Matt Timms
Location: Manchester
Qualifications: Integrated Masters in Earth Science (University of Oxford)
I joined SQW in August 2022 after graduating with an Earth Science degree from the University of Oxford. Towards the end of my degree, it became apparent that whilst I wanted to continue in research, I wanted that to result in some real-world benefit. I was drawn to SQW’s high-quality research in the public sector, despite it being in a significant departure from the geology I’d been doing previously.
Whilst working at SQW, I have been involved on a wide range of projects from across all of SQW’s areas of work; that’s been great for me because I didn’t have a firm idea of what interested me the most or in what areas I wanted to work in when I joined the company. These projects have ranged from evaluating the impact of a new electron microscope in South Wales, to undertaking qualitative research on health inequalities in a major northern city, to evaluating the Government’s ‘Made Smarter Innovation’ programme. In doing so I’ve worked with a panoply of colleagues with different specialisms from across all of SQW’s offices.
The type of work also varies – I’ve made graphs for the Office for Students, have spoken to business owners and managers on the shop floor in Lincoln, have undertaken literature reviews, researched the German and Swiss healthcare systems, mapped renewable energy businesses in Newcastle and so much more! The variety is really a key strength of the role as you’re rarely working on one task for too long before moving onto something else. Everyone’s more than happy to help if you need it – my colleagues have made settling into the role effortless, something I worried about before starting.
The whole team is a friendly and sociable bunch which has made the effort to get to know me; they really care about you and your development – the training and the experiences I’ve been given have been both highly enjoyable and very helpful. Beyond what you’re taught, you’re encouraged to be curious, try new and experimental solutions to problems, see what works and what doesn’t, all in a supportive culture. There’s also a lively social calendar, with my first six months including meals out, rounders and board games!
