Meet Ellis Waghorn, a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer at Geotechnics and find out how studying geology led to a career investigating the ground beneath our feet.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your current role?
I’m a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer at Geotechnics in Exeter. I joined the company after graduating from the University of Plymouth with a degree in Geology in 2025.
I wanted a career that would challenge me, allow me to work outdoors and give me the opportunity to apply my geological knowledge to real-world projects. Ground investigation is a great fit because no two projects are the same.
My role combines practical site work with office-based tasks. On site, I can be involved in investigations, collecting samples, logging soil and rock, and monitoring groundwater and gas. In the office, I process data, prepare factual reports and support project delivery.
What I enjoy most is seeing how geology influences the world around us. Before construction or development can begin, it is important to understand what is beneath the ground and the conditions we are working with.
What did you study and why did you choose geology?
I studied BSc (Hons) Geology with a Study Abroad and Placement Year at the University of Plymouth, graduating top of my class.
Geology appealed to me because of my fascination with how the Earth works and the processes that shape it. It also offered a great combination of science, problem-solving and practical experience.
My degree gave me lots of opportunities to get outside the classroom and apply what I was learning.
One of the highlights was studying abroad at Western Washington University in the USA. I completed fieldwork across a wide range of landscapes and geological settings, including geological mapping across five US states. It was a fantastic experience that strengthened my ability to work independently, adapt to different environments and approach new challenges with confidence.
I also completed a placement year at the UK Hydrographic Office, where I worked in a geospatial role. This gave me experience working with spatial data and mapping software, as well as valuable insight into working in a professional environment.
How did your degree prepare you for your career?
Many of the skills I developed at university are directly useful in my current role. I developed a strong understanding of mineral identification, petrology, geological mapping and geological processes, as well as experience collecting and interpreting geological information.
Fieldwork was particularly valuable. I visited quarries, mines and coastal locations, which allowed me to apply my geological knowledge in real-world settings and develop my ability to make accurate observations and record information.
My dissertation involved an independent geological mapping project, which gave me experience managing a larger piece of work, collecting and analysing data, and interpreting geological information independently.
The placement year was also really important, strengthening my communication, teamwork and organisational skills while giving me the opportunity to put them into practice in a working environment.
What attracted you to ground investigation?
I liked the idea of using geology to solve real-world problems.
Ground investigation combines several things I enjoy: science, practical fieldwork, problem-solving and working with different people. The information we collect helps engineers understand the ground conditions beneath a site and make informed decisions about how a project can be designed and constructed safely.
It also means I’m not sitting in an office every day. Some projects involve being on site for a day, while others can last several weeks, so there is always variety.
What does a typical day look like?
There isn’t really a typical day – and that’s one of the things I like about the job!
On site, some of my work can involve staking out borehole locations, supervising site activities, collecting and logging samples, and working alongside contractors and other engineers.
Projects can be very different. I’ve worked on investigations involving contaminated land, previous landslide areas, water infrastructure and environmentally sensitive locations such as nature reserves.
When I’m in the office, I might process samples and project data, review information from investigations, help prepare RAMS or produce factual reports.
The job can involve muddy boots one day and a computer the next!
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
One of my biggest achievements has been being trusted with greater responsibility for a couple of smaller ground investigation projects.
As a graduate, I often support larger projects, so having the opportunity to help take projects from start to finish has been an important step in my development.
I’ve been involved in reviewing project requirements, communicating with clients, coordinating site works, leading investigations with support from an experienced engineer, processing samples and preparing the final factual report.
This has given me a much better understanding of how the different parts of a ground investigation fit together and has increased my confidence in taking on responsibility.
What training have you received since starting work?
My employer has supported my development through a combination of practical experience, formal training and guidance from experienced colleagues.
Since joining, I’ve completed training including:
- CSCS card
- First Aid at Work
- SSSTS training
- Soil and rock logging
- Forklift training
- CAT & Genny service clearance
I’ve also been given increasing responsibility while still having experienced colleagues around to provide advice and support.
What has surprised you most about working in the minerals industry?
Before starting my career, I understood geology mainly from an academic perspective.
Working in ground investigation has shown me just how many different ways geological knowledge can be applied.
I’ve also been surprised by how much teamwork and communication are involved. A successful ground investigation relies on engineers, clients, contractors and site teams working together.
Most importantly, I’ve realised how valuable accurate information about the ground is. The work we carry out provides important information that helps engineers make decisions about how projects should be designed and developed.
What advice would you give young people interested in geology?
Take every opportunity you can.
Fieldwork, work experience, placements, careers fairs and talking to people already working in the industry can all help you understand what different careers are actually like.
I’d also encourage people not to think that studying geology means you have to become a geologist in the traditional sense. A geology degree can lead to careers in engineering, environmental work, geospatial technology, resource management and many other areas.
What would you like to do next?
For now, I want to continue building my technical knowledge and experience while working on a wide range of projects.
As I gain more experience, I’d like to explore different areas of the industry and see where my interests take me. I’m interested in potentially progressing towards project management or consultancy, as well as exploring areas such as mapping and understanding how landscapes change. I’m open to discovering new opportunities as my career develops.
Ultimately, I want a career where I can keep learning, contribute to important projects and stay connected to the geology that first inspired me.
Could geology be your starting point for a career you’ve never considered?
Ellis’ journey shows that a geology degree can open the door to a much wider range of careers than you might expect. There are opportunities to combine science, engineering, technology, fieldwork and problem-solving across many different industries. You never know where studying the Earth might take you.
Find out more about opportunities and courses to study Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Plymouth here.