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…
Creating Impact: Women in STEM Scholars discuss their journey and aspirations
We recently had the opportunity to catch up with some of your Women in STEM scholars to discuss what receiving the scholarship means to them, their experiences studying and living in the UK, their ...
Getting involved in outreach activities improved me as a Cranfield PhD Researcher
I spent an amazing three years as a PhD student with the Plant Science Laboratory, researching the metabolic and physiological changes in mango ripening. As a Cranfield PhD student I had many opportunities outside ...
Academic spotlight interview: Hannah Allen
From Crime Scenes to Classrooms: Hannah Allen’s Unique Path in Forensic Science “Forensics is about finding justice for victims, ensuring the guilty are prosecuted, and protecting the innocent.” Forensic Investigation MSc Course Director, Hannah ...
Automotive Engineering MSc alumnus Ghazi Raad on the impact of Cranfield on his career
Ghazi Raad is a Senior Innovation Engineer at AQA. He graduated from Cranfield University with an MSc in Automotive Engineering in 2023, after also completing a Pre-master’s in engineering in 2022. ...
Running a peer analysis in Fame
If you need to compare a UK company’s financial performance against that of other companies, Fame is a great place to start. This database contains the financial accounts of over 8.5 million public and private ...
From medical robotics to space exploration: My journey at Cranfield University
My name is Praveen Elavazhagan, and I’m from India. I recently completed my MSc in Robotics at Cranfield University, graduating in 2024. My journey to Cranfield, and now into a PhD, ...
What a great feedback