Is this programme right for you?

What was your educational/professional background before starting the programme?
– I have a Bachelor and Master Degree in Automation Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and I have worked in the Energy and Petroleum sector for 10 years. In particular, in the last 7 years, I covered the role of Project Engineering Manager in the design and construction of offshore platforms for oil and gas extraction.

Why did you choose to study this programme?
– I wanted to acquire academic knowledge in Wind Power in order to steer my career towards the renewable energies sector. In my opinion, this programme at Uppsala University offered the perfect balance between technical and managerial topics. Specifically, I appreciated very much the 1-year programme’s final target. Through a feasibility study, students would be able to design a wind park, with the potential to obtain permission to be built and the best possible energy yield and profitability.

How has the programme been so far?
– The first course is introductory and touches a lot of topics at a very high level, so at the beginning I was a bit confused and couldn’t see how the final objective would have been reached. But the following courses became more practical and dig in details to the right extent. And now that I’ve connected the dots I’m satisfied and sure this programme will prepare me for the wind industry job market.

Why do you think one should study Wind Power Project Management?
– The wind energy sector is a very multidisciplinary context and it comes as no surprise that it is growing extremely rapidly. Therefore, there is a high need for professionals that are able to deal with many aspects, both technical and not. If you are a person interested in learning to a medium extent about all the aspects behind a Wind Power project development, this is just the programme you need. Moreover, the 2 years programme, available as an alternative, offers you the possibility to specialise in one of the main topics.

What would you say to the students who are considering applying to this program?
– If you have no hurry to enter the job market (or return to it, like in my case), I would suggest you apply for the two-year programme and take advantage of the first year to understand what interests you the most within the second year’s available specialisations. Furthermore, here at Campus Gotland, you will be immersed in a special environment, where sustainability is leading the way and you’ll easily have the chance to become part of a small but very cohesive community.

Autumn 2021.

What was your educational/professional background before starting the program?
– Prior to starting the programme, I had completed a Bachelor of Science in Canada. After completing my degree, I moved to Australia and worked as a construction manager and supervisor for a civil construction company for four years building roads and irrigation pipelines. After my tenure in Australia, I returned to work as a construction manager in Canada for a commercial construction company.

What is unique about the program?
– I believed this programme was unique since it was project management based, which I had always been interested in, but also with a very direct focus on wind power. This enables students to learn a lot about different aspects within the wind power industry, while also gaining valuable knowledge regarding how to lead and manage projects.

Why should someone apply for this program?
– I believe people should apply for this programme if they are interested in renewable energy and want to enter the renewable energy job sector in a development or management position. Potential students should also know that this is a rapidly growing industry that will need many positions filled soon and they will enter a workforce that is all working together collectively to have a positive impact on the future.

What is it like living on the island?
– Gotland is a very beautiful place with incredible architecture and amazing coastlines. Since Visby is very small, you become close friends with your classmates and others in different programs. Everything is within walking distance, which makes it very easy to meet friends and create great relationships. It is quiet and simple in the winters before the island becomes flooded with tourists in the summers.

How would you describe the relationships between you and your professors at the university?
– The relationships I was able to have with my professors in this programme were something that made it so special. All of them were very helpful and inviting and always had their doors open to talk if someone needed to. This is what really separates this programme from many others and creates a very positive learning environment that can bring out the best in the students.

Autumn 2023.