Rachelle Ngai

Rachelle Ngai

I have always had a passion for environmental and sustainability issues and a desire to gain practical skills For this reason Leeds appeal to me as I had set myself upon becoming an environmental consultant. After days, weeks, and months of research into Masters programmes, the MSc Sustainability programme was my first choice due to its hands-on approach in the classroom (with real consultants!) and the Consultancy Project. It was a perfect foundation to both a new country and the environmental consulting sector.

With no idea of Leeds’ city and university existence, previous to my application, I was accepted! Then I looked at a map. The School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds and Leeds itself has been quite an experience. Travelling to Bridlington with my classmates and learning about land reclamation and habitat restoration and a Scottish Whisky tour to learn about its sustainability within the sector were just some of the highlights from my year. Finally, the Consultancy Project was everything I was looking for – a lot of hard work and fun! A mix of academia and environmental consultancy experience at a multinational company really grounded my knowledge and understanding of businesses and its sustainability issues, causing me to gain technical understanding and applications of energy management and greater confidence in my work.

Currently, I am employed by JBA Consulting, an engineering and environmental consultancy, and I absolutely love it. My experience at the University provided an excellent foundation and window into the consultancy sector. I am using many, if not all, of the skills I gained in and outside of the classroom that my professors insisted I learn. At this organisation, I continue to learn daily and broaden my experience working on projects for climate change adaptation, solar PV projects, energy and water optimisation, hydraulic fracturing, and more to come. 

This MSc programme has given me the right tools, skillset and work experience to be employed in a field I am passionate about – and develop a love for Yorkshire.