Amy Fowler (ONS)
Name: Amy Fowler
Subject: BSc Geography; MSc Resource and Environmental Management; PhD Geography
Year Graduated: 2008 (BSc), 2009 (MSc), 2013 (PhD)
College: Graduate
Where are you now and what are you doing?
After finishing my PhD at LEC, I took a year off to travel and volunteer in Australia and New Zealand. I’m now working as a Government Social Researcher at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in Hampshire. I work in the team responsible for designing questions to be included on the 2021 Census questionnaire.
What would you like to do next?
I’m happy where I am at the moment. The ONS and wider Civil Service provide many opportunities for career development and progression.
Why did you choose to study at Lancaster?
I went to Lancaster as an undergraduate in 2005. I was attracted by the flexibility of the undergraduate geography course, favourable grades and friendly campus. I stayed for postgraduate study as I was given the opportunity to explore a topic I was passionate about.
What was your favourite part of your degree and why?
There were many highlights! During my undergraduate degree I visited Croatia, which provided a totally different perspective on how people lived and how I wanted to explore places in the future. As part of my PhD fieldwork I got to meet many interesting and inspiring people from different social and academic backgrounds. I also was able to travel widely in the UK and visit places I wouldn’t usually get to see.
How do you think your time at Lancaster prepared you for what you’re currently doing?
My time at Lancaster, both studying, working and playing sport, prepared me massively for current job. In my current role, I have to manage small projects, communicate with internal colleagues and external stakeholders, analyse large datasets and produce reports on a daily basis – all skills I developed during my PhD research.
What did you enjoy most about your time at Lancaster?
Lancaster is a brilliant city with lots of things to see and do. I loved getting outside and walking in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland, some of the most beautiful parts of the UK. I also spent a lot of time playing canoe polo for the university as a member of the Canoe Club, which was a great honour and lots of fun!
