Alumni

 

Name: Augusta 'Gusty' Mead

Home country: USA

"My love of the outdoors and a concern for the environment led me to Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, USA where I graduated with a BS in Environmental Science and a minor in Communication Arts in 2016. I joined the Peace Corps in 2017 which led me to the University of Glasgow to work towards my MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development. I graduated from UofG in December 2020 with merit and was a recipient of The Adam Smith Graduate Award for participating in volunteer extracurricular activities aimed at growing one's leadership and research skills."

Why did you choose the Adam Smith Business School? 

I chose the Adam Smith Business School as it offered not only a great program but also the opportunity to expand my horizons across the environmental field globally. In this day and age, it is essential to understand how different economies function when it comes to environmental economics, and I felt the Adam Smith Business School was the best place for me to continue my education for this reason. The opportunities (even during the pandemic!) offered throughout my Master's program were first class and I felt so supported during my entire time at UofG. 

What did you enjoy the most about your programme? How has your degree helped you in your career?  

The courses and professors were what I enjoyed most about the programme. The professors were so enthusiastic about what they were teaching and they made the programme so engaging. My degree has helped me significantly throughout my career. I am now a Project Developer for a land based wind company where I use my degree on a regular basis. Whether it be for project financing, stakeholder engagement, or project planning, there is some aspect of my degree that I use every day. 

What have you been up to since graduating from the Business School? 

When I graduated, I was hired as a post-graduate intern with Ocean Winds. I worked with them on the ScottWind Leasing Rounds in 2021. When I moved back to the United States in the spring of 2021, I hopped from offshore wind development to land-based wind development. I have now been working as a project developer for Liberty Renewables for 3-years. I build stakeholder relationships with landowners, local government officials, state regulators, educational institutions, and host community members. I do also manage the installation and monitoring of wind measurement equipment!

What was the most important thing you learnt while studying at Glasgow? 

The most important thing I learnt while studying at Glasgow would have to be that things constantly change and you need to be flexible to adapt to them. Half-way through my Master's program, the Covid pandemic hit. This could have been a major blow to my experience while at UofG but the school did so well in ensuring the students could still succeed during this time period. The lessons I learned during this time period, have impacted me so significantly that I believe they put me on the career trajectory I am on today. In development, something changes (whether it be large or small) every day and I am immensely grateful for my time at Glasgow as it prepared me for constant change and adaptation. 

What is your top piece of advice for current students – our future alumni? 

My top piece of advice would be to always ask questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question, and usually when you think it may be an out of touch inquiry there is usually another few students who have the same question as you. I would also advise current students to accept as many opportunities the school offers (but don't over exert yourself!), you never know who you will meet or what you may see! 

Tell us about your fondest memory at the Business School. 

My fondest memory has to have been when we went on a tour of the Whitelee Wind Farm during a snow storm. It honestly was the trip that made me realize I wanted to work in the wind industry! 

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First published: 12 June 2024