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Hi Joanie. Tell me a bit about your background.
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I grew up in a small town in Switzerland, where nature was an important part of my life. I have fond memories of visiting the Swiss Alps with my family during the summer and walking around the impressive dams. These experiences sparked my fascination with energy and the infrastructures that are crucial to our daily lives.
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What (or who) inspired you to earn your degree?
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, I read many articles about energy access issues, particularly in the global South. While I was already interested in energy as a whole, I wanted to learn more about topics like energy poverty and dig into the details of successful projects in that region. When I discovered the MSc in Energy Policy at the University of Sussex, it aligned well with what I was looking for.
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What does having a good education mean to you?
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Education is an opportunity to cultivate curiosity. Curiosity drives us to discover new things and approach problems from different angles. For me, maintaining a high level of curiosity is very important, both professionally and personally, which is why continued education is key.
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How did you feel before starting your programme, and how do you feel now?
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Before starting the programme, I was excited to learn more about the subjects it covered. Now that I’ve completed it, I’m eager to engage with the energy community and contribute to discussions that ensure sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy worldwide.
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What challenges did you overcome during the programme?
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Balancing work, studies, and personal life was not easy. Staying focused and being self-disciplined helped me become more efficient in all aspects of my life.
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What has the process of earning your degree taught you about yourself?
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It taught me that I have a genuine passion for the energy sector, as well as the discipline and motivation to achieve goals that I set for myself.
It also taught me that people around the world face very different energy challenges so it’s important to listen and keep an open mind when devising solutions.
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Why did you choose this programme over others?
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This programme is designed for full-time professionals, which is one of its unique features. It’s also truly international and intergenerational. In my class, I was often one of the youngest, but I had the opportunity to work on projects with people from the traditional energy sector, some of whom were retired and pursuing continued education. It was extremely enriching to exchange ideas with them.
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How do you stay motivated while achieving your goals?
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I reminded myself that once a degree is earned, it can never be taken away, and the knowledge acquired is yours forever. Knowledge is the foundation of your future, and no matter how hard it gets, it’s worth investing the time and effort.
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How has Sussex shown you support?
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The University was great at keeping in touch and checking in throughout the programme. They were always helpful and responsive, and the teachers were available to guide us on assignments.
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How will you use your degree, and what impact do you want to have on the world?
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The University has so many inspiring alumni and is renowned in energy policy. I aspire to leverage the knowledge I’ve gained to support real-life impact in regions that need it most. Energy is not just a commodity; it’s an opportunity, and everyone deserves access to it.
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Have you been able to apply what you’ve learned in your program in your career or life?
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In my role as an Infrastructure Investment Analyst, I often review the energy policies of various countries and can now assess them more thoroughly. Policy is a key driver of investments, so it’s key to review these when performing due diligence.
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In your opinion, is studying a Masters worth it?
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Definitely worth it. Not only do you learn from leading academics, but you also have the chance to connect with individuals from around the world who share the same passion and interests.
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What advice do you have for future students?
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I encourage future students to learn about energy and its dynamics and to engage with the topic wherever they can. Energy is at the heart of society, and the decisions we make today will have lasting impacts on future generations. Young people have a unique opportunity to ensure energy is harnessed sustainably for the benefit of all.
