Base ~ How to do business in the 21st century ~ 16-17 March 2010
ProLogis
Bridging the gap between academic learning and life the workplace
Session time slot
  • Session WE3 | Wednesday 17 March | 12:00-12:45
Synopsis
I am now trying to apply my predominantly academic background in pure and applied earth
sciences, to the real world context of a corporate business. I have found mixed success in bridging this transition and have found the needs and situation of a new graduate requiring skill sets and training that my study did not always provide. For example, I have a strong background in the physical science underlying the study of climate change, when what matters in a corporate context is not the science but what it means for businesses, livelihoods and infrastructure.


Amongst the questions that I will be raising during this discussion are the following:

* How to convert academic skills to vocational ones?
* Do we need to train specialists in climate change?
* How to establish the link between academic modules and professional skills?
Themes
  • Climate change
  • Education
Dr Ben Aston
Graduate Scientist
Arup
Biography
Ben joined Arup as a graduate scientist in 2008, previously having completed 8
years of academic study across geography and earth sciences.

Ben works within the planning and environment teams at Arup, to provide consultancy advice to Government and private business on planning for, and dealing with the consequences of climate change. Recent work has included policy documents for development agencies, vulnerability assessments for local authorities and flood risk and air quality assessments for private business.

Ben now works as a STEM Ambassador in North Yorkshire, having helped with the Water for the World project alongside Engineers Without Borders, presenting in local schools and helping with the North Yorkshire Engineering Inspirations event.
Company activities
  • Business Services
  • Charity, NGO
  • Construction
  • Education
  • Engineering, electronics
  • Manufacturing
Company size
  • All
Job functions
  • All