‘My new career wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for Birkbeck’

Nomusa, who is currently studying MSc Environment and Sustainability at Birkbeck after completing the BSc here in April 2024, now works as the Climate Change Programme Officer at the London Borough of Harrow, having made the move from Children’s Services First Response Team.

She is committed to continuing her lifelong learning journey at Birkbeck and credits her time here for having the confidence and expertise to make a career move.

She said: “I got the job while doing my undergrad, so I am working in the sector I am learning about. My role is to co-ordinate the climate change programme for the London Borough of Harrow. It’s gathering and collating information from across different departments in the council to help inform the Climate and Nature Strategy Action Plan for the borough.

“If I didn’t put on my CV that I was doing my BSc in Environment and Sustainability at Birkbeck, I don’t think I would have got the role.”

Nomusa said that returning to Birkbeck to study for the MSc felt like “natural progression”, especially with the benefit of a 20 per cent alumni discount thanks to Birkbeck’s Lifelong Learning Guarantee.

She said: “My previous experience as a student here was intellectually enriching and personally transformative. Birkbeck’s unique structure, especially its evening teaching model and supportive culture, enabled me to balance a full-time job and full-time study effectively.

“The alumni discount was a welcome bonus, but my real motivation was the chance to deepen my knowledge in a field I’m passionate about. I wanted to build on the foundation I had already laid, with staff and systems I was familiar with and trusted.

“The MSc in Environment and Sustainability offers the critical tools and interdisciplinary approach to tackle today’s environmental challenges and contribute to real-world change. Coming back to Birkbeck felt like the right place to grow both academically and professionally.”

Nomusa, who originally comes from Zimbabwe, embarked on her studies due to her passion for the environment and her own activism. She founded the Zimbabwe Elephant Foundation, a non-profit organisation that advocates for a stronger co-existence of people and wildlife in Zimbabwe and protests against the trade in live infant elephants from Zimbabwe to Chinese zoos. She also campaigns for the ban of trophy hunting imports into the UK.

She said: “The foundation opens your eyes to things you didn’t realise were happening, such as the illegal trafficking of wildlife. I want to be able to change people’s behaviour and minds to help protect wildlife, rather than thinking of them as a commodity. The environment has always been something I have been passionate about.”

Nomusa has been supported through her studies through the Legal and General Sustainable Leaders Bursary, which supports a cohort of future leaders who can mobilise communities to play a role in building a more sustainable future. The support has allowed to her pay for a laptop, books and rent so she can live in London throughout her studies.

Nomusa said: “It really is a huge relief to get this support, which really does relieve the pressure of having to think about getting an extra job. It means I can really focus on my studies.”

Nomusa admits that her Birkbeck experience has not been without its challenges as she navigates juggling a full-time job and her university commitments.

She said: “It hasn’t been easy. At one point I thought I was going to drop out. The support from the amazing staff at Birkbeck made me pull through and helped me carry on. My lecturers helped me with a coping method of getting through the workload.

“Birkbeck has really helped me in my career and personal growth, particularly with how resilient I can be. It gives you those life skills you need for a job.”

Nomusa reflects on the diverse student community that exists at Birkbeck: “You realise how diverse Birkbeck is when you go into class on the first day. There are different backgrounds and cultures. You feel that you are among people who understand where you are coming from and what you are trying to achieve. We all have common goals.”