Where will an MSc in Water and Environmental Management take you?
Saum and Nami both graduated from Bristol’s Water and Environmental Management MSc programme and returned to their home countries of Kenya and Turkey to start their careers in water management. We spoke to them about their experience at Bristol and how their degrees helped them take the next step in their careers.
Why did you choose the Water and Environmental Management MSc? ?
Saum: My undergraduate degree was in Civil Engineering and I knew I wanted to specialise in water. Bristol offered a comprehensive programme that covered different important topics in water and added an extra layer with the environmental area. I also liked how the different modules were structured and I knew this would provide a wide-ranging programme.
Nami: I had a scholarship from the Turkish Government and had several opportunities to study a master’s degree in the UK. I chose Bristol because of its high ranking, the pleasant city environment and the reasonable cost of living.
Tell us about where you work. What do you do there?
N: I work in the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works of Turkey as a hydrogeological engineer. I am responsible for hydrogeological investigations of the rivers Sakarya and Konya in Turkey.
These investigations of a river catchment involve studying groundwater dynamics, geological formations, and water quality. They include data collection, geological mapping, hydrological monitoring, aquifer characterization, and groundwater modelling. The aim is to understand groundwater-surface water interactions, estimate recharge, assess resource sustainability, and develop management plans for water conservation.
S: Since graduating I have been working as a water engineer in Kenya. I have been involved in different phases of water projects from design to supervision. I have worked on water treatment plants, dams, water pipelines and different other related projects.
How did your master’s degree prepare you for the role?
S: Having a master’s degree from a top university like Bristol has been a real advantage. This programme made me more knowledgeable in my field and equipped me with more expertise which has come in handy when navigating my career.
N: Firstly, doing this master’s degree and the process of writing my dissertation helped me improve my skills. It so motivated me for academic studies that now I am studying a PhD in Turkey at the same time as my job!
Secondly, academic life and living in the UK helped changed my perspective. Now, when I make a decision, I consider sustainability, economy, social and environmental issues.
What would you say was the most valuable experience you took from your time at Bristol?
N: The Water and Environmental Management programme provided effective content and was delivered well. Lectures involved active participation from students. We went on field trips and participated in projects where we learned through hands-on experience, simulating real-world work environments.
S: I found the interaction between myself and my other classmates quite valuable. The opportunity to work with people from different regions of the world was quite special. Generally, the programme was very eye opening for my professional development too.
The networking opportunities provided by the programme and the school have also been very valuable. Being able to remain in touch with my classmates, lecturers and the university staff has been very important as I continue progressing in my career.
Do you have any advice for others thinking of studying this programme?
S: Go for it. I think water is a basic need and as such there is room for so much development, growth and impact. There are also many emerging areas within this field which are all exciting to explore and contribute to.
The course information and statements contained within this blog are correct at time of publication.