Since leaving HSDC Havant in 2017, James Robinson has built a career that has taken him from university lecture theatres and offshore survey vessels to the jungles of Southeast Asia and the vast mining regions of Western Australia.
James studied at Havant Campus from 2015 to 2017, taking A Levels in Accounting, Economics, Geography and Geology. His passion for earth sciences and understanding how the world works naturally led him towards a future in geology. Speaking about his time at College, James said:
“I’d say my favourite part of studying at Havant would be all of the field trips that we got to go on for A Level Geology and Geography. I was lucky enough to visit Iceland during my time at Havant, and it was fantastic to see all the different waterfalls, lagoons and volcanoes. This eventually helped me when I had to do field work at university, as I’d already had substantial experience here.”
James’ time studying Geology at Havant led him to studying the subject at the University of Southampton, where he completed both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Whilst at university, he developed specialist subject knowledge in certain areas whilst gaining practical experience that would eventually lead him towards an international career in geosciences.
Following his graduation, James began working as a geophysicist in Portugal, where he was responsible for carrying out geophysical surveys of seabed areas before the construction of wind farms. This offshore experience eventually led him to freelancing, including taking on contracts in the North Sea and working across a variety of marine survey projects.
James said:
“A great part of studying geology is that it’s such a dynamic subject, you can use it to work in a whole range of areas relating to earth science.”
After several years of offshore work, James decided to press pause on his career and see more of the world.
“I spent five months backpacking around Southeast Asia, starting in Singapore before heading to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia. To tell the full story of what I got up to, I would need a whole book!”
Among the highlights of these travels were gaining his scuba diving certifications in Thailand and riding the entire length of Vietnam by motorbike, copying the famous Top Gear special.
His travels then led him to Perth, Australia, where he found a role as a field geophysicist, hoping to break into the mining industry. He spent two weeks in the remote Outback on a lead, zinc and silver mining project, before returning to offshore work in the Browse Basin. Reflecting on that experience, James said:
“The role was great fun, but wasn’t worth the risk. I ended up doing offshore contracts and experienced some of the worst weather I’ve ever been in, including waves of up to six metres!”
Never content with staying in one place, James bought a campervan and drove 8,000 kilometres across Australia on his own! The journey took him from Sydney back to Perth, where he celebrated Christmas in the uniquely Australian fashion – beach and a barbecue.
Now based in Western Australia, James has spent just under a year working for Fortescue as a hydrogeologist on an iron ore mine. This role combines his passion for geology with the opportunity to continue living and working abroad.
James’ journey demonstrates that with a high quality education, following your interests can lead to opportunities all over the world! Everyone at HSDC is incredibly proud of him, and wishes him all the best as he continues to see as much of the world, and the geophysical industry, as he can.