Rachel Alderson - Graduated 2023
Track: Environmental Change and Ecosystems
Current position: Consultant Geomorphologist at Cbec Eco-engineering
Can you briefly tell us what you studied (including your specialisation) and when you graduated?
I studied the Environmental Change and Ecosystems track within the Sustainable Development MSc and graduated in September 2023.
How has your study influenced your career path, and what role has it played in your professional development?
Throughout the Master’s in Sustainable Development I became increasingly interested and specialised in environmental restoration and rewilding. It wasn’t a discipline I knew much about when I started my Master’s but the courses I took allowed me to pursue my interest in the topic and I now work in environmental consultancy specialising in river and wetland restoration. Without the broad topics covered during the Sustainable Development Master’s I may never have discovered the scientific field I am now so passionate about.
Could you provide an example of a specific project or experience during your studies that significantly contributed to your growth and success in your current career?
The biggest project I undertook during my Master’s was my thesis, focusing on vegetation development in restored wetlands. The project allowed me develop a lot of new skills in fieldwork, data collection and statistical analysis. I was also able to further specialise my knowledge in the field of environmental restoration, helping me stand out when applying for jobs in the environmental sector. After graduation I started working with my thesis supervisor to turn my thesis into a scientific article and I am in the process of trying to get this published. This is an opportunity that isn’t common in other Master’s programmes, and one that has further allowed me to stand out in the job market.
What were the key skills or knowledge you gained during your studies, and how do you apply them in your work now?
The Master’s involves a lot of group work that allowed me to develop my teamworking skills. It also gave me experience working as part of multidisciplinary teams, with students from different academic backgrounds. Today I use these skills working with colleagues and clients every day.
How were you able to differentiate yourself in the job market thanks to your education at our university?
The variety of courses I was able to take, and the multi-disciplinary approach of the Master’s meant that I had a much wider skillset and knowledge base than other people applying to the same jobs. I was able to discuss a wide range of topics during interviews but also still have an in depth and specialist knowledge of more specific environmental topics.
Do you have any specific memories of teachers, courses, or extracurricular activities that left a lasting impression on you?
One of my favourite courses was the Interdisciplinary Case Study, which involved working with students from other tracks and Master’s on a real-life sustainability consultancy project. Our project involved developing real world solutions to coastal erosion in the Gulf of Mexico. Being able to work on a real consultancy project was very exciting and it led me to pursue environmental consultancy as a career.
Can you share a moment when you encountered challenges during your studies and how you dealt with them?
When I first started, I found the number of deadlines challenging. During my undergraduate degree, my deadlines were spread further apart but during my Master’s I had to learn to work on multiple projects at the same time and prioritise my workloads to meet tight deadlines. However, I quickly adapted to this style of working and today I use those time management skills every day at work.
How has your study at our university contributed to your personal growth and development, alongside your professional success?
The greatest thing I gained from the Master’s was confidence. Before starting the Master’s I didn’t feel like I had the skills or understanding to work in the environmental and sustainability sector, but after completing the Sustainable Development Master's programme, I felt confident applying for environmental and sustainability roles and beginning my career.
Would you recommend other prospective students to pursue the same programme?
I would definitely encourage prospective students to enrol in this programme. I had the flexibility to tailor study programme to my interests and the skills I was interested in developing, which allowed me to stand out when applying for jobs. I also enjoyed its interdisciplinary nature and being able to step outside of my scientific background to approach problems from a multidisciplinary perspective.
What advice would you like to give to current students?
The Master’s is as good as you decide to make it. The programme covers a diverse range of topics and subjects and can be tailored to your passions and interests. Ensure you’re choosing courses that will allow you to develop the understanding and skills you want to take away with you into your future career.