Kingsley Eze
What are your main responsibilities or activities in your current position?
As a Senior Consultant in the Sustainability practice, my responsibility revolves around ESG (environmental, social, and governance) strategy and climate change. I help clients in the public and private sectors craft, benchmark, and implement their ESG and climate strategies.
How does your current work relate to your graduate degree?
My Public Policy and Global Affairs degree has equipped me with research, report writing and presentation skills, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential to ESG consulting as I am expected to craft and present strategic solutions to senior leadership teams. As a consultant, the role's expectation is to ask the right questions and use that information to find and present solutions.
What do you like and what do you find challenging about your current position?
I like that I am contributing to decisions that mitigate the effects of climate change. The job can sometimes be challenging as I have to sometimes tell clients what they might not want to hear, e.g., that their ESG score is way below their peer group average. At first, this was challenging, but what I have come to learn is that most people respect honesty and transparency. Ultimately, the clients hired us to help them, and that starts with identifying areas of improvement.
Is your current career path as you originally intended?
Generally, yes, I was always passionate about ESG. However, I was not explicitly set on how to apply this passion in the real world, i.e., either in the public, private or non-governmental sector.
What motivated you to pursue graduate work at UBC?
I was always interested in exploring solutions to the world's challenging problems, such as climate change. The multidisciplinary approach of the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the SPPGA was a fit. The beautiful campus with an ocean view of mountains further fueled my attraction to UBC.
What did you enjoy the most about your time as a graduate student at UBC?
I enjoyed fellow students' collegiality and the never-ending support of faculty and staff. It was a great time on campus because there were many opportunities to collaborate with people across different disciplines, which positively shaped my perspectives.
How did the graduate degree at UBC help you achieve your career and/or personal development goals?
The graduate degree at UBC helped me achieve my personal and career goals by exposing me to multiple interests that have allowed me to grow intellectually and personally while connecting me with a very supportive and uplifting network.
What key things did you do, or what attitudes or approaches did you have, that contributed to your success?
I would recommend keeping an open mind and engaging with the community on and off campus.
What is your best piece of advice for current graduate students preparing for their future careers?
I advise current graduate students to take advantage of the many learning opportunities such as speaker series, events, and networking opportunities. Keep an open mind and ask questions because you will be exposed to things you might not even know existed. Finally, connect with the staff, alums, and faculty; they are very supportive and always want to see you succeed! They also help you in imagining what your journey can be.