Maya Skinner

Studying MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance

Why did you choose to study MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance and why specifically at Imperial College Business School?

The unusual combination of environmental and climate change issues with business and finance. Imperial is a world class institution with strong industrial links. The masters not only provided access to some of the most influential researchers in the fields of environmental economics, finance and climate change, but also many networking opportunities with people working in impactful climate and environmental businesses.

What was the most surprising thing about the programme?

The many different ways the climate change issue can be analysed and address, for instance through finance, economics and policy, marketing and change management. And how they all come together.

What was the most important learning point you took with you from the Business School?

Relationship building amongst peers and other professionals, as well as expert knowledge on climate-related business and financial issues.

How do you view your experience of studying at Imperial since you left?

An intense and enriching period of my life which has opened up many new doors both professionally and personally. The year was spent studying in immense detail many of the scientific and business-related aspects of climate change, as well as building strong, long-lasting friendships with others who share your interest in the topic.

How has the programme changed you?

I have developed a valuable specialist knowledge of climate change related business issues and a more global outlook. As well as much better analytical, debating and critical thinking skills.

Career & professional development

How has the Business School helped develop your career? 

The course has enabled me to pursue a career in sustainability consulting. I would not have attained my current job without this masters programme – the role requires a climate change specific masters.

What did you take away from your learning experience that has been most applicable to your current role?

Many of the topics I learnt about during the masters (e.g. climate-related disclosures, climate policy such as the Paris Agreement & NDCs, climate risk, sustainability strategy) are dealt with directly in projects in my team. This has helped me build credibility in my new role, and enabled me to provide a valuable contribution to projects from the first day. Also many of the soft skills such as relationship building, team leadership, presentations and organisation are useful in the workplace.

I hope to be able to bring unique insights to clients and drive the transition to a low carbon economy through making this specialist knowledge more accessible and applicable to businesses worldwide.

What is your current role like?

I work on a variety of consulting projects relating to sustainability and climate change. This can range from corporate sustainability strategy, to climate risk assessments for financial institutions to international development and climate resilience projects.

What do you enjoy most about your current work and what are the main challenges that you face?

The variety of projects I can get involved in, ability to take time developing technical skills and deciding upon an areas I am most interested to build my career in in the future. Being surrounded by professionals who share my interest in business and climate change.

The alumni network

What value do you get out of your connections with the Business School and your fellow alumni?

Keeping in touch with people that share my professional interests, learning about what else is happening in the industry and the potential to explore new avenues of work and/or business opportunities.

Also, I am interested in keeping up with the academic side of business research and to learn about new insights from Imperial. Additionally, providing support for future students interested in the area.

Advice for future students

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering studying the same Business School programme as you?

Think about how your background (previous degree and work experience) aligns with some of the modules on the course. It’s useful to be able to add a unique insight from your previous experience into your modules and team work as well as helps you to build an interesting career story. It also helps you identify completely new areas to develop your knowledge in.