Renuka S

What were the best things about your course?

I really enjoyed my course and the subject matter that was taught over the year. I loved that it was so interdisciplinary and brought so many people together from different walks of life, age groups and academic backgrounds to think about how we can help solve climate change. I loved that there were external speakers that provided insights about how to implement what we studied in the real world, and the opportunities that it presented to us as students by way of internships or jobs.  

What do you do now? How did your degree from Surrey help you to achieve this?

I work as a carbon underwriter at a insurance company called Kita. They provide carbon insurance, ensuring reduced risks in carbon transactions and providing access to carbon removal solutions at the required scale to meet our global climate goals. I am extremely grateful for my job and love what I do.

My time at Surrey provided me with the opportunities I have today. When I first joined the course, I had a different idea of what I wanted to do. But I threw myself into the course material and learnt about so many different things. It enabled me to secure a part-time job at a leading climate change think tank, Carbon Tracker, which was a wonderful experience. Although my initial plan was to go back to work for a ‘Big 4’ accounting company as an ESG consultant after I graduated, I now work in a completely different climate-related space.  
I opened myself up to new opportunities and experiences which translated into the job I have today. I think I enjoy my current job and role much more than I would have if I had restricted myself to a certain path.

What's your advice to current students?

My advice would be to believe in yourself, your purpose and passion, and enjoy what you do.

I would also advise that you try out new things that excite you, and don’t restrict yourself to what you know or what your comfort zone is. The climate space in particular has so much happening. There are so many new initiatives started by some of the brightest minds that are passionate about working for a good cause and solving the problem of climate change.  

Put yourself out there, make the most of your time at Surrey. Don’t expect everything to be handed to you – if you work hard and persevere, you will be surprised at the success that follows. Always network and talk to people in the space because you learn so much and build relationships and you never know whether you will cross paths in the future – it may translate into a wonderful opportunity when you least expect it.