How to start a career in sustainability with Mariam Shehata
Mariam Shehata shares her journey from architecture to sustainability work as a Sustainability Consultant at XCO2, through the Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc.
Mariam Shehata is working as a Sustainability Consultant at XCO2—a London-based building services and environmental consultancy. Read Mariam's story to discover how UCL's Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc helped her gain familiarity with building regulations and energy modelling, and secure a career in sustainability.
Why are you interested in sustainability?
During my undergraduate studies in Architectural Engineering, I was captivated by the concept of smart buildings. After gaining three years of experience as an architect, engaging in the development of concept designs and technical drawings, I was eager to delve deeper into building systems and smart buildings, seeking a balance between system integration, occupant comfort, and environmental sustainability. I discovered the Chevening scholarship programme and subsequently explored UCL's offerings in more detail. While I did not end up being a Chevening scholar, the primary reasons for my choice to study the Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc were the opportunity to study at the world-renowned Bartlett Faculty, the vibrant environment of London, and securing the Global Masters Scholarship offered by UCL.
Mariam's UCL experience: From modules to fieldwork
The smart building industry is incredibly diverse and wide-ranging. The Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc covered a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from fundamental building physics and systems to cutting-edge machine learning and Python-based coding for buildings. My favourite module was the Dissertation in Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering. This was a great way to work on a specific topic or question that I found interesting and related to the programme. My second highlight of the course was the field trip to Bath which offered a valuable opportunity for me to connect with other students on my cohort and witness firsthand how theoretical knowledge translates into real-world practice. Additionally, while in London, we had the opportunity to visit two iconic smart buildings: the European headquarters of Bloomberg and 22 Bishopsgate. This firsthand experience provided valuable insights into the systems and challenges faced by teams throughout the entire project lifecycle, from conception to operation. In the classroom, most of the course's modules emphasised energy efficiency and modelling. While specific project objectives may have varied, modelling remains a core component of my current role as a sustainability consultant.
Overall, the course explored building systems in depth, offering detailed knowledge on how to integrate these systems while considering both environmental sustainability and occupant well-being. Ultimately, I believe these experiences exposed me to different fields and career paths, enabling me to make informed decisions about my future career direction.
The greatest challenge in opinion is time—especially when you want to make the most out of the experience and to be involved in the UCL's opportunities and socialise. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, I found that time management tools, calendars, and productivity apps helped me organize my tasks on time and make time for other activities while studying.
For a typical day in my life on the Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc, you can watch my Instagram Reel.
Extracurricular impact and networking for a sustainability career
I made the most of my studies by also acting as the Student Academic Representative for the Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc and as a Sustainability Ambassador with Sustainable UCL. I also regularly attended events organised by UCL Careers which focused on sustainability career paths. While these events didn't directly lead to my current role, they were invaluable in understanding jobs in sustainability in London and more broadly sustainability careers in the UK, particularly writing a CV and required skills, which can vary significantly between countries.
The networking events were excellent opportunities to expand my horizons and engage in meaningful conversations with industry professionals, thereby growing my network. However, I believe that every interaction during my studies can be considered networking, whether it's with fellow students, professors, or guest lecturers. In fact, I learned about the vacancy at my current company from a guest lecturer who is also a director there. I also enjoyed workshops by UCL Innovation & Enterprise. I encourage prospective students to get involved in these and other activities at UCL, as these experiences truly help you grow and develop both your hard and soft skills alongside the knowledge gained from your modules.
Mariam's career success in environmental sustainability
After completing the Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc, I initially joined XCO2 as a part-time sustainability consultant intern for a period of five months. Following the completion of my course, I was offered a full-time position as a graduate sustainability consultant. I am looking forward to contributing to the creation of sustainable and resilient urban environments. I envision a future where cities are designed to minimise their environmental impact, enhance the quality of life for people, and foster economic prosperity. My dream is to keep contributing to the design of more efficient buildings regardless of my title.
Advice for future students
Finally, a tip for students considering the Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc: Read the compulsory and optional module descriptions carefully to ensure that this program aligns with your expectations. Additionally, I encourage you to speak with alumni of the course and attend introductory courses.
Discover more about Mariam and what she's currently working on via LinkedIn.
Are you interested in studying smart buildings and digital engineering at the Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering?
Discover more about the course and the career opportunities it could unlock by visiting the UCL Graduate prospectus.