Our Careers in Sustainability blog series continues with an excellent contribution from Rebecca Metcalfe, Land Referencer at Blackhall & Powis. Rebecca talks about her journey from university to her career, and highlights a lesser-known career within the Geography sphere.
The journey from university to a career being aligned with your degree isn’t always straightforward. For some, it’s as simple as receiving an offer from the company they interned with in the summer. For me, it was different. I stumbled into a path I hadn’t even known existed, and I’m so glad I did.
My time at the University of Edinburgh
My name is Rebecca, and I graduated in 2022 from the University of Edinburgh with a BSc Geography degree. During my time at Edinburgh, I was focused on my geography degree (and perhaps too much on my social life), so the question “What’s next?” often sat at the back of my mind. I hoped my degree would lead to something relevant, but I wasn’t sure what that looked like.
After graduating, I worked at Aberdein Considine, a well-known Scottish law firm in Glasgow’s West End. That role gave me confidence and a grounding in Scottish property law, then the next question was “Where next?” Geography and property law – what could they possibly have in common? The answer lies in the field of Land Referencing.
While researching graduate schemes in Glasgow, I discovered a role at consultancy firm Blackhall and Powis (B&P) as a Graduate Land Referencer. The position involved supporting renewable and infrastructure projects, required a geography-related degree, and valued familiarity with UK land registries. There wasn’t initially a role available for me but, fast forward two years, and I’m now a Senior Land Referencer within the B&P ever-expanding Land Information team. I’ve worked on exciting offshore, onshore, and infrastructure projects across the UK, and I’ve spent time on site in the Highlands and Islands, Aberdeenshire and North West England, collaborating with clients and industry experts.
What is Land Referencing?
Land Referencing is a career I was unaware of during my time at University; however, it is an integral discipline within the geospatial sphere, and it is often known as the unsung hero within Land Assembly. As a Land Referencer, I assist projects by identifying ownership interests and rights, ensuring that all stakeholders are accounted for and that legal and procedural requirements are met. This process underpins the smooth delivery of infrastructure and development schemes, from transport networks to renewable energy projects.
Our data is displayed on GIS (Geographical Information Systems), which during a BSc Geography degree at Edinburgh you’re lucky enough to complete a whole module on. That experience propelled my understanding at the start of my Land Referencing career and gave me the technical foundation to interpret datasets with confidence.
B&P’s Land Information team comprises two components: GIS specialists and Land Referencing specialists. The two work cohesively together to provide comprehensive land data for clients and their requirements, combining spatial accuracy with legal precision. This collaboration ensures that projects are not only digitised effectively but also supported by robust evidence of land information, enabling clients to progress with clarity and certainty.
Final thoughts
The chapter following your degree can be a difficult and confusing period. The question “What next?” often arises, but in time everyone finds their own path. For some, it might mean pursuing a master’s degree; for others, taking time out to travel. Each journey is unique.
I hope this short post helps make the transition after university feel a little less daunting, while also highlighting a career that geoscience graduates may not have considered. I count myself fortunate to enjoy my job, though I know that isn’t always the case. My advice would be to throw yourself into every opportunity, embrace the uncertainty, and work hard.
Future opportunities
If you would like to experience a summer working within B&P’s Land Information team, Blackhall and Powis will be recruiting for summer internships in 2026 for recent graduates and second-year students. Applications are live now and you can apply through MyCareerHub: Blackhall & Powis – Summer internships
Thank you, Rebecca.
You can meet Rebecca in person at our “Meet people working in Sustainability” networking event on 5th February 2026: Careers in Sustainability
Rebecca highlighted the importance of throwing yourself into opportunities to build your experience and develop your skills.
To get started with internships, visit our Finding internships and work experience webpage.
To find out more about the Sustainability sector, check our sector pages Sustainability and the environment.
For other jobs relating to sustainability search #EdSustainabilityCareers on MyCareerHub.
