‘The MEEM programme at the University of Twente is an essential master’s for anyone interested in tackling the most pressing environmental and energy issues of our time’
“My sustainability journey began when I enrolled in the Master’s in Environmental & Energy Management (MEEM) programme at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. This transformative experience did not only shape my career but also my perspective on life.
Prior to joining the programme, I worked for oil and gas companies for many years, but I didn't fully understand the importance of the energy transition and the different aspects of sustainable trends. As an alumnus of the University of Twente, I highly recommend the MEEM programme to anyone interested in tackling the most pressing environmental and energy issues of our time, such as water, energy, and environmental concerns. The programme emphasises the interconnection between these issues and their impact on people's well-being.
Accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
In my current role as an Energy Technology Manager for the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) at the World Resources Institute (WRI), I am dedicated to accelerating the adoption of greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets through the SBTi. The environmental management, energy management, and sustainability and law courses I took at the University of Twente have been instrumental in preparing me for this role. Two courses that stood out to me were the Rurban Commons and Sustainability Game courses. These courses taught me how to effectively model complex sociotechnical and ecological systems, and the knowledge and skills I acquired have been extremely useful in my current role.
But it wasn't just about the courses. One of the most memorable aspects of my time at UT was the opportunity to work with a diverse group of international classmates who shared a common passion for environmental and energy management. We spent a lot of time together exploring the city of Leeuwarden and its surroundings, trying new foods, celebrating cultural festivals, and engaging in meaningful conversations about our shared interests. It was almost like living with a family away from home. We worked together on group assignments and projects, which challenged us to collaborate and think critically. It was amazing to see how we could bring different perspectives to the table and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. Even after the program ended, we stayed in touch, and some of my classmates have become good friends whom I cherish dearly.
Valuable guidance and support
Throughout the programme, the MEEM coordinators and secretaries were incredibly helpful, providing us with valuable guidance and support, making the learning experience much more enjoyable.
Overall, the MEEM program at Twente University is an essential course for anyone interested in tackling the most pressing environmental and energy issues of our time. The friendships and sense of community I gained through this program are invaluable and have enriched my life in ways I never imagined.”