Senior Renewable Energy Officer at Gulf Energy Development

Being at the University of Nottingham developed my career path by enabling me to understand what I really like. I think I've made a really good choice to focus on sustainable and renewable energy. 

 

 

What did you do when you graduated? 

After graduation I joined a GULF Energy Development as a Senior Renewable Energy Officer for two years which gave me a good insight into company culture, international business, and the working environment.  

What do you do now?  

I’m a Renewable Energy Engineer for Mott MacDonald in Thailand which I really enjoy. I'm quite a technical person and this role focuses on the technical perspective of solar energy as a renewable and sustainable energy source. 

What's your favourite thing about your job?   

I like being part of emerging technologies that the world is investing in to build more renewable energy sources. Many innovative technologies are developing in sustainable energy and it’s a fascinating field and extremely rewarding to see first-hand how the world is shifting. 

What was your favourite thing about your degree? 

Getting a background in renewable energy prepared me for what I would be facing in my future career, along with the skills to apply this knowledge. In engineering there is a lot of technical terminology, so having experience of using and understanding this was a big deal. 

How did your time at university help shape your career?   

A lot! At first, I didn't really have much interest in renewable energy. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Nottingham in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and, until then, I’d had no exposure to renewable energy. In my degree, we studied other engineering fields. I was really interested in the renewable and sustainable energy element and decided to progress to the Electrical Engineering for Sustainable and Renewable Energy MSc.  

Being at the University of Nottingham developed my career path by enabling me to understand what I really like. I think I've made a really good choice to focus on sustainable and renewable energy. 

What has your University of Nottingham experience meant to you?  

Being at a diverse and friendly university gave me a lot of experience and confidence for working in an international environment with a wide variety of people. 

What did you enjoy about your social time here?  

The best social aspect for me at university was the broad range of the clubs and societies I could experience. It opened my mind to all different types of interests and activities. I joined the climbing club at the David Ross Sports Village and developed a real passion for climbing. I began with bouldering (so not too high up) and advanced to regularly climbing to the top of the climbing wall with my friends which was a really satisfying and fun experience.  

What advice would you give someone considering studying Electronic and Electrical Engineering? 

Look at your mindset first. Are you more drawn to the technical aspect of sustainable and renewable energy or to the management side? Do you have a passion for the technology and find it a fascinating subject? I think you need to be someone who looks to the future and wants to invest your time in fixing the world.  

How did the Faculty of Engineering support you? 

I had the best, most supportive professor and advisor. I really had a great time at university. Close to my final exams I became unwell. My professor supported me to make the exam period as smooth and stress-free as possible, helping me to graduate.