Something I had never considered…
05/05/2021
Waking up at six, working seven to five, surrounded by suits, in a city where I was alone was not what I expected my early 20’s to be like. I worked for myself, earned money, and spent money on myself. I thought to myself – surely there is more I can be doing with time and money?
When Covid-19 hit, construction was halted. When I was placed on furlough, I realised working in construction just wasn’t cutting it. Knowing full well I was not happy with my current job and didn’t see my construction career progressing past the 3-year grad scheme I was currently undertaking, I decided to look elsewhere.
I graduated in 2019 with a MEnvSci in Environmental Science. My research was focused on fluvial pollution pathways from a disused mine situated on Anglesey (Parys Mountain).
My father is a lecturer and when I mentioned I wasn’t happy he suggested furthering my studies and continuing with a Ph.D. The thought of going back to university for a minimum of three years hadn’t even crossed my mind!
After applying for numerous jobs, looking at various career pathways I decided to investigate the possibility of going back to studying. Looking at all diverse titles of research projects I thought to myself – am I smart enough to apply, or will I just embarrass myself? Continuing, I read the title; “REGENERATIS – Regeneration of past metallurgical sites and deposits through innovative circularity for raw materials”. And like a shining beacon I knew this was the one. This was the project that was going to get me away from the monotony of working at a desk. This was the project that will enable me to utilise my degree, to actually make a difference, ultimately to help the world. Knowingly doubting my intelligence, I applied. I had never heard of Cranfield University, didn’t know I wanted to commence a Ph.D. but I did it. After I applied, I knew I was doing the right thing. I knew that this was the path I had to head down.
I had a zoom interview (classic 2020) on a Wednesday. I was nervous but the sun was shining so I knew it was going to be a good day. As soon as the interview was done, I thought I had embarrassed myself by even thinking I could apply for a Ph.D. How could I – currently working as a quantity surveyor, think about applying for an environmental engineering Ph.D.? Not but 4 hours later I had a phone call offering me the position. I am smart enough to apply. I am intelligent and I will do this Ph.D. Nearly a year later, now with two jobs, my life is now in a city where I’m not alone, no suit in sight, and I’m happy!
Categories & Tags:
Leave a comment on this post:
You might also like…
Meet the Cranfield alumna named among sustainability’s brightest rising stars
For Julia Anukam, working in sustainability is about being part of the solution. A conscious consumer and long-time vegan, she found her true calling after a re-evaluation of her career priorities during the Covid-19 ...
We need a million engineers who understand accessibility
…and we are, mostly, starting from zero. This arresting, attention-grabbing line was said to me only last month, in a busy London canteen. Who said it, where we were, are and what they said - ...
Cranfield apprentices named among sustainability’s brightest rising stars
Two Cranfield University apprentices have been recognised for their drive, determination and potential to lead the UK towards a more sustainable future. Julia Anukam and Lucie Rowley feature in the prestigious edie 30 Under ...
A Global Perspective: My Cranfield experience in air transport management
Hello, I’m Sudheshna Satya Prakash, an Indian student studying an MSc in Air Transport Management. After meeting Dame Karen Holford, the Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield in India, my family ...
A Colombian in Cranfield: My journey through aerospace materials
Hi everyone! I’m Mateo Duarte Garcia, an international student from Colombia who recently completed the MSc in Aerospace Materials programme at Cranfield University. Cranfield has been a dream of mine since ...
Researching a market or industry?
We've been running some lunchtime sessions recently on researching markets and industries. Here's a quick a recap for those who took part or a brief introduction for anyone who missed the session. If you need ...
What a great feedback