Rahima Patel

As a recent graduate from Climate Change, Science and Management I am currently a Graduate Consultant for AtkinsRéalis within their Network and Drainage Solutions team. My role primarily entails hydraulic modelling, which largely involves model build, update and verification on a software called Infoworks ICM, but I also frequently use QGIS and MapInfo. I am currently working on a project for Anglian Water where I am updating a UK city’s drainage system based on future growth: which aligns with the aspect of the degree where I would model adaptive future climate scenarios!

The modelling-based modules where I used a variety of software and improved my computational skills (e.g. calculating/projecting data in ArcGIS, 1D/2D hydraulic modelling in FloodMap, numerical modelling in R Script, energy modelling in OSeMOSYS and presenting data/results in Excel) have created the foundation for my modelling mind-frame today.

Alongside this, the improvement in my technical report writing and analysis skills from this degree have definitely supported my pursuit for such a role. It also helps that the coursework assessments produced in this programme were like ‘mini projects’: I was able to draw on for my interview for this role! The role of a consultant is also great, due to the variety and flexibility it provides within the environmental field: for example, I have recently attained accreditation as an Asset Inspector, where I go on site around the UK two days a week to inspect flood defences on behalf of the Environment Agency.

Previous fieldwork (e.g. primary & secondary data collection in Hydrometeorology for the Climate Emergency) and the variety of the content taught within an initially perceived ‘niche’ degree, have helped prepare me for the varying projects I am working on now.

I thoroughly enjoyed the focus on different elements of approaching climate change, ranging from the energy, environment, and water sectors, and it just so happens I've ended up in the latter, but the great thing about this MSc is the flexibility it provides in a future career path.

Having now been in the industry I can say a climate change graduate is increasingly in demand! Overall, I can't recommend this degree enough for both the range of what is taught, but also for the quality of teaching across all modules: it was hands-on and interactive, and support was always available to me!