Moving 500 miles to Join Goal7

Moving 500 km (just used miles to get a catchy title!!) from Dublin, Ireland to Aberdeen for a new job in sustainability may seem like a wild decision at first, but let me spend the next few minutes changing your mind…

My background is in green chemistry, although when I first entered university, I pursued a general science degree. It didn't take long for me to realise that I was most engaged when attending an environmental chemistry course during my second year. I was fascinated by green chemistry and sustainability as a broader concept, which led me to pursue an MSc in sustainable chemistry. However, and I partially blame this on the COVID-19 pandemic, I ended up working in a different scientific field after completing my degree. I spent two years in regulatory reporting for the pharmaceutical industry before I finally decided to take the plunge back into sustainability. In January 2023, I was fortunate enough to be hired by Goal7. An organization working with clients in various fields including sustainability, green technology, and energy transition. Goal7 is a small organisation, keen on investing in aiding their employees to develop and grow skills and experiences based on interests and inquisitivity levels, rather than just assigning work. Additionally, everyone on the team is considerate and fascinating, always available for a catch-up, whether work-related or simply sharing current interests.

The actual move to Aberdeen, in the middle of winter, was quite an experience. I knew Aberdeen was further north than anywhere else I had been in Scotland, but I was still taken aback by the chill. However, now as the weather is getting warmer, I'm discovering that Aberdeen is a beautiful city to live in. It offers amazing parks, surrounding areas, shops, nightlife, and most importantly, affordable and available rental options (essential information when moving from Dublin). The commute to the office in Inverurie is also much easier compared to my previous commutes, despite it being my first time commuting by train. Moreover, I get to enjoy beautiful countryside views along the way, reminiscent of what I’m used to seeing at home. The flexible working environment, where I have the option to work from home or the office, is an added bonus for me, as I find that mixing up my routine enhances my productivity. The work at Goal7 is always varied and interesting, and I can confidently say that my knowledge is expanding every day. Whether it's researching hydrogen storage options, carbon capture and storage (CCS), or combating greenwashing, there is always something new to learn.

To anyone considering applying for a position at Goal7, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it, as long as you have a keen interest in sustainability (and are open to embracing the colder Scottish climate during winter months). Moreover, you'll have the chance to explore exciting activities such as axe throwing, cross-country skiing (even on grass), and hill walking. These are just a few of the incredible experiences I've been lucky to be a part of since joining Goal7, with many more to come. If you are interested in joining the Goal7 team, applications are now open for a sustainability engineer/scientist.