SUCCESS STORY

Simon Craig

Meteorology, Mathematics, Hydrology and Water Resources

BSc. in Meteorology and MSc. Water Science & Engineering with specialisation Hydrology & Water Resources  

I chose a career in the environmental sector because of the challenges that small islands face in adaptation to global and climate change. My specialisations are in Meteorology, Mathematics, Hydrology and Water Resources, cumulating fifteen years of academic and professional exposure across the three disciplines. My professional odyssey started with: an interest in Meteorology, an aptitude for Mathematics, a general appreciation of the environment and a love for Tobago (island life). To date, the speed bumps along the way served as the battle scars of my current successes. In times of self-doubt, I recalled my primary school motto, “Perseverance is the key to success”. Furthermore, the value of both offering and seeking assistance – whenever and wherever one can, reiterates the importance of support systems and that help will most times be there when needed. These tools were vital to improving the worst situations.

In 2011, I graduated with a BSc in Meteorology and Mathematics at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus (Upper Second Class Honours). Later that year, I joined the Meteorological Services Division (MSD) – Tobago. My 4-year UWI experience was hectic, and without my strong time management skills and discipline, failure was more likely than success. My studies were partly self-funded. I also received financial support from the  Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and my family. I was a full-time student and worked part-time (full-time) during the semester (holidays) to cover expenses. I served on the Hall Council for two years and was a core player of the UWI Cave Hill Hockey team. These co-curricular activities ensured cheap accommodation and access to additional student support whilst fulfilling a vital requirement of university life – building lasting connections. These connections are now my network of multi- and interdisciplinary professionals to seek both advice and collaborate on projects.

The subsequent seven years after graduating, I served as a career Meteorologist with the MSD – Tobago. This role was multipurpose. It fulfilled the requirements of my THA bursary and gave me invaluable experiences. Moreover, it placed me on the path to my MSc studies. My motivation to pursue my MSc started with “How can small islands increase their freshwater storage capacity?

My experiences and understanding of the susceptibility of freshwater reserves on small islands to climate variability were critical to this decision. 

I commenced my MSc studies at IHE Institute for Water Education, The Netherlands in 2018. Financing my MSc was similar to my BSc – self-funded and a bursary from the Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS). My IHE experience had similarities to my BSc. I served in student governance as the Chairperson of the student body for 2019. Though sport played a distant secondary role, it was vital to managing my stress levels and staying active. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I completed my MSc in Water Science and Engineering and specialised in Hydrology and Water Resources. The pandemic affected employment opportunities worldwide. For me, it resulted in a fourteen-month job hunt and tens of application rejections. In 2021, I joined the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) as an intern before transitioning to a Hydrological Specialist. My internship and current role allow me to apply my studies and experiences to manage water quantity and quality within the Caribbean region. My duties revolve around developing an island-scale groundwater model, which will assist water resources managers on an island within the Caribbean region.

Recurring concerns throughout my studies were securing financial resources and employment opportunities after graduation. I improved my cooking and interpersonal skills as they were vital to ensuring a quality university experience on a budget. Luckily, I had no health concerns while completing my BSc and MSc programs. I attribute this to my school-work-life balance. To manage my stress levels, I participated in social and cultural activities, stayed fit through sport, got sufficient rest and ate healthily (which was easier as I cooked at least 90% of my meals).  Furthermore, I had a support system of family, friends, acquaintances and the university (as an elite athlete) to discuss my challenges and fears and ensure academic success.

There are limited employment opportunities within the Caribbean region. The employment pool shrinks when considering country-specific funding requirements. Moreover, the recent pandemic highlighted more gaps within the existing system. Sadly, this reality is 

somewhat beyond our control. With these factors considered, one must be willing to: find innovative ways to gain industry experience, become self-sufficient, and even suffer crippling financial setbacks to succeed. Despite these concerns, your knowledge is valuable; find ways to utilise it.   

To those interested in any study path (similar or otherwise), I advise you to go for it! A higher education experience broadens one’s perspective and offers many opportunities to gain invaluable transferrable skills. Find the balance between your interests, aptitude/strengths and existing opportunities when selecting your program. This balance is crucial to overcoming self-doubt and persevering through stressful periods. Furthermore, there is a push for more professionals within environmental and climate sciences, which increases the opportunities that one can access. Residents of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) must be aware of the impacts of climate variability on our existence. We must be the proponents of sustainable development and adaptation approaches, which are central to mitigating the effects of climate change. Adapting to global and climate change requires innovative solutions; weather and climate affect everyone! Opportunities exist outside the Applied and Natural Sciences, as climate science is a multidisciplinary field. Regardless, find your niche. I wish you success!

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