Rebecca Ramsden joined Tetra Tech through the Early Careers Programme after studying geography and geology at the University of Leeds. One year into her role as a graduate flood risk consultant, she is already building experience on major environmental projects, developing new skills and finding opportunities to make a positive difference.
Rebecca shares what inspired her to pursue a career in the environmental sector, what attracted her to Tetra Tech and what she has learnt so far.
What inspired you to pursue a career in environmental engineering?
It started at school. I had a brilliant geography teacher who made the subject really engaging, and it just clicked with me straight away. I loved learning about the environment and knowing that one day I might be able to do something that makes a difference.
At university, I studied geography and geology, which gave me a broad understanding of the natural world and how different systems connect. I also had a summer role with the Ribble Rivers Trust, where I helped collect data on fish populations across the Ribble Valley to assess river health. That experience was a major turning point for me because it made me realise how much I enjoyed working on issues linked to rivers and the wider environment.
Looking back, it was those different stepping stones— my degree, the practical experience and my dissertation—that helped shape the direction I wanted my career to take.
What attracted you to Tetra Tech?
I first heard about Tetra Tech’s Early Careers Programme through word of mouth, and the more I learnt about it, the more I felt like it would be a really good fit for me.
The interview and assessment process gave me a strong sense that Tetra Tech would be a supportive place to start my career. Everyone I met was welcoming and kind, and I came away feeling that it was somewhere I could learn, grow and be myself.
That was really important to me. Starting your first role after university can feel daunting, so having that sense of support and encouragement from the start made a big difference.
What have you enjoyed most since joining the company?
The people have been a huge part of my experience. My team has been incredibly supportive, and I have also made some great friends. It has been great to be part of the Early Careers Programme and a network of people who are starting their careers alongside me. I have enjoyed the variety of opportunities that have come with the role. On the project side, I am working on the United Utilities framework, helping to tackle combined sewer overflow spills into rivers, which is meaningful work with a clear environmental purpose.
Alongside that, I have had the chance to attend the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management Flood & Coast conference. This was a great way to see the sector in action and hear from people across the industry. The graduate programme has also been really valuable, with sessions on presentation skills, tendering and team building, which have helped me build confidence.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
That’s a big question. I am only one year into my career so a lot could change over the next 10 years. I hope to continue building my career in the environmental and water sector and continue developing my knowledge and confidence. Ultimately, I would like to be in a role where I can use my experience to help solve environmental challenges and support others starting out in the profession.
I am already a graduate member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, and I would like to work towards chartered status in the future. It is exciting to be in a field where there are so many opportunities to keep learning and where the work feels increasingly important.
What was the most important thing that helped you when starting an environmental career?
I do not think there was just one – there were two: passion and experience.
I think it is really important to find something you genuinely care about, because that passion will carry you forward and help you stay motivated. If you can put that passion into your work, the environment benefits too.
Practical experience was also hugely important for me. My time with the Ribble Rivers Trust helped me understand what I enjoyed and gave me something meaningful to build on. It helped me connect what I was learning at university with the kind of career I wanted.
I would encourage anyone starting out to say yes to opportunities, gain as much experience as possible, and trust that those experiences will help shape the path ahead.
Learn more about our Early Careers Programme for graduate opportunities and apprenticeships.