Matthew MacDonald

"My journey at the University of the Highlands and Islands began in 2004, while studying an HND in Sustainable Rural Development, while at the same time working full-time as an environmental sampling officer for SEPA. It was during this course that I developed a strong passion for renewable energy and sustainability. Having achieved my HND, I was fortunate to gain career enhancement within SEPA, which subsequently lead to diverse opportunities working for both SNH and the Western Isles Council throughout the Outer Hebrides. 

In 2013, I relocated to Nova Scotia, Canada. Starting over in a new country was a daunting prospect, however thanks to my UHI qualifications and previous background, I was successful in achieving a role as a EHS coordinator for ENERCON, who is a global wind energy provider. Over the next few years, I travelled extensively across Canada, supporting our operations team to ensure safe and reliable clean energy within rural and remote communities. In 2017, I was fortunate to be offered a role with Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., supporting their renewable energy fleet, within the US and Canada regions. I am currently employed as their Senior EHS Manager supporting projects across our power generation and utilities groups within North America and International regions.

I will always be extremely grateful to UHI, for their flexibility and support in pursing my qualifications, while continuing to work full time. Through this diverse learning experience, many doors have been opened to places and experiences, I never thought possible. I hope to offer support and advice to other graduates, who may be thinking of pursuing careers within the renewable sector; as well as expanding their horizons. It’s never too late to study"