What is your current job? I am a Research Associate with the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. At CPR, I am part of the team involved in a project titled ‘Scaling City Institutions for India – Urban Sanitation’, specifically working on understanding the relationships between sanitation technologies and the social contexts in which they are embedded.
What is your background? Prior to enrolling onto a master’s degree programme, I read for the BSc in Environmental Policy with Economics at the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳.
Did you have professional experience in the field beforehand? My prior experience was limited to internships in the sector, such as working for GIST Advisory, a consultancy focused on issues of economic appraisal of the environment.
Why did you choose MSc Environmental Policy and Regulation? The course offered a natural progression for someone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the various approaches to environmental policy at the local, national, and international level.
What was it about ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ that made you want to study here? The breadth of modules available within the department with the opportunity to audit from other leading social science departments is unique to the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳. Also, access to the multi-disciplinary ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ public lecture series was a natural draw.
What did you enjoy most about the programme? The programme attracts students from across the globe, which results in insightful class discussions borrowing from different approaches to policy in various contexts.
Has MSc EPR proven useful in the world of work? The dissertation component allowed me to investigate a research question of relevance to the environment domain. Working independently on the design of the study and gaining familiarity with different methodological approaches has proved most valuable for a carrier in public policy.
How did you find living and studying in London? A real eye-opener; the experience of spending four years in the heart of London threw up many practical challenges, most of which end up teaching you invaluable life skills.
How do you think employers view MSc EPR graduates? Reading for a specialised programme such as EPR has a niche appeal, which employers in the domain value most highly.
Was the programme challenging? The degree of the challenge depends upon each student’s willingness to engage with the taught modules, independent dissertation research, and group discussions.
Did you make any useful contacts while on the programme? One of the real strengths of the programme, the course draws the brightest students from across the globe committed to pursuing careers in the field of environmental policy. Since my time at the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳, I continue to be in touch with and learn from the breadth of experience of my course mates.
Do you have any advice for prospective students? If you are committed to pursuing a career in public policy towards the environment, the programme offers a perfect blend of theory and real world application.
What would your company look for in a graduate? The emphasis on a deep understanding of the methodologies used to investigate contemporary environmental issues.
If you have one highlight from MSc EPR, what would it be? The composition of my class – students from a variety of different countries with rich past experiences, all at different stages of their careers.