Name: Rajan Murugesan
Programme: M.Sc. Sustainability Engineering and Management, graduated in 2023.
Job: Climate Change and Product Sustainability Engineer, Munters AB
What do you do today, and what does your work involve?
I am responsible for value chain emissions at Munters AB, which includes accounting for and reporting Scope 3 emissions. But my work doesn鈥檛 end there. Together with our business areas, I also initiate and drive activities to reduce Scope 3 emissions through cross-functional collaboration. It is exciting to work at the intersection of sustainability, business, and collaboration, turning data and insights into concrete actions that contribute to decarbonisation.Why did you choose Link枚ping University and your study programme?
I was looking for a university where I could not only have a great educational experience, but also dedicate time to my passion for designing, building, and racing a car. Link枚ping University stood out because of its Formula Student project, where more than 100 students come together to learn, experiment, and develop a race car. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience not only the technical aspects of car development, but also what it means to work with different teams, personalities, and perspectives.One thing I particularly appreciated about my study programme was its balanced combination of areas such as environment, energy, and product development. With my background in mechanical engineering, I found this to be a top-notch combination that allowed me to explore multiple dimensions of sustainability and prepare myself for the demands of the real world.
What was your experience of studying and student life in Link枚ping?
As an international student, the Swedish educational system was very different from what I was used to. It took some time to understand and adapt, but the way the programme was designed made the transition much easier. We started with introductory courses, worked on several group projects that encouraged us to understand different perspectives, and gradually increased the pace and complexity.What I found particularly inspiring was the strong connection between the subjects we studied and real-world industry challenges. We had opportunities to meet experts, learn from leading companies, and explore current challenges, opportunities, and future developments.
And while there was plenty happening at the university, there was just as much activity in RYD, the student housing area. Music, sports, parties, and countless social activities brought us together. Living and studying alongside people from different nationalities gave me the opportunity to learn about new languages, cultures, and perspectives 鈥� and created some unforgettable memories along the way.
Is there a memory or experience from your time at LiU that has stayed with you?
The two years of my Master's programme went by incredibly quickly, filled with joy, challenges, learning, and success. One thing that will always stay with me is the time I spent with my project mates. At one point, it was almost always the three of us, and we seemed to need a long debate before making even the simplest decision! Looking back, what felt like silly discussions at the time actually taught me valuable lessons about stakeholder management, effective collaboration, and professional communication. Every moment was valuable, and each experience has contributed to shaping who I am today.How has your education helped you in your career?
In the field of sustainability, there are several external factors, such as laws, regulations, and guidelines, as well as internal factors such as ambition, business priorities, and the drive to create value. My Master's programme gave me a broad understanding of many of these dimensions and prepared me to tackle real-world challenges.I preferred to be an generalist who can support my organisation from several different angles 鈥� from managing projects and analysing environmental performance to supporting decarbonisation and driving improvements in energy efficiency.
The programme's combination of different disciplines has given me the versatility to contribute to a wide range of sustainability challenges. In many ways, it has helped me become a "one for many" professional who can connect different perspectives and support my organisation's sustainability journey.
What advice would you give to future students considering LiU?
Link枚ping University is full of energy, opportunities, and people who are eager to learn and create something together. My advice is to make the most of every opportunity that sparks your interest.Explore beyond your courses, get involved in student activities, meet people from different backgrounds, and don't be afraid to try something new. These experiences can teach you just as much as the classroom.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey. Take the opportunity to explore, experience, and make the most of what can become some of the most memorable years of your life.
