Environmental issues are as much about people as they are about ecosystems
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in biosciences from Durham University in the UK. I am in my second year, and this summer I wanted to gain valuable industry experience to support my studies. Throughout my academic work, I have focused my interests on conservation and the assessment of ecological health. One of my core values and beliefs is that we have a responsibility to protect ecosystems, and as climate change becomes increasingly apparent, I want to be part of an industry that aims for sustainability and minimises environmental impacts. Hearing of RSK’s environmental consulting services in the Middle East and its commitment to sustainable solutions, I felt it was a natural fit for an internship. Its extensive work in environmental impact assessments particularly drew me in because of the positive impact that mitigation strategies and baseline surveys could have on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Having lived, grown up and attended school in Abu Dhabi, I was constantly surrounded by diverse ecosystems and critical habitats, such as mangroves; however, my studies at Durham University are Europe-centric, so I had little understanding of the Middle East’s ecological environment. Now that I have completed a six-week internship in the RSK Abu Dhabi office, I have a new appreciation and respect for the environmental challenges in the place I call home. My favourite task was creating a presentation for dangerous marine fauna in the Red Sea, especially because I have unknowingly encountered a lot of these species!
My academic background thus far in environmental science is predominantly theoretical and has involved proposing research projects and interpreting ‘perfect’ data. At university, environmental science can feel idealised: everything follows a linear structure and is solely focused on saving the planet. However, RSK’s projects have enabled me to gain practical experience and shown me that environmental consulting is extremely complex, including navigating numerous regulations and procedures, balancing environmental goals with developmental requirements and ensuring clients’ needs are fulfilled. RSK’s involvement in a diverse range of sectors, such as oil and gas, construction and engineering, has taught me it’s not just about conservation – it’s about finding sustainable solutions for everyone.
I didn’t expect the RSK summer internship to offer me experience with socio-economic or geotechnical studies; however, after contributing to socio-economic baselines for a scoping report, I gained an understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to impacts and the interaction among them. I now realise that environmental issues are as much about people as they are about ecosystems, especially in the Middle East, where economic growth and social development are critical. I gained real-life exposure not only to biodiversity and ecology surveys but also to air quality monitoring and groundwater, soil and sediment sampling. Another key takeaway from my internship was knowing when to take initiative and problem-solve, for example, when conveying complex information in an efficient and accessible way when working with extremely large data sets. I didn’t realise how creative it would be!
At Durham University, I study a range of bioscientific disciplines, from evolution to tissue engineering; therefore, choosing a clear career path is challenging. My experience at RSK has solidified my desire to work in environmental services, especially in the context of marine ecosystems and coastal development. RSK’s approach to sustainability and its focus on having real-world impacts are something I will remember and carry forward in my career goals. I now understand that companies face challenges of needing to grow and make a profit while being sustainable, and I hope to work on coastal environment management systems and mitigation strategies.
Throughout my internship, I felt involved in meaningful projects, and RSK’s emphasis on learning is clear: a real effort was made to allow me to be hands-on and contribute to important work. I would highly recommend RSK to anyone looking for experience in environmental consulting, and this internship was invaluable, as it exposed me to the many aspects and logistics of environmental science. The best part, however, was meeting the team. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive, and I could immediately tell that they are truly passionate about the work they do. This impression is something I will uphold, and the RSK office environment has set a very high standard for all future workplaces.