Rory Dowell MSc

The course

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?

When I decided that I wanted to study a Masters in Management, the University of Edinburgh was at the top of my list. The reputation of the University, the programme and the Business School, made it an easy decision for me.

What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?

The variety of courses on offer attracted me to the programme. I felt these would expose me to environments which could accelerate my career progression. The most valuable aspect of the programme for me was that it gave me knowledge beyond my field and it gave me a solid foundation to progress in my career in the renewables industry.

Your career

Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?

Before studying my masters, I did my BEng(hons) in Energy and Environmental Engineering while working part-time on my family farm. Being a progressive agriculture business investing heavily in renewable energy, I could study and research the performance of the assets at the same time. Since then, I’ve co-authored two published articles on the research.

I started my Management degree immediately after graduating from my undergraduate in 2019. After my Master's, I started my career in the renewable industry.

I worked as a Renewable Consultant in Edinburgh, before moving to work for a solar and wind farm developer in Dundee. I joined as a Project Manager and then moved into my current role as Head of Planning. Now I oversee the planning process of projects and ensure consented projects are ready to be built while searching for future sites and ventures. Our portfolio makes up over 260 megawatts of renewable generation.

My degree empowers me to lead unchartered projects in the renewables industry.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

Coming from an engineering background, I felt I needed to study a degree that would give me a wider skill set. The renewable industry needs effective leadership to deliver on the net zero targets. I believe that studying the Master’s in Management prepared me to excel in the renewable industry and make a difference.

Masters of Change

What notable changes has your degree enabled you to make in your professional or personal life?

My Master's further improved my critical thinking skills, empowering me to approach tasks with a more strategic mindset. It also gave me the ability to make use of tools to manage complex workloads efficiently.

The comprehensive nature of the degree, encompassing various disciplines within the management sphere, also contributed to my personal growth. It has broadened my perspective, encouraging me to observe and reflect on all aspects of life with a more analytical and reflective approach. This has positively influenced my personal life, enabling me to navigate interactions with greater empathy and understanding.

What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?

In my current position, I’m able to deliver well-designed and environmentally sensitive developments that significantly contribute to our net zero emission targets.

I recently received planning permission for my first major development comprising 25 megawatts of ground-mounted solar. I made sure the application was compliant with current policy, and I included an unchartered level of biodiversity enhancements in the design. Aberdeenshire Council recognised the application as a benchmark for future developments in addressing net zero targets and decarbonisation.

How did your studies at the Business School help you to make those changes?

The emphasis placed on sustainable development in my coursework inspires me to go beyond the standard requirements, incorporating an unprecedented level of biodiversity enhancements into project design.

Furthermore, the leadership and management training I received gave me the confidence and capability to lead internal and external teams effectively, navigate complex regulatory frameworks, and advocate for projects that align with broader societal goals such as net zero targets and decarbonisation.

The degree gave me the opportunity to experience different environments and examine, reflect and recognise how to lead effectively in each situation. Now, when I experience these in the workplace, I can be mindful of my actions, enabling me to be a more effective leader.

In essence, my education at the Business School provided the foundation upon which I was able to build and execute projects that not only advance my career but also contribute significantly to the renewable energy sector.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

A few highlights include visiting dairy farmers on the Isle of Bute to learn more about carbon emission reduction; creating a business plan for vertical farming and being offered routes for seed funding after our pitch; and engineering an efficient production line for the production game.