As part of the Research Software Camps: Digital Skills for Research Technical Staff, we are reposting a series of case studies developed and originally published by MI TALENT. This series aims to highlight the many paths that may lead towards a technical career.

TOSIN ADEDIPE

Technical Project Manager Energy and Sustainability Cranfield University

• 2011-Present: Technical Project Manager
• 2021: PhD Cranfield University
• 2017: MSc Cranfield University
• 2015-2016: Project Management Associate
• 2012: Offshore gas projects intern Total Energies (industrial placement)
• 2008-2013: BEng Covenant University

WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A TECHNICIAN? 

I have had a squiggly career and I think it’s what has helped me be open minded about working in the technical field. I was looking to get involved in technical research projects and had insightful conversations with different professionals. There happened to be an opening for a Technical Project Manager role, which seemed to fit what I was looking for – that intersection between research, project management, and getting things done to improve energy technology. I assumed that most PhDs become researchers or consultants but was delighted to know that there are many different paths.

HOW HAS YOUR CAREER PROGRESSED (WHERE ARE YOU NOW)? 

I am in my early career and working with a growing team of technicians. I have an engineering background and studied for a BEng in petroleum engineering, an MSc in offshore and ocean technology and a research degree (PhD) in renewable energy projects. I had an industrial placement in my year in industry during my undergraduate studies and got exposed to the wider energy industry. I now work in the hydrogen technology space, where we are building a hydrogen pilot plant at Cranfield University (HyPER).

WHAT WERE THE MOST USEFUL ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED YOU PROGRESS IN YOUR CAREER? 

Speaking with other professionals, attending events/trainings and getting mentoring in areas of interest.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED THE MOST? 

Working at the centre of the hydrogen revolution to develop technologies that make energy cheaper and cleaner. It is a challenging one but has opened me up to the wider technical world and the possibilities of a cleaner energy mix.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE CAREER ASPIRATIONS AND IF SO WHAT ARE THEY? 

I want to deliver more technology-development projects to achieve the net-zero ambition.

WHAT CAREER ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? 

Have an open mind (this was advice I got in my first industrial placement), speak to more professionals about what they do and be open to learning. It will give you a better perspective and motivation about what you do and how it fits into the wider world of engineering and technology.