Deepak John

Deepak John is a University of Sussex Business School student and Green Economy Policy Consultant at Technopolis Group. He shares how pursuing a Masters in Energy and Climate Policy at the SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit gave him the skills to secure a role in a top organisation.  

What drew you to study Energy and Climate Policy at the University of Sussex Business School? 

The Business School brings together the world's leading group of research scholars and academics in energy and climate policy in the United Kingdom (UK). The Sussex Energy Group at SPRU is recognised as one of the largest social science energy research groups globally. They have demonstrated thought leadership in the field and are widely recognised by policymakers globally. Before joining the programme, I studied the research done at SPRU to know if it aligned with my interests. 

Despite admissions from other institutions for similar courses, I found the Business School's course offerings matched my future aspirations in public policy. My focus was on energy and climate policy rather than vanilla public policy programmes. Having had work experience in the field, I was clear on what I wanted to learn and, more importantly, what I didn’t want.  As a full-time UK Masters programme lasts for a year, having clarity is crucial. My choice of school was reinforced by the quick and patient responses I received from professors even before the course began. 

What skills have you developed since studying at the Business School? 

The programme takes a problem-first and technology-neutral approach towards finding solutions. The independent learning environment encourages one to think and research in a comprehensive way. You spend some days learning the specifics of clean technology, other days exploring energy economics, and some days studying political theory. It provided me with the widest possible canvas to explore and learn from all the disciplines. 

Studying policy at SPRU provided me with professional skills in policy making and analysis as well as a simplified, practical, grounded, and applied toolkit.  Additionally, a diverse class of 16 students from 14 nationalities allowed me to experience teamwork and collaboration in an international setting. It was a true pleasure to hear perspectives from the Global North and Global South. 

During your time at the Business School, you’ve mentioned that you gained new and unexpected insights. Can you share some of these with us? 

Before coming to SPRU at the Business School, I may have heard of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy once or twice in my life. I didn’t realise or expect that there was a method to the madness called ‘innovation’. After a whole lot of research, I can say that I’m still standing at the tip of the STI iceberg. There is no shortage of applications for STI, but they are particularly useful for energy policymaking. I am looking forward to exploring this part of my journey in the future. 

We are thrilled to hear you've been hired by Technopolis Group. How did your studies at Sussex prepare you for this position? 

The Technopolis Group has its roots in STI policies and conducts policy consulting, drawing heavily from STI research. Gaining first-hand academic exposure at SPRU gave me good leverage.  SPRU also conducted weekly energy and climate seminars that provided a sneak peek into future areas of research, bringing together world-renowned experts and researchers. 

Through my module assignments, I chose topics that showed my interest in specific emerging themes, and I was able to develop my expertise in these areas. I also proactively engaged with my professors and ensured I was taking their feedback on board. As a result of my knowledge of a few niche areas, I was able to tackle many of the specialist questions during my interviews. Developing quantitative and qualitative skills helped me gain confidence in research and consulting. Overall, it is important to acknowledge the halo effect of SPRU’s reputation. 

How has studying at the Business School benefited you as an international student? 

With the relaunch of the new UK graduate scheme, the labour market has increasingly become a level playing field. Due to the regulations governing work permits, employers are usually unable to hire excellent candidates from other countries, despite their skills. This is the right time to be in the UK, especially in the environment, energy, and climate space.  Also, I made full use of the Business School's career advice services, particularly its resume checkers.  

If someone wanted to pursue a similar career path to yours, what tips would you give them? 

Reflect on what you want and gain some work experience in the sector to help you broaden your perspective and make informed decisions.  The sector is opening up and there is a need for professionals with a diverse set of skills and knowledge. Choose unique themes to develop expertise in, but don’t be too narrow.  Also, pick assignment topics that excite you with the goal of mastering the topic. Be patient, there is a career waiting for you.