Alicia Grayeb
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Venn Innovation
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
After graduating I did a three month placement with Taylor Woodrow as an Environmental Assistant in Bristol. I then returned to my home country and worked as Manager for Business Development for a cleantech firm where I helped coordinate the YLAI programme for social entrepreneurship, which opened the doors for me to come to Canada. I am now working as a program manager, running an incubator space for start-ups in Atlantic Canada.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
One of my main motivations to work with start-ups is to be able to explain to them and help them adopt sustainability practices within their business before they even take off, so they do not have to then fix costly mistakes that our planet cannot afford.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I studied at the Penryn Campus. I was member of the Green Consultants, where I helped develop a project to have a joint sustainability policy with the University of Falmouth. I did a bunch of extra curricular activities including the Exeter and the Exeter Leader’s Awards and I was part of the ballet group.
Were you part of the Exeter Student Ambassador Scheme at any point during your studies?
Yes.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
Being able to learn first hand about climate change and its effects from scientists who are actively contributing to the IPCC, as well as the opportunity to learn how to use programs that are essential for a job in sustainability like GIS mapping systems
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
Definitely the campus and the town! I loved the beautiful Cornish scenery and all the amazing hikes and walks available around Cornwall. Make sure you or a friend of yours has a car to go touring on the weekends!
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Because of its reputation and curriculum, as well as the location.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Problem solving, public speaking, business acumen, relationship building and networking, leadership and motivation, strategic planning, change management.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Sustainability should be imbedded in every single aspect of our lives, and it also applies to our professional lives. It is a flexible degree that will allow you to land a job practically anywhere. The key thing is how creative can you be to apply a sustainability lens to your work.
What are your plans for the future?
To further progress my career either as a program manager or as a sustainability consultant and to be able to have a positive impact in my community and planet.
