Rose Sarwar's study trip in the United States provided new lessons for leadership and environmental work
Rose Sarwar is a fourth-year student in the Environmental Engineering degree programme at Tampere University of Applied Sciences. The Fulbright Finland Foundation scholarship was a great fit for Sarwar, as her future goal is to progress to a management position, and she has a special interest in environmental issues. Pauliina Mansikkamäki, who is responsible for the Environmental Engineering degree programme, also saw potential in Sarwar and encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.
Applicants were required to have a background in leadership and commitment to environmental issues and societal impact. Sarwar's impressive work and study background and active environmental work were an advantage in the grant application.
“I currently work as an environmental specialist at Proxion, part of WSP firm. I study environmental engineering as well as industrial engineering and management at the same time. Combining work and studies is challenging, but it teaches me how to manage complex projects and develops my leadership skills," Sarwar says.
Work, fun and American life
Sarwar's study trip began in June 2024 in Washington DC. From there, the international group of students continued its journey to Shippensburg University in the state of Pennsylvania, the main location of the program. The group also visited Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland. The final week of the trip was spent in a very different cultural environment in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The trip included a wide range of activities. The students worked on community projects and looked for solutions to environmental problems in their home countries. They visited several farms, volunteered for food aid organizations and met representatives of environmental organizations.
Sarwar has two particularly precious memories from the trip.
“It was great to celebrate the US Independence Day on the spot. To start the day, we watched an entertaining competition where people floated on homemade floats in a lake. For dinner, we enjoyed American-style barbecue food. The evening ended at the home of one of our professors, where we watched fireworks. Another special memory is a visit to Hershey Park, where we got to relax and have fun. “
The trip was also a challenge - the days were long and intense, and the time difference and traveling from state to state took its toll.
“The cultural differences surprised me. Although I am used to multicultural environments, the openness and loudness of the Americans made my reserved Finnish behavior seem quiet and introverted," Sarwar adds.
Valuable lessons for future career
For Sarwar, the greatest benefit of the trip was a deeper understanding of the global context of environmental protection and its complex challenges. The various group projects and community initiatives provided her with an opportunity to improve her leadership skills.
“I learned a great deal about US environmental policies and practices and how environmental protection is integrated into different social and economic systems. The lectures were truly instructive and inspiring. Working with a multicultural group of students taught me skills that are important in today's global working environment. The friendships and networks made along the way are invaluable.”
The experience increased Sarwar's desire to work in international environments and projects.
“I will continue my education and professional development with a particular focus on sustainability and environmental protection. My goal is to create professional networks that will support my career and enable knowledge exchange and the development of new innovations in the field of environmental engineering. I want to take advantage of opportunities to work abroad to gain direct experience of environmental challenges and solutions in different countries.”