After completing her undergraduate degree in Economics, Penny progressed onto the MSc Global Energy Management. Penny now works as a Research Associate. Find out what she thinks of the course...
Before studying MSc Global Energy Management
I was in the fourth and final year of my Economics degree at the University of Strathclyde when I learned of the MSc Global Energy Management. I had always considered a Masters after completing my Honours degree, but it wasn’t until my final year I learned of the role of economics within the energy sector. After doing some research, speaking to lecturers and learning about the course content, I applied for the programme.
There were several reasons why I chose to study the course: personal interest, the relevance of the course to not only the current energy sector – but policy, finance and investment decisions – and selfishly, the career prospects available. It was one of the first courses I found that really took my fancy. After doing some research, I realised it was quite unique and there were few quite like it. Added to that, the reputation of Strathclyde Business School I’d come to realise throughout my undergraduate degree, and the vast knowledge/interest areas of teaching staff made me choose Strathclyde (again).
Studying Global Energy Management allowed me to analyse various energy markets from a different perspective.
Thoughts on the course
One aspect of the course I really enjoyed was the fact it’s designed so students can tailor elective classes to their personal interests. Alongside a range of compulsory classes, students can choose classes across all schools of Strathclyde, really broadening their skill set and making each student’s experience that bit different. A highlight of the course is the “Global Energy Forum” class. Weeks are split by alternating between a field trip and an external speaker, who is usually an industry professional, delivering a presentation to the cohort. This is a great way to make industry connections early on. Field trips are mostly aligned with a topic recently discussed in class. This year we visited the National Grid HQ in London, Hunterston B Nuclear Power Station and more. It is a great way to see content learned in class in action.
At the start of the programme, my main area of interest was in renewable energy. It’s fair to say that I was quite naïve in the beginning, thinking if that is the way the energy sector is moving, so I’d best get my foot in the door.
The course gave me a well-rounded understanding of the energy industry and my thoughts on future trends – this stood me well I think, particularly in preparing for job interviews. I now work as a Research Associate in the Global Gas Model team at Wood Mackenzie, where I work as part of a team who run various gas supply and demand scenarios in order to forecast future market trends and prices.
Advice to prospective students
It is a pretty demanding course in terms of managing time and workload, but it is so worth it. It will give you a well-rounded understanding of the energy industry like no other, helping to make you stand-out in job applications. Take advantage of the various classes on offer, step outside your comfort zone and the make the most of the course – it might not seem it at the beginning, but it’s a quick 12 months!
