Before starting her masters, Kimberly knew which area of sustainable urbanism she wanted to work in and was intentional about focusing her studio project and dissertation on topics she wanted to pursue after graduating. This allowed her academic work to further her professional aspirations resulting in Kimberly now working in local government. 

Why ECA?

The UK offers a wider range of masters programmes focused on specific skillsets than the US. I knew I wanted to study at the intersection of design and sustainability in a studio culture which drew me to ECA.

Tell us about your time at ECA

During our first semester, we took core classes focused on sustainable design and environmental processes. While I enjoyed the lectures, as an urban planner by background, I struggled with the building-centric nature of some assignments.

In the second semester I focused on the town scale in our sustainable design studio and on best practices in public engagement in my elective course, Public Participation in Policy (PPP) in the School of Geosciences. Our studio focused on Cumnock, East Ayrshire to propose sustainable solutions in the small-town setting and visited sites in Scotland for inspiration on economic and environmental renewal. My project focused on low-carbon transport, looked at design interventions and behaviour change strategies to encourage cycling and walking. In PPP, our class engaged the Scottish public on their relationship with the sea and drafted recommendations on how government can approach conversations around marine protection in ways that incorporate underrepresented voices. I was part of the group that presented our findings at Scottish Parliament, which was a great hands-on learning experience.

Tell us about your experiences since graduating

When I graduated, I was unsure if I wanted to return to the US or try working in the UK, which was a daunting adjustment to a new job market and professional culture. My 5 years working in transport planning in New York City and academic experience in the Scottish context helped me make this transition. My studio design project at ECA focused on active travel which was directly related to my current work in local government. Coming into my masters, I knew which area of sustainable urbanism I wanted to work in so I was intentional about focusing my studio project and dissertation on topics I wanted to pursue after graduating so that my academic work could further my professional aspirations.

Alumni wisdom

For those starting a masters in Edinburgh, it may feel overwhelming and different than the academic pace you’re used to given it is only 12 months. Protect your well-being by setting boundaries on design work, as the work culture, especially in architecture, may encourage unhealthy, non-stop habits. Remember to explore the city and learn from the amazing context around you in Edinburgh. It will be challenging given the amount of work and the fast pace but leaning on and learning from your fellow course mates will make it a much more enriching experience and help you build a community here in Edinburgh.

For those graduating, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and not sure what to do next but the more your figure out what you’re passionate about and want to work in, the clearer your options and professional path will become. It will take time and trial and error but using your time in school to help you figure out what areas of the field most interest you and building those skills while at ECA can help prepare you for the professional world after graduation.