Ayasta Pokharel

Current Employer/Organisation Name

DAI

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After leaving Exeter, I returned to my previous employer and worked in the technical team of a climate resilient green roads construction project in the mountainous region of Nepal. I’m currently working as the lead engineer for implementing mitigation projects for disaster resilience.  

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The best part about Exeter was the opportunity to learn alongside people from different professional and cultural backgrounds, and the width and depth of engaging discussions these diversities brought with them.    

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Exeter MBA, or One Planet MBA at that time had sustainability at it’s heart. I was excited by the opportunity of adding sustainability focus to my Civil engineering background.   

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Time management and people management, because at the end of the day the workspace always calls for efficiency in handling work load – one discipline that the MBA ingrained in me – as well as working with people with diverse ideas and diverse mindsets.   

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

There will be good days and bad days but it is rewarding and there is room for a lot of innovation, so go for it.  

What are your plans for the future?

I had an idea to integrate engineering and circular economy while I was in the MBA. Although, I am still moderately working in areas of sustainability, I would like to engage in circular economy within the construction industry more deeply.