Ricardo Vazquez Roman

Why did you choose to study at City, University of London?

The main reason I chose City, University of London was due to its great reputation of excellence - as home of many of the most remarkable minds of British modern history. By the time I applied to City, I had been living in London for a few years and I wanted to enhance my academic profile more professionally. I began developing an increasing interest in a postgraduate programme at City, and it was the university's Renewable Energy and Power Systems Management MSc that provided the opportunity to incorporate international recognition to my Energy Engineer profile.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

The aspect I enjoy the most about this course is the intellectually stimulating environment during our classes. While I had initially taken for granted the multi-cultural aspects of London, I was not expecting such a harmonious integration of so many different academic backgrounds within our lectures. The lectures were insightful and enriching and during the programme the level of lecture attendance from both students and staff was very high.

What has been your favourite module and why?

My favourite module so far has been Economics of the Power Industry. This subject covers a wide variety of economical concepts within all levels of Power Management, from Renewable Generation Costs to End-User Tariffs, without missing other subjects making up the complex and vast business that is the Energy Market. The way this module integrated such complex content in such a sensitive way considering the course duration, was just brilliant.

What has been a highlight of your course so far?

The most remarkable event so far has been my successful application to the HVDC Interconnections Graduate Programme at National Grid. Throughout the process I was advised by my lecturers, all of whom were as enthusiastic as I was and they very kindly provided unwavering encouragement during the long application process. Career advisory staff from City also recommended this path in terms of my current status, transitioning into the professional engineering world.

Did you have a placement or internship? Where was it and how was the experience?

I unfortunately did not have enough time to take up a placement or internship, however the amount of summer internships advertised around campus was extensive and I probably would have joined one if I had not been selected for the Graduate Programme at National Grid.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

For the next two years I will be enrolled with a leading company within the UK power transmission industry, so my current plan is to acquire as many skills and as much knowledge as I possibly can in order to build a strong engineering profile. Ahead of that, the sky is the limit. There are a lot of things out there for anyone who enjoys challenges and I think the best plan is to have no actual plan, but to be open to opportunities that may appear.