MSc Petroleum, Energy Economics & Finance, 2015
From Aberdeen to Energy Analyst
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
Aberdeen is an internationally distinguished university with a rich mix of history and innovation. It has been in existence since 1495 and naturally represents a lot of traditions while also offering great scholarships. In addition to all these, the city itself offered a great mix of history and nature with historic castle, rivers, mountains and nature to explore. I chose Aberdeen due to my love for Scotland.
Why did you choose your particular course?
I was hoping to start a career in Energy and this course offered me the necessary tools to achieve that.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen? Did you have any particularly memorable student experiences?
My time in Aberdeen was very memorable. From the parties to Aberdeen Sports Village, to my time at Hillhead and several occasions watching football in the St Machar Bar with a pint of beer - all this made my experience a memorable one. I particularly loved reading in the garden behind the church at Hillhead during summer and using the sauna at the Sports Village. My most memorable experience was being locked up in Macrobert while using the computer for an assignment. I loved every experience and could go on and on!
If you were involved in any clubs and societies as a student, what did you enjoy most about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?
The opportunity to meet and network with others. It was always fun sitting in the garden during summer to share experiences.
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
Your core activity is to learn but there is another equally core activity that is not spoken about: NETWORKING! Take the opportunities presented to you to network, for example student clubs, bonfires, pubs, the library, parties. And if you do not have many opportunities then create them! Travel, meet new people, get lost and make sure you have a chance to eat like others, dress like others, know them and make friends for life. My first Christmas was spent in the house of an old lady I encountered while helping her carry her bag. I made friends from Aberdeen city who were not students but have become lifetime friends. So Network!
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen?
Energy Analyst (Oil and Gas) at Energy Commission.
What did your first role involve?
My work involved planning and forecasting, informing energy policy through the preparation of energy sector outlooks for both electricity and petroleum. I was also responsible for oil and data collection, analysis and reviewing the Strategic National Energy Plan (SNEP). I organised stakeholder consultations and interactions with electricity and petroleum sector partners countrywide. As a key member of the focal team on SDGs, I represented the Energy Commission at SDG-related workshops and conferences to make recommendations for policy formulation.
What is your current job title?
Energy Analyst (Emerging Technologies and Climate Change) at Energy Commission in Accra, Ghana.
What is your current role?
I serve as project coordinator, task lead and strategic advisor for the Drive Electric Initiative, the emobility program of the Commission.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now.
Upon graduation, I worked briefly in Aberdeen before returning to Ghana. In Ghana it took about 6 months to get a job. After hundreds of applications and several interviews, I finally secured an internship with the Energy Commission. I currently work with the Commission as an Energy Analyst (Emerging Tech and Climate Change). As part of my work, I coordinate and lead programs and initiatives in climate and sustainable energy area. I research and analyse opportunities and challenges that confront policymakers and help decision leaders to craft smart energy policies which balance economic, environmental, and security priorities. I am responsible for concept development, research and coordination with relevant stakeholders and also represent the Commission at local and international conferences.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
My first job as an Energy Analyst (Oil and Gas) involved dealing with petroleum companies here in Ghana. It mainly involved analysing data from oil files and forecasting most of these data into the future. Prior to this job, I had a degree in Finance and had only worked as an Auditor. My degree from Aberdeen gave me the necessary tools to understand oil field data, analyse and forecast.
One Top Tip
While in Aberdeen open your eyes to opportunities. Where possible, create your own opportunities. When you leave, remember to give back!
