“Build experience over time”

Name: 

Dan Dowling 

Degree: 

BSc Environmental BioGeoscience 

MRes Built Environment 

Graduated: 

2001 (BSc), 2002 (MRes) 

Current role: 

Partner, PwC Sustainability 

How are you helping to tackle the climate crisis? 

I lead a team that supports UK and international governments with climate policy, reforms, sustainable city and infrastructure development. 

How did you get to where you are now? 

Not in a straight line, but through hard work and passion for what matters. 

What do you do as part of your role? 

I lead a consulting business and teams support our clients to solve problems and deliver change and investment. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

The international work in developing countries is particularly inspiring – I was working in Vietnam and Nepal the two weeks prior to this helping to deliver net zero strategies and identify viable investments. 

What advice would you give to University of Leeds students wanting to pursue a similar career? 

I understand the enthusiasm to learn quickly and achieve career goals immediately, but in my view you need to build credibility, experience and knowledge over time to feel that you are adding real value. I did a number of years learning the ropes in factories, bus stations, housing estates, energy facilities, buildings and industrial sites gaining the breadth of experience I needed to add value to climate change efforts. 

Are there any resources that you would recommend to individuals interested in pursuing a climate-related career? 

Decarbonisation and climate risk are the core technical domains in demand now, but you need to know how to apply them in the context of government institutions, politics and business – otherwise you may not achieve the impact you intend.