Michelle Sherry

Biography

What is your name and role at SLR?

My name is Michelle Sherry, and I work as a Graduate Hydrogeologist at SLR.

Can you describe your role at SLR?

I work as a Graduate Hydrogeologist within SLR’s Hydrology and Hydrogeology team in Ireland. My role involves a combination of fieldwork and reporting, contributing to a wide range of water-related environmental assessments. Field responsibilities include groundwater and surface water quality monitoring, groundwater level measurements, well drilling supervision, and biological river Q surveys. I also support the preparation of environmental impact assessment eeports and water framework directive assessments, helping to ensure that water resources are sustainably managed and protected in line with regulatory requirements.

What drew you to work at SLR?

Upon researching for my job interview, SLR’s website gave me the opportunity to read about the various hydrogeology related projects undertaken by SLR globally that outlined the specific services carried out in these projects and hence, what skills I could learn while at SLR in order to provide these services.

What does a typical day look like for a hydrologist at SLR?

No two days are the same in my role as a Graduate Hydrogeologist. Some days are spent in the office, where I focus on tasks such as analysing groundwater level logger data, compiling and interpreting site data, and contributing to technical reports. On other days, I may be out in the field, sometimes on the opposite side of the country, collecting water samples from monitoring wells and rivers, measuring groundwater levels, or supervising well installations. The variety in my day-to-day work keeps the role dynamic and engaging, offering a balance between technical analysis and hands-on fieldwork.

What do you like most about working at SLR?

One of the things I value most about working at SLR is the strong One Team culture, which encourages collaboration across disciplines and regions. This approach not only fosters a supportive working environment but also provides opportunities to learn from colleagues in different teams and expand my technical knowledge. Additionally, this is my first experience working in a fast-paced consultancy setting, which has challenged me to strengthen my time management and organisational skills - skills that are essential for success in this industry.

What unique opportunities have you experienced through your work at SLR?

SLR’s Graduate Programme provided a great opportunity to travel, including a visit from Ireland to Birmingham to connect with colleagues across regions. Fieldwork has also taken me to remote and scenic locations, offering experiences with wildlife and landscapes I might never have encountered otherwise. Additionally, I’ve taken part in some exciting training sessions one highlight being an off-road 4x4 driving course, which was both practical and a lot of fun.

How have learning and development opportunities, such as SLR's Graduate Programme, contributed to your professional growth?

SLR’s Graduate Programme has played a key role in my early career development. It helped me strengthen my networking skills by working with new teams during each training session, which also gave me exposure to different perspectives across the business. The programme introduced me to essential professional skills such as project management, budgeting, client relationship building, and time management, all of which have been invaluable as I continue to grow in my role.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career at SLR?

Approach every day with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Keep a notebook and a to-do list with you - it’s easy to lose track of things in a fast-paced consultancy environment, especially when you're new. I still refer back to notes I took during my first week at SLR, and they continue to be useful. There’s a wealth of knowledge within your service line, and your colleagues are always happy to share their expertise. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, reaching out is one of the best ways to learn and grow!