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…
Come to a virtual study session in May
What are virtual study sessions? These are online study sessions facilitated by Library staff, where you can study independently alongside other students via Teams. They are a great way for you to dedicate specific time ...
Getting started on your School of Management thesis
Writing a thesis, business plan, internship project or company project can be a daunting task, and you might have some uncertainty or questions around how to get started. This post will share some ideas and ...
Sustainability by royal request: Managing an event fit for a King
The Coronation of King Charles III on May 6th 2023, was watched by millions of people around the world with tens of thousands of people travelling to Central London to witness the pageantry firsthand. ...
Getting started on your Master’s thesis
Please note: This post is intended to provide advice to all students undertaking a thesis in the Schools of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing; Water, Energy and Environment, and Defence and Security. There is separate advice ...
Finding your tribe: “Joining the sustainability community was the best decision”
For students on Cranfield’s Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship, community and camaraderie is a vital component for success. Designed in consultation with industry, the part-time Level 7 apprenticeship aims to deepen participants’ knowledge of the ...
“My sustainability studies gave me the confidence to take on Amazon”
Not everyone would have the confidence to challenge a big global power like Amazon but, for Colin Featherstone, Senior Technology Manager and Tech Sustainability Lead at Morrisons, his Cranfield studies equipped him with the ...
What a great feedback