This is a guest blog by RWSN mentee Margret Mwanza and RWSN mentor Esther Shaylor.
My name is Margret Mwanza, a Zambian who recently completed her Master of Science in Advanced Water Management from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. As a young professional in the international water and environment sector, I became a member of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) at the start of my MSc program and eventually, I came across the RWSN Mentorship Programme, a journey I embarked on in May 2023. At that point, I was eager to grow in the water sector and expand my professional network. I was interested in the prospect of being paired with a mentor who could guide me in job hunting, networking, career progression, and project management.
I sought to be paired with Esther Shaylor, an Innovation Manager for the UNICEF Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub in Denmark. She has always been a distinguished water and sanitation engineer and a published researcher. Her record in designing and implementing innovative solutions to WASH challenges in resource-poor environments and her systems thinking and people skills made her an ideal mentor for my aspirations.
Our mentorship journey began with a focus on networking. Esther encouraged me to proactively seek opportunities to connect with industry leaders and professionals by utilising platforms such as LinkedIn, participate in events under RWSN, my University, and membership bodies like CIWEM, and IWA, and be on the lookout for events in the industry that would provide this opportunity. The interactions I got from these recommendations not only broadened my professional network but also opened doors to new and exciting opportunities within the sector.
The quest for a fulfilling career in the water sector can be daunting for early-career professionals. My mentor played a crucial role in guiding me through my research thesis by suggesting valuable blogs, such as Ian Ross’s insights on the economics of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Additionally, she assisted me in identifying work and learning opportunities through platforms like Josh Water Jobs and making effective use of LinkedIn connections. To strengthen my professional profile, she suggested I actively participate in CV and cover letter reviews by tapping into the resources offered by the university careers office and seeking input from HR professionals in my previous workplaces. This was coupled with enhancing my branding on various social media platforms, applying the STAR method to articulate my skills and experiences effectively and diligently following up on unsuccessful applications and interviews. Her insights were influential in helping me navigate the competitive job market with confidence.
My mentor was key in helping me define my career goals and develop a strategic plan for professional advancement and career progression. Through honest discussions, we defined areas for personal and professional development and explored potential career paths within both the UK and international water sector. Her guidance enabled me to envision my career path and set achievable goals for achieving professional objectives. Having previously worked on projects in the international WASH sector, my mentor provided some useful tips in project planning, stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, and monitoring and evaluation. These insights equipped me with practical tools and techniques applicable to future projects in the WASH sector. She also advised me to seek training and learning opportunities that would intensify this skill.
What stood out about Esther was her genuine interest in understanding my life beyond the professional and academic boundaries. She always encouraged me to maintain a social life, make friends, explore the UK, embrace different cultures, find my niche, and take each day as it came. This integrated approach contributed to a more balanced and fulfilling career journey.
As I embark on the next chapter of my career, I carry with me the priceless guidance my mentor rendered to me through the RWSN Mentorship Programme. I am confident that these experiences will serve as a compass, guiding me toward a fulfilling and impactful career in the water sector. The program, timed perfectly with my academic journey, provided the guidance needed to complete my thesis research, complete my MSc program, and secure a job in the industry. The RWSN Mentorship Programme stands as evidence of the transformative power of mentorship in personal and professional development. This has been a journey of growth, learning, and empowerment.
To join RWSN and be informed about the next round of the mentoring programme, please sign up here.
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