After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I chose to start a family first. I never imagined that years later, I would win a fully funded MSc scholarship in the UK and eventually graduate as the top student in my class. I graduated with a Bachelors degree - Quantity Surveying (QS) in 2010, attaining a second class, upper division. Shortly afterwards, I got my first job as a graduate QS, where I worked for 2 years. Within this period, I started a family, and I was determined to be present and very hands-on in bringing up the children. So, I decided to slow down and sort of take a career break. I got into business, and freelance construction project management (I could never fully stay away from the built environment). Fast forward to 2020, everyone is home, my 3 boys are now older, and something in me knew it was the right time to pick up my career. I started researching on the future of the built environment. I discovered sustainability. And this excited me. A lot! I started learning about how sustainability looks like in the building/construction industry, and how professionals in this field can contribute towards ensuring a more sustainable built environment. I started looking out for short courses and certifications in this field. I then discovered green building certifications and I knew I had found the path I wanted to follow. So I enrolled for the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Green certification and in May 2022 I was certified as an EDGE Expert. Soon after I enrolled for the LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and in March 2023 I was certified as a LEED Green Associate. A Master’s degree was the next most natural thing to do. My experience and certification led me towards designing and championing for a more energy efficient, sustainable and resilient built environment. I applied for an MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments at The University of Reading, UK. In 2022 I decided to apply for the Chevening Awards and after a very competitive selection process, I was awarded the scholarship in 2023. September 2023 marked the beginning of a beautiful journey of learning, and creating amazing experiences and networks. With each module I took, my convictions grew stronger that I had indeed chosen the right path for my career. My curiosity fueled my learning, and the interactions with the faculty and industry professionals made my master’s journey so impactful. In December 2024 I graduated as the top student in my class with a distinction. I’m excited about the prospects that lie ahead of me, and I’m looking forward to the doctoral journey soon. © Ruth Karuga ----------- As a scholar or mid-career profession, you can now have your journey shared on The Management Diary. Drop us a message today. Inspire, Inform & Educate. Check our latest scholarship updates here: https://lnkd.in/dnwnW75h
Good read, i was looking for short certification to do this year as i plan to spring back to big time Consultancy & maintenance works
Very insightful 🙏 I will soon be there
Congratulation Ruth Karuga. This is so inspiring.
congratulations
Incredible
You are such an inspiring scholar and your passion to help young scholars achieve their goals is amazing....Congratulations 🎉 Ruth Karuga
Big Congratulations Shiro!!! 🎊 So proud of you. Keep rising.
Wow
Congratulations Ruth Karuga, sustainability is indeed the future of the built environment! All the best!
GA & BIM Coordinator, Symbion Consulting Group | AAK, MKGBS | Scan2BIM | BIM Africa
3wOn behalf of all young ladies who would wish to start their families young but the fast-paced capitalist world threatens them with failure, thank you for being a trailblazer! 🙏