was passionate about the environment and loved science and maths. I also loved meteorology and watching the weather forecasters on TV.  

When I was at university doing my Environmental Science BSc, I learned the importance of the work the Met Office does in obtaining weather statistics and conducting climate research. Through my studies, I often came across their data and other resources. During this time, I found out about the Met Office’s Industrial Placement scheme, and I applied successfully to join the Observations Quality Management team as a Climate Metadata Analyst.  

My placement provided a fascinating opportunity for me to explore the history of our climate observing stations. By looking through archived items dating back to the 1860s, I was able to uncover how various changes over time, such as urbanisation or changes in instrumentation, can influence our data. I also gained a unique perspective into how the Met Office works now and used to work in the past, transitioning from arduous manual observations to sending automated readings in seconds. 

After completing my degree, I came back to do the Met Office Graduate Scheme in September 2023. I wanted to return, because the company aligns with my personal values and has incredible weather and climate experts to learn from. 

We had a seven-week induction when we were introduced to teams from every directorate within the organisation. My first main role was a six-month placement doing stakeholder management for the Advancing Arctic Capabilities programme. This involved leading meetings with programme stakeholders to identify how the programme could be directed towards shared goals. I also did a smaller project reviewing product and service management. This role unlocked skills I didn’t know I had, and importantly, I really enjoyed the experience. 

Then I joined the Extremes Team in the Services directorate for six months. This is a multidisciplinary team that coordinates expertise to prepare for, respond to and recover from extreme events. I said I was keen to improve my coding skills, and they gave me every opportunity to develop in this area. I was offered mentoring, recommended courses and allowed to apply myself to their new project. This involved me helping to develop a climate attribution service, the first climate service to be provided by Services. It was fantastic to experience the complete process of software development all the way through to publishing an attribution study of my own. 

My time as a graduate also involved shadowing the Communications team for a day, and having a go at presenting the forecast. 

Now I’m in the Vegetation Climate Interactions team, conducting research to improve understanding and modelling of the interactions between vegetation and climate. I continue to code almost every day, working with large datasets. This draws on the coding skills I gained in my previous role, and my degree knowledge of ecological cycles. I’m working on a project the team would otherwise not have time to do, and it should finish with me getting a published report or article in Spring 2025. I continue to improve my scientific skills every day, learning from colleagues, reading the latest literature, and carrying out my own data analysis. 

Before I started the Graduate Scheme, I was scared I would experience imposter syndrome, as I did while writing my dissertation. I really wanted to make an impact at the Met Office, but did not want to overstep the mark. So, I was prepared to keep my head down, do the mundane work and struggle in silence if I got stuck. This is something I found myself doing at university where supervisors were often hard to reach.  

But my mindset changed very quickly when I arrived, because I felt like I was in a place where my thoughts were valued. I like that the term ‘fresh perspective’ has been used a few times to describe how I’ve come into roles and challenged underlying thoughts and offered new ways of doing things. I’ve been given more responsibility than I expected, and I’m proud of what I have achieved, growing in skills and confidence. 

My favourite thing about working at the Met Office is the opportunities for personal development. The graduate scheme has allowed me to build my skillset and career path, and I’d love to stay here for a long time. I’ve worked with some incredible people during the last year and am grateful for everything they have taught me. I highly recommend joining the Met Office to anyone who is innovative and enthusiastic.  

This blog was published in February 2025.