Josh Ward

Meet Josh Ward who has experienced a varied career since graduating. Josh is currently a Project Leader (Change) at Network Rail.

University experience

Josh grabbed every opportunity on offer to him to ensure he got the most out of his university experience. He states that he chose to study at the University for the wide variety of choice allowing him to explore and specialise in areas which aligned with his personal interests and professional goals.

He also explains that, ‘it was clear that year in industry placements were not only supported but actively encouraged as part of wider learning and personal development during my studies at University.’ ‘

‘Utilising the option for a year of work experience has proven invaluable and helps to tackle the difficulty most students face - needing experience to get a job, but needing a job to get experience!'

Josh explains that the University offered him so much more than a degree. From meeting new people to exploring the World, Josh made the most of  the University’s international connections. He says, ‘The best thing for me was the wider life experience. As a geographer fieldwork is an important aspect of your learning, and I enjoyed trips to Switzerland and the Lake District. I was also lucky enough to be awarded a small bursary to part-fund a study abroad opportunity in Brazil.’

Despite all of these amazing experiences, Josh adds that his stand out memory from his time at university was ‘the view of the alps from Hohsaas, Switzerland where we broke through the cloud line at ~3,000m above sea level.’

Future aspirations

After graduating, Josh joined the I.T & Business Services graduate scheme at Network Rail. The scheme enabled him to rotate experience different business units and build his experience before settling into his current role as a Project Leader (Change).

Josh state that he is not sure what the future holds but he has ‘become fascinated by all aspects of change’ and has a deep passion for the rail industry.