Alexandra
MSc Environmental Technology
I have met so many people who have changed the way I see the world and it has been eye-opening to learn from so many different cultures.
With a BEng in Renewable Energy Engineering, Alexandra from Spain and Ukraine tells us why her MSc in Environmental Technology aligns perfectly with her career goals, what her advice is for finding accommodation as a Master’s student and why she loves living in London.
Why Imperial?
There are many reasons why I chose Imperial. Apart from Imperial’s reputation for excellence and the London location, I’ve also had careers opportunities and support from day one – it even continues after I graduate, with alumni support and help finding jobs through the Careers Service.
I knew Imperial College London was right for me once I went to a Virtual Open Day and the programme directors and academics were telling us about all the options on our course and I could see how active and excited all the attendees were.
What truly pushed me to apply was when my undergraduate thesis supervisor told me about Imperial’s Environmental Technology course and I thought it aligned perfectly with what I wanted – to keep my technical focus but shift it towards a more multidisciplinary environment.
There are many reasons why I chose Imperial. Apart from Imperial’s reputation for excellence and the London location, I’ve also had careers opportunities and support from day one – it even continues after I graduate, with alumni support and help finding jobs through the Careers Service.
I knew Imperial College London was right for me once I went to a Virtual Open Day and the programme directors and academics were telling us about all the options on our course and I could see how active and excited all the attendees were.
What truly pushed me to apply was when my undergraduate thesis supervisor told me about Imperial’s Environmental Technology course and I thought it aligned perfectly with what I wanted – to keep my technical focus but shift it towards a more multidisciplinary environment.
Alexandra with other MSc Environmental Technology (Energy Policy) students on a field trip to a community-owned solar panel and wind turbine farm in South Wales.
Alexandra with other MSc Environmental Technology (Energy Policy) students on a field trip to a community-owned solar panel and wind turbine farm in South Wales.
The Centre of Environmental Policy
The Centre of Environmental Policy is the gold standard in its field, but what specifically drew me to the department and course was that there are so many experts involved who I’d get the chance to work with. These experts are from various backgrounds and work with many different organisations across the world, partnering in projects within the EU and beyond, such as the government in Kenya.
It's incredible to work with so many inspiring people and to learn how to see a familiar problem through a new lens.
Being in The Centre of Environmental Policy gave me the opportunity to meet my mentor who is working in a role that I aspire to in the future. My mentor has given me an insight into the current research in the field, helped me meet alumni who are experts in environmental technology and motivated me to make my own contributions to shaping future energy policies.
Alexandra answers your questions about postgrad study
Learn more about how she found accommodation in London, what it's like to be part of the Imperial community and how she finds a work–life balance.
Alexandra answers your questions about postgrad study
Learn more about how she found accommodation in London, what it's like to be part of the Imperial community and how she finds a work–life balance.
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Meeting people and joining the Imperial community
It is amazing to be part of such an international community at Imperial. At the beginning, like anything important in life, I felt very nervous. But everybody was so lovely and welcoming, so I realised within the first week that everything was going to be fine.
I met new people and got to know my classmates by saying ‘yes’ to as many plans as possible, whether that was going to the union bar, to the park or to societies’ taster sessions.
I’d definitely recommend joining some societies as that will give you the opportunity to spend time with people who have similar interests and potentially make new friends for life! And if you and your classmates want to start something social yourselves, go for it!
Meeting people and joining the Imperial community
It is amazing to be part of such an international community at Imperial. At the beginning, like anything important in life, I felt very nervous. But everybody was so lovely and welcoming, so I realised within the first week that everything was going to be fine.
I met new people and got to know my classmates by saying ‘yes’ to as many plans as possible, whether that was going to the union bar, to the park or to societies’ taster sessions.
I’d definitely recommend joining some societies as that will give you the opportunity to spend time with people who have similar interests and potentially make new friends for life! And if you and your classmates want to start something social yourselves, go for it!
Living in London
It has been incredible living in London as an international student. I have met so many people who have changed the way I see the world and it has been eye-opening to learn from so many different cultures.
I love the feeling that you can do anything in London.
If you want to go ice skating on a random Tuesday, you can do just that! I enjoy going to concerts of every genre and visiting all the free museums. There’s so much to do and there are still lots of places I’ve yet to explore.
It’s hard to pick my favourite experience of living in London so far, as I’ve enjoyed everything and would not have appreciated the best times without the stressful times. But if I had to name one event, probably going out dancing in Shoreditch with friends until late, grabbing bagels and going to Tower Bridge and talking for hours about everything and anything.
Finding accommodation in London
I’m currently living in private accommodation. It was an adventure trying to find a place to live in London before starting my Master’s. I dedicated a week to calling every flat that met my criteria which I found on property search websites and then went for viewings as soon as possible. I also applied for GradPad private student accommodation just in case there was a place available but knew that there were only limited flats, so made sure I had lots of other accommodation options too.
Once you’ve found somewhere you’re happy with, I’d recommend filling out an offer or deposit form as soon as possible to lock it in. Don’t leave it to the last moment and then choose a place out of desperation. Remember it will be your home for at least a year, so you want to be comfortable! In my case, I preferred somewhere which was within walking distance to campus, so I was fine with a smaller space.
Living in London
It has been incredible living in London as an international student. I have met so many people who have changed the way I see the world and it has been eye-opening to learn from so many different cultures.
I love the feeling that you can do anything in London.
If you want to go ice skating on a random Tuesday, you can do just that! I enjoy going to concerts of every genre and visiting all the free museums. There’s so much to do and there are still lots of places I’ve yet to explore.
It’s hard to pick my favourite experience of living in London so far, as I’ve enjoyed everything and would not have appreciated the best times without the stressful times. But if I had to name one event, probably going out dancing in Shoreditch with friends until late, grabbing bagels and going to Tower Bridge and talking for hours about everything and anything.
Finding accommodation in London
I’m currently living in private accommodation. It was an adventure trying to find a place to live in London before starting my Master’s. I dedicated a week to calling every flat that met my criteria which I found on property search websites and then went for viewings as soon as possible. I also applied for GradPad private student accommodation just in case there was a place available but knew that there were only limited flats, so made sure I had lots of other accommodation options too.
Once you’ve found somewhere you’re happy with, I’d recommend filling out an offer or deposit form as soon as possible to lock it in. Don’t leave it to the last moment and then choose a place out of desperation. Remember it will be your home for at least a year, so you want to be comfortable! In my case, I preferred somewhere which was within walking distance to campus, so I was fine with a smaller space.
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After graduation
Looking to the future, I’m excited to get out and get work experience in industry. I’d like to work as an energy or sustainability consultant or analyst where I can take on more responsibility. It’s important to me to work in a company that has values that align with my own and that has a mission that resonates with me.
Imperial’s Careers Service has helped me plan my future career, especially JobsLive which is the online system for booking careers fairs, events and appointments and for searching for jobs and employers. With the Careers Service’s support and helpful resources, I've reached more last rounds of interviews than I have in the past which I find encouraging.
My advice for making job applications as a current Master’s student is to tailor your application by highlighting the qualities asked for in the job description. If you can find a mentor or a professional who is more advanced in their career than you, don’t be afraid to ask them all the questions you can think of, especially if they’re in a job you’re very interested in!
Also, don’t be scared to ask for feedback on your interviews and send follow-up emails if you haven’t received an answer. I know it's easier said than done and it’s still something that I struggle with sometimes, but try not to take rejection personally – instead, think of it as an opportunity to learn and improve for next time.
Careers support from day one
Our Careers Service can help sharpen your competitive edge in a world top 10 city for graduate employment (QS Student Cities 2025).
If I had to sum up my experience at Imperial so far, I’d say it’s been a year full of unexpected life lessons. Doing a Master’s at Imperial has taught me so many things, but the most important lesson I have learned is that you should try even when you do not know.
Failing at first will teach you more than never trying will.
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