Renewable Energy MSc alumnus Laurie Cusick: Life after Cranfield
27/11/2023
After completing his Renewable Energy MSc this year (2023), alumnus Laurie Cusick jumped on a flight to Northern Peru to volunteer as an intern in the renewable energy team at EcoSwell, gaining valuable work experience and contributing to an impactful project.
Laurie shares why he volunteered for EcoSwell, and how the internship and his Cranfield experience have shaped his future career prospects.
“Since finishing my thesis, and the academic year at Cranfield, I very quickly jumped on a flight to Northern Peru to work as a volunteer intern for a fantastic non-governmental organisation (NGO) called EcoSwell.
“I joined their renewable energy team, primarily working on a project responsible for the design, installation, and handover of a solar PV and battery storage system to provide an uninterruptible power supply for a highly relied-upon medical centre in the region of Talara.
“It was a valuable experience with a responsible organisation that treats the development of interns with importance, despite needing to meet project deliverables despite many constraints. It’s also encouraged for interns to spend plenty of time on great experiences and activities like surfing, fishing, and exploring to name a few!
“It is an experience that I would really recommend to current and future graduates, with an opportunity to learn and gain both professional and life experience.
Reflecting on my Cranfield experience
“The course was an intense year throughout, but it was an enjoyable one all the same where you have the opportunity to learn lots about the renewable energy industry, as well as relevant innovations and technologies. My supervisors and lecturers were really helpful over the year and I also had the opportunity to work with some recognised organisations in the group project and my thesis.
“I’ve learned an awful lot about energy and sustainability, including less conventional study topics such as legislation and policy, and economic strategy for a just and secure energy transition. However, nobody can take everything in permanently and I’d say a big skill I developed over the near was an ability to research new topics that I’m not familiar with, and gain an understanding within a short amount of time. This is a key skill for the course, particularly the taught modules which are only a fortnight long.
“I’ve certainly taken a lot of confidence and self-belief from this year. I was slightly skeptical of my ability to complete the course on the first day, but from dedicating plenty of time and utilising the resources on offer. I have a lot more faith in my ability to succeed and genuinely make a positive impact, thanks to my experiences over the last year.
Looking forward to the future
“I’m now preparing to start my new role at RED Engineering Design, an organisation I first came into contact with through one of the careers fairs at Cranfield. Lots of the topics that I discussed throughout the recruitment process were things I learned about throughout the course, and I’m really looking forward to applying what I’ve taken from my MSc in a work environment.
“Over the next 6 months I’m really keen to showcase to my new colleagues what I’m capable of, and establish myself within the organisation. I’m also keen to continue to learn more about the industry work on larger scale technical projects, and continue to develop my skills. I’m hoping to be able to speak a bit of Spanish to some of my friends from the course by the time graduation comes around!”
Categories & Tags:
Leave a comment on this post:
You might also like…
Love in the first degree – Management MSc students plan to get married!
After meeting at Cranfield whilst studying Management MSc, Isabel and Vatsal share their fond memories of Cranfield and what the future holds. Tell us about yourself Isabel: My name is Isabel Hamm and I'm originally ...
Our Cardiff study tour – an incredible experience that goes beyond academic learning
My name is Hyelni David Malgwi, originally from Nigeria. I am currently pursuing a master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. I recently had the fantastic opportunity to participate in a study tour to Cardiff, ...
Air Transport Management MSc student Quentin Lacoste on studying at Cranfield and his exciting new job role
Quentin Lacoste is studying for an MSc in Air Transport Management (ATM). Here, he talks about his journey to Cranfield, his experience on the course, and his exciting new job offer. ...
Advancing Uncrewed Aerial Systems: My Journey at Cranfield University
Cranfield University has offered me countless opportunities in the short time I have been here, and I am committed to making the most of them. As an expert in drones and ...
How we’re helping the UK take back control of time
Our lives run on the supply of an invisible utility: accurate time. Starting with the morning alarm on our smartphone, it’s the basis of the everyday information we rely on for travel schedules, journey ...
Library webinars and workshops running in May
We run a wide range of webinars and in-person workshops to support your work and to help boost your success at Cranfield. They cover topics including using our databases effectively, referencing, study skills, the use ...