<figure><img src="image_76.png" /><figcaption>Irena Đokić</figcaption></figure>

## Economist - head of the business development at private company Euro Ekspertiza

Irena Đokić, PhD, a Croatian national currently living in Croatia. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Economy from the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Economy, Business and Tourism within the University of Split 2010. Her doctoral thesis, entitled "Impact of key stakeholders' participation on successfulness of brownfields' redevelopment", was completed under the supervision of prof. dr. sc. Branko Grčić.

**What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?**

My current position is the Head of the business development at Euro Ekspertiza company. I would classify my current work position as a senior position since I have 21 years of work experience.

**Have you worked at another institution or company before?**

Just after finishing high school, I have worked at the Croatian Health Insurance Fund for 6 months. After finishing my postgraduate studies, I got a job at the Institute of Economics in Zagreb.

**Why did you decide to work at that institution/company? Is this the best place for you?**

I was thinking of switching to the private sector for a while because I simply didn't find the scientific and research environment appealing anymore. Certain limitations which showed up and lack of freedom for the type of a job I was doing, started to bother me. Also, I didn't like the fact that for any sort of longer work engagement, if I needed more people to work on it, I had to ask for permission if they could join me, while I could have spent that time actually finishing work. In addition, it required a lot of bureaucracy. Those situations kind of pushed me to seriously consider leaving the scientific community. Eventually, I got a chance to work on an urban regeneration project, which is a topic of my PhD thesis, so I wanted to use my PhD for the improvement of the society and economy. I wanted to see if things which I was doing during my doctoral studies withstand the challenge of practical application. My idea was to test to which extent science can really keep up with the nowadays societal challenges and needs. So, when this opportunity arose, my friend and I realized that we are capable and knowledgeable enough to write and implement a project and to find necessary funds all by ourselves. I think that starting my own company is the best choice for me, at least at this life phase. Knowing how many opportunities are out there, how many different jobs are being offered, I can't picture myself going back to traditional science.

**What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?**

Freedom in the first place, especially having more flexibility and freedom while creating my business and private schedule. Of course, there are always limitations, but not being obliged to come to work and leave it at a strictly set time - brings me the most satisfaction. Also, if I want to spend 1 or 2 hours in nature because I find it important on that given day, of course if I can fit it into my business schedule, I will do it without being obliged to inform somebody
of it or ask for a permission. Type of the job I am doing can be done virtually from anywhere in the world as long as I have a laptop and Wi-Fi. I believe that one should be working wherever atmosphere and circumstance are making that person the most productive. Also, I have a very harmonious relationship with my business partner and we always consult on things which are best for the company and the two of us.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

As professional victories I consider finding solutions for some of, more than usually, complicated projects and successfully finishing such projects.

As for failures, but not strictly as a failure – it would have been beneficial if I have participated in more extra-curricular education, or if I have chosen a master which is more related to my current field of work, or something more related to the economy of spatial or regional development. When it comes to job failures, there have been a few times that I felt I could have done an assignment in a better way, or I didn't do it in a way it was expected from me to be done. But in general, I think twice before accepting a project to make sure that they are interesting enough, but also that they are sort of a challenge, something that I can learn from.

**In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?**

At the moment, I am working for my own company but besides that I am also working on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development project which is focused on urban regeneration. To be precise, it is my area of research.

> I would say that one of the most useful and most interesting skills were research workshops during which we were required to present progress of our research. These workshops help you to develop self-confidence and to realize if you are on a good track or not.

**In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?**

Not necessarily, it always depends on a person's ability to capitalize his or her PhD diploma, in other words, it is up to a person to which extent he or she will manage to connect work with PhD studies. If a person is taking jobs which completely differ from the field in which PhD was done, then in that case, PhD wouldn't be of too much use. But I don't consider the second option necessarily bad – anyway the world is constantly changing and some things which used to be interesting for research 30 years ago aren't relevant anymore.
**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

I would say that one of the most useful and most interesting skills were research workshops during which we were required to present progress of our research. These workshops help you to develop self-confidence and to realize if you are on a good track or not. In addition, they enhance a person's ability to present, but also to realize how to defend a theory you might have come up with, but also how to accept a constructive critic or a guideline. Since I was already working at the Institute of Economics, I had a certain set of skills so I would say that I have sharpened my existing skills. Those skills would be literature review, presenting different phases of a research work and analytical skills. Also, it was sort of a test to see which of the existing skills I can further improve.

**Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly or did it present any challenges?**

I have found a job right away after finishing my post-graduate studies and I was employed at the Institute of Economics while being a doctoral student.

**What message would you give to PhD students who dream of finding a satisfying job?**

I don't want to shatter somebody's dreams by saying that there is no ideal job, but to a great extent it depends on the individual to create an ideal job. Of course, circumstances play a significant role as well. My point is that PhD students can't expect that they will find an ideal job situation but to create the ideal situation out of one they find.

<figure><img src="image_77.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_78.png" /><figcaption>Ivana Miletić</figcaption></figure>

## Agriculturist - Counsellor for Fisheries at Permanent representation of the Republic of Croatia in the EU

Ivana Miletić, PhD, a Croatian national currently living in Belgium, Brussels. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Agriculture from the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Agriculture within the University of Zagreb. Her doctoral thesis, entitled *The influence of feed structure on production performance of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus, L. 1768) in coastal waters of the island of Brač was awarded in 2011*.

**What is your current place of employment,
your position and professional duties?**

At the moment I am employed at the Permanent representation of the Republic of Croatia in the EU as the counselor for fisheries. I am participating in a work group for fishery policy on the level of the Council of the European Union, where I represent national standpoints. My professional duties also include taking part in the technical meetings, boards and expert groups for the fisheries and aquaculture. I participate in the legislative procedure when adopting regulations and implementation acts on the level of the Council of the European Union and European Parliament. I am preparing documents and notes for the international meetings in the field of fisheries, and analyzing the data. During the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I chaired the working group of the Council for Fisheries Policy.

**Have you worked at another institution or company before?**

So far, I have worked on the following jobs: in the fish processing factory "Bračanka d.o.o.", as production director, at the tuna farm "Sardina" d.d. as the chief technologist, in the Ministry of Agriculture as a fisheries inspector and after that, as the head of the Fisheries Inspection Service. While working in the Ministry of Agriculture, I have spent some time as a seconded national expert at the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) in Vigo.

**Why did you decide to work at that institution/company?
Is this the best place for you?**

After having spent 18 years in the private sector and state administration, moving to the Permanent representation of the Republic of Croatia at the EU was a new challenge for me where I could use the accumulated knowledge and experience to promote Croatia's interests in the field of fisheries on the level of the European Union.

**What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?**

Participation in the creation of policies in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, and monitoring of the Common Fisheries Policy, especially in the part that includes financial instruments, and technical and control measures.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

As a professional success I consider chairing the working group of the Council of EU for fisheries policy during the Croatian first presidency of the Council of European Union. Despite the challenging conditions in which we were working and the ongoing pandemics, we have achieved excellent results and significant progress on work documents which, at the time, were in the preparation and
negotiation phase with the European Parliament. The whole process was very
important for my personal development because I gained valuable knowledge
and experience in inter-institutional relations, as well as decision-making process
between co-legislators.

**In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?**

The job I am currently doing does not require the academic title of Doctor of Science. However, fisheries policy is a specific area that requires a deeper knowledge of the issue and the academic title of Doctor of Science has helped me to better understand the global issue of fisheries.

**In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?**

I believe that a higher level of education always offers greater opportunities in the labor market.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

After graduating from the University of Split at the Faculty of Maritime Studies, Department of Maritime Fisheries Technology and the study of maritime transport at the Nautical Department, I have decided to pursue postgraduate studies at the Department of Fisheries at the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb. The postgraduate study in Split did not offer a significant upgrade after completing the undergraduate study, because the courses, lecturers and program were identical for both studies. Therefore, the decision to study at the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb was the right one because they offered extended courses in marine fisheries, aquaculture, fish diseases and fish genetics, and it was important for me to expand the knowledge of freshwater fisheries and freshwater aquaculture.

> It is important to have a vision, a goal and to know exactly what you want to achieve. Some jobs require knowledge and skills that have yet to be developed after graduation. Therefore, the path to the "ideal job" can take some time, and I would advise patience, perseverance and constant work to improve your talents and skills required by the chosen field.

**Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly or did it present any challenges?**

At the time of graduation, I was working in the Ministry of Agriculture, and I continued to work in the same job.

**What message would you give to PhD students who dream of finding a satisfying job?**

I don't want to shatter somebody's dreams by saying that there is no ideal It is important to have a vision, a goal and to know exactly what you want to achieve. Some jobs require knowledge and skills that have yet to be developed after graduation. Therefore, the path to the "ideal job" can take some time, and I would advise patience, perseverance and constant work to improve your talents and skills required by the chosen field.
<figure><img src="image_79.png" /><figcaption>Sara Roje</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_80.png" /></figure>

## Behavioural scientist – Assistant Editor in journal Water

Sara Roje, PhD, a Croatian national currently living in Poland. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Behavioural Science from the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology within the University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice in 2021. Her doctoral thesis, entitled "Cocktail of invaders in European inland waters: ecological characteristics, interactions and consequences", was completed under the supervision of the Assoc. Prof. Miloš Buřič.

### What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

In January 2022 I joined the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) company. It is the largest publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journals in the world, and the fifth-largest publisher overall in terms of journal paper output. The company is Chinese with an office based in Switzerland and editorial offices in 11 more countries, of which one is in Poland, where I am currently living.

I work as Assistant Editor in the journal: Water (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/water). Water is a journal on water science and technology, including the ecology and management of water resources, and is published semi-monthly online. Impact Factor of the journal is 3.103 and it is listed in Q2 (Water Resources) / CiteScore - Q1 (Geography, Planning and Development).

I joined MDPI, mainly because I wanted to try something new and working as an Editor looked like an interesting way of keeping in touch at least somehow still with the research community. My main work is based on supporting the editorial process for academic research journals in the domain of expertise. Organize peer review for submitted manuscripts and coordinate editorial decisions. Coordinating fully the editorial process and processing manuscripts from submission until publication, handling email communication between the parties involved in the publication process, working closely with authors and editors, supporting the editors with help, and cooperating with other departments such as the Production Department and Managing Editor.

Editorial duties also include layout edits of submitted manuscripts, like reorganizing the structure of the manuscript by the rules of the journal. Also, duties include copy write and proofreading of the manuscripts, working with the authors to make sure that any comments or corrections are passed from them to the production team, and making sure that any changes are reflected in the revised proofs. Ends with publications being online and available for everyone for free to keep in touch with the newest research.

### Have you worked at another institution or company before?

Well, I got my PhD degree at the doctoral study "Fisheries" (PhD thesis topic: Cocktail of invaders in the European inland waters: ecological characteristics, interactions and consequences) within the University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice (Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology) in the Czech Republic. During my PhD study, I was also part of the Czech-German monitoring project "MoBi-aqua" – Cross-border monitoring of biological invasions for the conservation of native aquatic biota. I was also a member of European Aquaculture Society -EAS -Student
Group – and National coordinator for Czech Republic (2019–2021), but that work was voluntary.

Shortly after finishing PhD, I was working as a technician at Tanganyika a Malawi Aquarium. It is the biggest fish breeder and wholesaler company in the Czech Republic with around 130 kinds of tank-bred cichlids and more than 200 kinds of cichlids imported from Tanganyika and Malawi lakes, I was cleaning aquariums, feeding, breeding, and taking care of the fish, also sorting species, preparing and packing them for transport to other EU Countries and customers.

But to work for the corporation, it is just my first time.

## Why did you decide to work at that institution/company?

### Is this the best place for you?

I saw it as something exciting. Even it took sacrifice to again move to another country and start completely over. After some years of doing research I decided to try something else. I joined MDPI, mainly because working as an editor looked like an interesting way of keeping in touch with the research community. Also, there are many possible carrier paths within the company, so that they are able to set individual professional objectives towards the desired directions.

## What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?

Constantly there are many useful trainings and presentations from colleagues from all over the world that try to help each other to be more successful in work and they share tricks and tips to represent journals in their best light. I like the feeling after the whole process for one manuscript is finished, and paper is published online, both Editors and Author are satisfied and the article is online available for anybody.

## Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?

It is really important to find a perfect ratio between the professional and personal aspects of life.

Of course, there will be always good and bad days, nothing in life goes smoothly.

The key to being a successful Editor is good organization and communication, the ability to multi-task, and attention to detail. Each morning to prepare to-do list. There are constant changes in work, and you need to be prepared, reasonable, and adapt quickly, and I relish this challenge. However, sometimes it takes time to adjust to new methods of conducting day-to-day work, hence you need a lot of insights, information and knowledge to get a bigger picture. The good thing is there is always colleagues who can help you and point out some resolution. If you don't know, always ask, everybody is keen to help you, as all of us in some point are just beginners.

## In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?

I work in the journal of my expertise, it is about water science and technology, including the ecology and management of water, there are also many Special

> If you want to find a dream job that's enjoyable and meaningful, you will have to try really hard. No one is going to run your career but you. Go to internships, meet people, and expand your circle of acquaintances.
Issues open within the journal that have more connection to my PhD studies, like aquatic animal behavior, invasive species. Also, how the occurring pharmaceuticals (various types of antidepressants and methamphetamine) in waters affect the local community of organisms. I like to read fresh news.

**In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?**

Completing doctoral studies provides you with more job opportunities, yes, but everything is needed experience. After finishing PhD in science, you are basically just at the beginning of your carrier, and you need to make the decision whether will you continue to do science or teach in a school or go some third way. Doing science is also a sacrifice and takes a lot of time and patience.

Some companies will not even employ you because you have the highest degree.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

I learned a lot during my study. I was the responsible person to update all data from the monitoring to the big database. I gained experience in project writing because we had to submit at least two projects while studying. I gained a lot of experience in presenting the results of experiments and presentations at local and European conferences. Every day I learned something new. I learned to program scientific data in R studio, Ethovision program - monitoring animal behavior. I also completed a fish tagging course. During my study also I supervised one master thesis and two bachelor theses.

I would say Czech University had a really good program, as you had no classes to attend, you knew what you need so you apply or go to consultations with some professors to help you. In third year there was State Exam, that every doctoral student need to pass.

Least useful, I don't know what to say, maybe attending seminars that were obligatory to attend and that were not closely related to my field when I had some experiments or work to do. I saw it as a waste of precious time.

**Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly or did it present any challenges?**

I will not lie. My experience was extremely though. After completing PhD I applied to numerous positions, for Postdoctoral studies, and for technician work at many companies and Universities. I was mostly focused to find a job in Croatia, as many years I spent abroad I wanted just to go home. I got many declines and no answer or rarely just politely answer that my background is awesome but currently they do not employ. Most of this was also based on non-enough findings as during COVID times was not enough to support to Academia. After finishing study I sent more than 130 applications for work, and nothing. I was on the edge. But then in one moment, I got three offers in the same time, and I decided to go a new path, leave science and try to build a carrier.

**What message would you give to PhD students who dream of finding a satisfying job?**

If you want to find a dream job that's enjoyable and meaningful, you will have to try really hard. No one is going to run your career but you. Go to internships, meet people, and expand your circle of acquaintances. Ask things, propose projects. Do everything you can. Somebody has it easy and somebody not, sometimes everything is also about luck and it can happen that life leads you on a completely different path.
<figure><img src="image_81.png" /><figcaption>Veni Marinković</figcaption></figure>

## Geographer – expert for strategic planning, preparation and project implementation in the Cluster organization for eco-social innovations and development CEDRA

Veni Marinković, PhD, a Croatian national currently living in Croatia. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Geography from the Doctoral School of Geography Department within the Faculty of Science of the University of Zagreb. Her doctoral thesis, entitled "Social Geographic classification of the Croatian insular area", was completed under the supervision of the prof. dr. sc. Nenad Starc.

### What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

I work as an expert for strategic planning, preparation and project implementation in the Cluster organization for eco-social innovations and development CEDRA Split.

My duties largely depend on the type of a project I am working on or the stage the project is at. In general, the tasks for which I am responsible are: preparation of strategic planning documents, preparation of various analytical backgrounds and data analysis, monitoring the legislative basis of strategic planning, regional development, local development and rural development at national and EU level, monitoring tenders for external project financing, preparation of project proposals for various public, economic and civil organizations and entities and reporting, while daily work tasks include activities such as communication with clients and contracting authorities and the organization of work teams

### Have you worked at another institution or company before?

Yes, at the University of Zagreb as an expert associate for the implementation of projects financed from pre-accession funds and in the Local Action Group Škoji as a project planner.

### Why did you decide to work at that institution/company? Is this the best place for you?

I have decided to work for this organization because of the type of work and the type of projects which the organization prepares and implements, and also because of the freedom in proposing and creating projects and activities it allows one to do as an employee. In addition to the above, the work I am currently doing is very dynamic and provides me with opportunities to learn something new on a daily basis.

### What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?

Being able to contribute to the wellbeing of the local community, organizations and individuals as a direct or immediate result of activities and projects we prepare and implement.

### Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?

As biggest victories I consider successfully preparing and implementing projects worth several millions of euros, and the positive impact prepared and implemented projects and activities had on target groups such as farmers and fishermen, children, youth, students, entrepreneurs, and entire local
communities. Also, as a professional success I consider the fact that I have
successfully conducted my PhD research while, at the same time, I was doing
my job on strategic planning, preparing a project implementing.

As failures, I don't consider project preparations in which I have participated,
but haven't been approved for financing, because I perceive those situations as
professional and life lessons.

**In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?**

I would say that my current job and PhD studies correlate in rather high degree because, as a part of my daily assignments, I am applying methods, technics and tools which I have used as a part of my PhD research, while I am also using knowledge and skills acquired during PhD studies and research. Apart of that, certain results from PhD research, such as analytical backgrounds, are very much applicable in development projects which I prepare and implement as part of my daily assignments.

**In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?**

I do believe that having a PhD degree provides you with additional opportunities in the labor market for the type of a job I am currently doing and in the business environment I am working in, while additional opportunities in terms of advancement largely are depending on how capable person is and if she or he wants to apply and valorize knowledge, competencies and abilities acquired during PhD studies.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

I believe that, while conducting a PhD research and writing my PhD thesis, I have developed a detail analytical thinking, precise cause-and-effect reasoning, learnt how to use and browse through various sources and databases, how to process and interpret spatial data, systemize and review legislative acts and strategic documentation, as well as finding, searching for and analyzing technical and scientific literature. In addition, I have developed the skills of writing scientific papers and presenting the obtained results.

**Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly or did it present any challenges?**

Upon finishing my PhD studies, I was promoted to the position in which I work at the moment, although this position is not strictly related to science and does not require a doctorate of science. Since a PhD isn't a requirement for my current job position, I have a feeling that I had to invest additional effort to be promoted.

I believe that, while conducting a PhD research and writing my PhD thesis, I have developed a detail analytical thinking, precise cause-and-effect reasoning, learnt how to use and browse through various sources and databases, how to process and interpret spatial data, systemize and review legislative acts and strategic documentation, as well as finding, searching for and analyzing technical and scientific literature.
<figure><img src="image_82.png" /><figcaption>Igor Ljubenkov</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_83.png" /></figure>

## The greatest satisfaction is the "freedom" you have, that is, the opportunity to manage your own time and professional engagement

Igor Ljubenkov, PhD, a Croatian national currently living in Croatia. He was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Engineering, field of Hydraulics, from the Doctoral school of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy within the University of Split in 2012. His doctoral thesis, entitled "Sustainable water resources management on the island of Korčula with emphasis on agriculture", was completed under the supervision of the prof. dr. sc. Ognjen Bonacci.

### What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?

I currently work in my own company, Water development, which deals with design in construction, as director and designer.

### Have you worked at another institution or company before?

I worked in a state-owned company and after that in the private sector (not in my own company; but for another employer).

### Why did you decide to work at that institution/company? Is this the best place for you?

Six or seven years ago, my own company seemed like the best solution at the time to me. It is a good choice even today, but (a small company) has both advantages and disadvantages.

### What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?

Perhaps the greatest satisfaction is the "freedom" you have, that is, the opportunity to manage your own time and professional engagement.

### Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?

Overall, it is a great success to build your own company from scratch.

### In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?

The company is mainly engaged in professional work, although sometimes there is a need and opportunity to participate in some professional/scientific projects (especially with foreign institutions). There is very rarely a "match" with the field of research in postgraduate studies (M.Sc., etc.).

### In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?

Not in Croatia and not in my sector. I think that this is marginalized in our market and that M.Sc./PhD degrees do not provide any additional opportunities. In small companies in particular, and large companies are not really looking for people of such profile.

### What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?

The most useful was general knowledge which I have acquired through different
The most useful was general knowledge
which I have acquired through different
trainings. I would say it indirectly applies
to market related problem solving.

trainings. I would say it indirectly applies to market related problem solving.
During my postgraduate studies (first M.Sc. and then Dr.) I was employed.
So after graduating, I worked in those companies for a while.

Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly
or did it present any challenges?

During my postgraduate studies (first M.Sc. and then Dr.) I was employed. So after graduating, I worked in those companies for a while.

What message would you give to PhD students
who dream of finding a satisfying job?

I think that the vast majority remain to work at universities after graduation - focused on teaching students and mostly theorizing, which has certain shortcomings / limitations. Working in the market (in practice) has its difficulties and also limitations. So the "ideal job" is probably an individual thing and it's hard to recommend to someone what would be the best choice for him/her.
<figure><img src="image_84.png" /><figcaption>Slavica Čolak</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_85.png" /></figure>

## Agronomist - head of the Nutrition Department in Cromaris company

Slavica Čolak, PhD, a Croatian national currently living in Croatia. She was awarded a doctoral degree in the discipline of Agronomy from the Doctoral School of the Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture within the University of Zadar. Her doctoral thesis, entitled "Health protection of fish in intensive farming", was completed in 2021.

**What is your current place of employment, your position and professional duties?**

Currently I work as the head of the Nutrition Department, which is in charge of fish growth and consists of two units: feeding technology and fish health protection.

**Have you worked at another institution or company before?**

My first job was as a veterinarian at the Cenmar d.d. farm, after that I was the head of the Cenmar d.d. Veterinary Service, representative and business support for the French hatcheries Ferme Marine de Douhet (FMD), Les Poissons du Soleil (LPDS) and EMG.

**Why did you decide to work at that institution/company? Is this the best place for you?**

Cromaris d.d. is a company that is the leader in mariculture in Croatia and provides excellent conditions for my further progress.

**What brings you the most satisfaction in your current job?**

Nutrition and health protection are dynamic areas that require continuous adaptation to the conditions of cultivation and the market, and it is a great pleasure for me to participate in this process.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

Successful establishment of disease prevention without the use of antibiotics in the entire fish breeding cycle.

**In which areas does your current job correlate with your PhD studies?**

It overlaps with the part related to the protection of fish health.

**In your opinion, does completing doctoral studies provide more job opportunities?**

I think it provides one with a knowledge for further possibilities.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

In my sphere of work, we very often do production experiments. When planning and analyzing I use the skills I acquired during my postgraduate studies.

**Did your employment after PhD studies go smoothly or did it present any challenges?**

I was already employed while attending postgraduate studies.
**What message would you give to PhD students who dream of finding a satisfying job?**

It is recommended that they set themselves goals and secure a job, because only when they start working they will know if it is the ideal job for them.

> It is recommended that they set themselves goals and secure a job, because only when they start working they will know if it is the ideal job for them
University of Malta
<figure><img src="image_86.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_87.png" /><figcaption>Adrian Attard</figcaption></figure>

Taking the plunge towards personal growth

Adrian Attard is a Partner in the Marine Litigation department at Fenech & Fenech Advocates. He has an LL.D. from the University of Malta, an LL.M. from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute and a PhD from Queen Mary University of London. At Fenech & Fenech Advocates, his main areas of expertise are maritime law and dispute resolution, where he advises financiers on ship arrests, mortgage enforcement and judicial sales. He also sits on the Executive Committee of the Malta Maritime Law Association, is a member of the Maltese Chamber of Advocates and lectures at the University of Malta.

What is your current place of employment, your position and your
professional duties?

I work at Fenech and Fenech Advocates in Valletta, Malta. It is one of the island's largest and oldest multi-disciplinary law firms.

As a partner working within the firm's marine litigation department, my primary responsibilities are managing and handling clients' litigious and non-contentious briefs. My main areas of practice are maritime law and dispute resolution. In particular, my work focuses on wet and dry shipping disputes ranging from collisions to salvage claims and from charter party disputes to marine insurance claims. I also regularly advise banks and other financiers on ship arrests and mortgage enforcement. In addition, as part of my role, I would say that I am also expected to manage client relationships, focus on business development, and generally oversee the work of the team of associates within our department.

I have been at the firm for twelve years. After attaining my Master's degree in international maritime law conferred by the IMO International Maritime Law Institute, I joined Fenech and Fenech Advocates in 2010 as an associate. I worked my way up and eventually made partner at the firm in 2019, the same year I was awarded my doctoral degree from Queen Mary University of London.

Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes,
describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

My previous employment was unrelated to my current profession or the legal field. I worked several part-time jobs in the education sector while pursuing my studies.

How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?

Fenech and Fenech Advocates is one of Malta's top-tier law firms and is the only firm in our jurisdiction with four distinct shipping departments: ship registration, ship finance, yachting, and marine litigation. The firm enjoys a special affinity with the maritime industry and boasts a wide and varied portfolio of local and international clientele within the shipping sector. I was headhunted following my postgraduate studies and was invited for an interview. After learning about the firm's extensive shipping practice, I was confident that working in the firm's marine litigation department would allow me to apply the knowledge gained throughout my graduate and postgraduate studies in maritime law.

As a maritime lawyer, my work is varied, but I often rely on the wealth of knowledge I acquired through my doctoral studies.

My doctoral research comprehensively analyses the legal regimes regulating classification societies and their liability under international law. The study addresses a wide range of issues that certainly touch upon the interests of
I undertook my doctoral research part-time while maintaining my employment at the firm. In my case, I believe that the most challenging transition came at the commencement of my doctoral studies as I had to amend and refine my time-management skills. This was not always an easy task, and I have had to make considerable sacrifices along the way. That said, I would wholeheartedly encourage people interested in pursuing a PhD to take the plunge as the process and personal growth is invaluable and most definitely worth the difficulties one might encounter.

classification organisations, shipowners, charterers, financiers, as well as flag state administrators. These stakeholders in the maritime sector represent the spectrum of clients serviced by our firm.

The knowledge gained during my doctoral studies has broadened my understanding of several pertinent legal issues that key players in shipping regularly face. Knowing our clients' sector better allows me to provide them with a better service.

**What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?**

It is generally always rewarding when the outcome of a particular brief exceeds the client's expectations. I must say that being able to use my expertise in my career provides me with a sense of fulfilment. I find my contentious work especially rewarding as it allows me to use my expertise and research skills. I am always satisfied when an award or court decision follows (or mirrors) the arguments I would have submitted, particularly when dealing with issues that would have been previously untested by our domestic courts or tribunals. So, overall I would say that I am generally quite fulfilled with my career choices. I believe that pursuing my doctoral studies has allowed me to further enhance my knowledge in the field where I work. My profession allows me the chance to apply that knowledge in practical terms. Nevertheless, I do aspire to get more involved in the world of academia. I want to pass on my knowledge and inspire young people to pursue a career in maritime law.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

I believe that when working at a firm, you are part of a team and accordingly, most successes or failures are generally shared with your colleagues. That said, and on a personal level, I would say that I was honoured to have recently been elected to the Executive Committee of Malta Maritime Law Association. I was also extremely pleased when a couple of years ago, I was appointed as a maritime law expert to advise a court on shipping-related issues in a high-profile case in Malta.
**To what extent does your professional career correlates with your PhD studies?**

I pursued my doctoral studies part-time while gaining work experience in the maritime sector. By doing so, I believe I could apply my practical knowledge to better formulate my hypothesis. During my PhD studies, I attained fundamental knowledge on the workings of classification societies and the maritime sector in general. Additionally, I would say that I have developed or enhanced the following skill sets:

1. The ability to identify and review academic literature

2. Identifying and implementing appropriate methodologies for legal research

3. Developing skills required to write in accordance with scholarly requirements.

**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

I think that this question is not entirely applicable to my particular case since I was already in gainful employment when I began my doctoral studies. Nevertheless, having a PhD has given me added value as I have attained a deeper understanding of the field in which I work. Generally speaking, I believe that the opportunities available will vary considerably depending on the research subject. The more topical the subject, the more likely it would be to find career opportunities outside the university conferring the doctoral degree, particularly in private practice.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

My doctoral studies have certainly helped me develop a more objective and inquisitive approach to problem-solving, something which helps me daily in my work life. As part of my job, I am regularly confronted with clients who need specific guidance and understand their position objectively. Giving my clients the pros and cons of each possible scenario allows them to appreciate their situation better and predict the possible outcomes.

Within the realm of litigation, it is also imperative that I put forward my client's position clearly and concisely and back up my arguments with legal texts and supporting case law. These requirements are highly comparable to the research and writing skills required to pursue a PhD.

The most valuable skill I acquired during my PhD studies is thinking outside the box. It has helped me develop a more analytical approach to problem-solving. I have learnt to address problems from a broader perspective, dissect the issues thoroughly, and try to be more innovative when considering possible solutions. I tend to apply this skill set in my approach to work and personal life.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

I undertook my doctoral research part-time while maintaining my employment at the firm. In my case, I believe that the most challenging transition came at the commencement of my doctoral studies, as I had to amend and refine my time-management skills. This was not always easy, and I have had to make considerable sacrifices along the way. That said, I would wholeheartedly encourage people interested in pursuing a PhD to take the plunge, as the process and personal growth are invaluable and most definitely worth the difficulties one might encounter.
<figure><img src="image_88.png" /><figcaption>Michael Borg</figcaption></figure>

## Applying research in a real-world project

Michael Borg, PhD, is a Maltese national residing in Malta. He completed his PhD in Offshore Floating Wind Turbine Dynamics at Cranfield University in 2014 under the supervision of Professor Maurizio Collu. He was awarded the Lord Kings Norton medal for best PhD thesis at Cranfield. He spent four years carrying out postdoctoral research in the Department of Wind Energy at the Technical University of Denmark before moving to the industry to apply his experience in industrial applications.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and your professional duties?

I am self-employed, working remotely for one main client, a Danish company called Stiesdal Offshore Technologies. I have a mix of locations where I work: at home, an office in another area in Malta and two office locations in Denmark. I am responsible for developing ideas and designs in relation to floating wind turbines and other novel offshore structures. I am the chief specialist in the company regarding numerical load modelling and physical testing of our floating wind turbine structures.

I have been working with the company for three years.

My role has been very dynamic in the company. In the beginning, we were only three employees, and now we are 60. So I have worked as an engineer, specialist, project manager, interface manager, etc. Currently, my role revolves around developing new ideas and competencies within the company and ensuring the rapidly expanding team maintains sufficient quality in our work/output. We aim to be the best in the world at what we do.

I chose to work with this company after a number of years in academia. This company finally had the right ideas about making floating wind turbines a successful business enterprise. The founder is also very inspirational and provides an enriching work environment.

## Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes, describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

I have previously worked at two universities.

The first was Cranfield University, UK, as a PhD researcher, where I worked as an engineer in an EU FP7 project closely aligned with my PhD topic. My responsibilities were mainly on software development for simulating a combined floating wind-wave energy converter, data analysis and dissemination. I was also involved in delivering lectures and supervising MSc students in related courses. The second was the Technical University of Denmark, where I was a postdoctoral researcher in wind energy. My responsibilities covered a wide range of tasks: carrying out focused research on further developing state-of-the-art numerical models for floating structures and advanced hydrodynamics, project management for an EU Horizon 2020 project, liaising with clients and third parties in industrial consultancy, supervision of group and individual thesis projects across BSc, MSc and PhD levels, responsible for the development of a PhD summer school, responsible for part of an MSc course, preparation and submission of successful significant project grant proposals to national and EU funding bodies.
**How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?**

My current job meets my professional expectations primarily as it allows me to work at the forefront of the industry that I am in. The company actively fosters innovation and the development of new ideas while also challenging the status quo in the pursuit of doing things in the best way and being the best in the world at what we do. It allows me to work on real structures that will be deployed in the world's oceans rather than still being consigned to academic/theoretical studies that lacked in providing job satisfaction. It also closely aligns with my values of contributing to addressing climate change. The flexibility the job offers in terms of working hours and locations has also been supplementary to job satisfaction and productivity.

**What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?**

I have the most satisfaction when I work on something theoretical or develop a new idea/hypothesis that turns out to be the correct approach to go, and it eventually becomes a reality when the structure is built. Working as a team where we challenge each other is also a very satisfying part of the job.

> I would say my PhD and postdoctoral research work align fully with my current job, as well as my long term professional career ambitions. The seven years I spent in academia provided me with and allowed me to develop the necessary skills to apply the research in a real-world project. My current job feels like a fitting culmination of all that work.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

**Success:**

a. Finishing PhD early and receiving the best PhD award at Cranfield University.

b. Having a leading role in developing the world's first industrialised floating wind turbine, taking it from an idea on paper to a full-scale prototype installed in the Norwegian Sea.

**Failures:**

a. Burnout: going through burnout a few times, which in some ways is both a failure to acknowledge the limits of what one person can do, but also a learning experience of how to cope with a high-demanding job and stress, as well as strike a careful balance between work life and personal life.

b. The drop in work quality when taking on too many tasks simultaneously, as well as not communicating clearly to management that more employees are needed to handle the workload and deliver the quality we expect of ourselves. I am quite fulfilled with my career, where now it is a matter of fine-tuning what exact roles I enjoy the most as part of developing future offshore structures.

**To what extent does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?**

I would say my PhD and postdoctoral research work align fully with my current job, as well as my long-term professional career ambitions. The seven years I spent in academia provided me with and allowed me to develop the necessary skills to apply the research in a real-world project. My current job feels like a fitting culmination of all that work.
**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

I would say this is entirely dependent on the ambitions of the PhD student. If the student is interested in an academic career, then the PhD is a prerequisite but may find very few job opportunities that align well with professional and personal life objectives.

In industry, it is quite a sector dependent on whether a PhD provides a distinct edge or more opportunities. In my industry of wind energy and offshore engineering, whilst there are many PhDs working in the industry, there are many senior employees with MSc's as experience working on real-life projects tends to have the highest priority in the recruitment process. A PhD can provide different job opportunities and not necessarily offer more job opportunities. Also, in terms of remuneration, companies will typically pay more if your PhD is closely related to the vacancy they are trying to fill. Otherwise, you may be offered a salary closer to that of a person with an MSc.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

Open-mindedness to ideas and views. Benign suspicion of results, analysis in the pursuit of better quality, developing/ingraining the scientific method in approaching engineering problems. Resilience to continue working on solving a problem that proves complex/persistent to resolve.

Many of the skills I obtained in my doctoral education align with my current work requirements. However, this can be quite circumstantial – I am lucky enough to still work in the same field I did my PhD in, even seven years after completing my PhD.

The skills I acquired during the doctoral studies that I value most include applying the scientific method to solving engineering problems and giving constructive criticism and challenges to my work in good faith.

My transition from doctoral studies to employment was relatively seamless. Moving from a very small research group in my PhD to the largest research department in the world in my field for my postdoctoral research, was a great learning experience. It provided a great transition from academic research to industrial research, a hybrid between educational and industrial/commercial work environments. The last transition to date from industrial research to commercial technology development was also relatively seamless. My career to date has had a gradual change over several years, which works well.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

Possibly a lot of focused work on your own to carry out your PhD thesis can be easier for some personalities than others. Keep in mind the long-term objective, and be sure you are aligned with that objective. In some countries, a PhD is seen as just another job (at least in engineering). Still, it is also a personal achievement you are attempting to attain, and it does have a closer connection to you than a typical job, so little extra effort can go a long way.

On the dissertation defence, I believe that if you carry out all your PhD work to the best of your ability and know your work deeply, there is nothing to worry about, as you will be able to answer any questions concerning your work. Typically examiners are just another curious human being that wants to know what you did in detail and the thought process behind some of the work you carried out rather than trying to shoot down your work intentionally.

<figure><img src="image_89.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_90.png" /><figcaption>George Buhagiar</figcaption></figure>

Integrating values with knowledge in research

I graduated as an architect and civil engineer in 1989 from the University of
Malta and started working as a design architect. I completed a Masters in
Regional and Resource Planning from the University of Otago in 1994 and
began working as a planner with the then Ministry for the Environment.
I read for a PhD in capacity building for Integrated Environmental Management
(IEM) at the University of Lincoln and, after completion in 2004, resumed
planning work on significant projects and initiatives in the public service in
Malta. For the last four to five years, I have been addressing coastal erosion
risks to public safety in Malta and developing a strategic response to coastal
vulnerability at a more general level.

What is your current place of employment, your position and your
professional duties?

I currently work as coordinator of the Research and Planning Unit (RPU) of the Public Works Department (PWD) in the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects. The RPU is a recently set-up unit, but I have worked in the PWD for most of my professional career since 1981 as a student, moving out for some years and returning to the same Ministry. We are now responsible for matters related to strategic planning and research to provide an evidence-based basis for the work of the Department. Over the last four years the unit's work integrated coastal management to address coastal erosion risks more strategically. More specifically, the scope has widened since we are currently driving reform of the whole PWD organisation for a greening transformation towards SDGs and climate action in five critical areas of coastal-climate risk protection, energy performance in buildings, integrated stormwater management infrastructure, sustainable urban environments and mobility, and, use of nature-based solutions in all of the above areas.

Nonetheless, one of the significant work areas remains that of coastal-climate
risk protection. My duties and position have changed, depending on the needs
of the times, which is why I have moved through different areas of work relating
to environmental management in general, hence my research interests in IEM.
This organisation was my first workplace after graduation. After seeing that
the organisation met my career development and specialisation well and that
I was able to make a difference in different areas, I decided to stay in the public
service.

Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes,
describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

I had also worked for several years in the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, where I was responsible for afforestation projects and the development/ management of national parks. I have worked in different fields, including multiple architectural and landscape design projects, countryside management and conservation, waste management, flood relief and water conservation, integrated valley management, and a national park development strategy.

How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?

Things are not always up to my professional expectations. In practice, and most
commonly in the public sector, projects and initiatives are seldom shaped only
by knowledge and academic research due to the need to accommodate diverse
interests. This is justified insofar as diverse action is involved, but outcomes may
be more welcome from an IEM and sustainability point of view.
**What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?**

It is working with different stakeholders on an environmental agenda in any area of our work, and being able to integrate these values with knowledge based on research and evidence, rationalised through scientific approaches, to arrive at integrated solutions with concrete actions that have a positive impact on the outcomes (hence, integrated environmental management).

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

One of the earlier achievements in my career was having been behind the establishment of the PARK Department, which originated from a small section that evolved and grew, and I was able to contribute to its vision and development into a public entity as a government department. I am satisfied that this has been taken over and sustained even after I left the Ministry to return to my present organisation. It continues to function and has grown further and spawned into two different organisations with similar functions (PARKS Malta and Ambjent Malta). Other achievements have been involved in the conceptualisation of key national projects and their submission for funding, with eventual success in acceding to multi-million investments in the country's public infrastructure and environmental resource management. Examples of this in coastal management include two projects: one for Coastal Satellite Assistance for Governance of Erosion (Coastal SAGE) which is researching and developing AI tools for the use of satellite imagery for coastal monitoring. The other is a recently approved project for a national coastal protection strategy, Coastal-COVER (Coastal-Climate Overall Vulnerability and Exposure Risk) Protection Strategy for the Maltese Islands. Satisfaction is derived from having obtained 100% funding for both projects and having done so through collaboration and partnership with other entities.

Disappointments have also been experienced, especially when such proposals are not well-met or meet significant barriers to achieving sustainable goals or insufficient support for more proactive approaches, and there is fall back on quick-fix solutions that foreclose future benefits. Examples of this were when the national flood relief project precluded elements that could have tapped into more significant opportunities for water conservation or where regeneration projects in urban areas underestimated the benefits of nature-based solutions. Areas of my career that could provide more fulfilment include a reduction in the overburden of administrative work and the relative lack of resources for more research to shape the agenda of the Department.

**To what extent does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?**

At the PhD level, you do not always work consistently to draw upon what knowledge and research skills are gathered over many years of work and study. So this is more a situation where you dip and resource from the PhD approach, in as much as from the knowledge of the specialist area itself. However, in retrospect, the subject of study itself refocuses on how we look at problems and assess the solutions we seek to address them. Ultimately, much depends on the individual's ability and innovation to draw upon the personal insights gained thus (through a PhD, other studies, and the work-experience-tempered knowledge) to leverage new linkages with the career path at hand, shaping their direction in the process, as well as that of the organisation. For instance, in recent years, I applied my PhD research to coastal management and coastal erosion risks to develop (together with the team at the RPU) a Scientific and Integrative Framework for Coastal Erosion Risk Assessment. We used this on a pilot site in Malta, and the approach formed the basis for developing the project proposal for the C-COVER national strategy, which we eventually obtained funding from DG REFORM under TSI 2021, with the project starting in October 2021.
**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

To some extent, in my field, because IEM is not tied to any particular specialised area, and thus it is not seen as 'expertise' in any field, unfortunately. Probably more in the private sector, but it depends on the political climate, as well. Most opportunities are in the public sector or public entities. Options in the private sector could be somewhat limited to what such entities require in terms of expertise from consultants.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

Essential skills/knowledge include substantive knowledge in different areas of integrated environmental management and research skills, and problem-so in-sights mainly found to help conceptualise new ideas in order to create projects driven by specific needs.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

A most helpful element to pursue in your research is becoming immersed in the real world. Try not to remain distanced or isolated by scientific approaches that lose sight of the significance of such study to people 'out there'. Communicability of findings to decision-makers and the broader set of stakeholders in your field are critical. This makes research valuable to well-being, assuming that there is the willingness for it to be purported towards positive outcomes to society and thus to seek such a focus in the objectives thus seeking.

> It is working with different stakeholders on an environmental agenda, in any area of our work, and being able to integrate these values with knowledge based on research and evidence, rationalised through scientific app oaches, to arrive at integrated solutions with concrete actions that have a positive impact on the outcomes (hence, integrated environmental management).
<figure><img src="image_91.png" /><figcaption>Josef Camilleri</figcaption></figure>

## Acquiring skills that are desirable to hiring managers

Josef Camilleri, PhD, a Maltese national currently living in London. He was awarded a doctoral degree in Maritime Engineering from the University of Southampton in 2018. His doctoral dissertation entitled 'Experimental and numerical investigation of slamming loads on high-speed craft, including hydroelastic effects', was completed under the supervision of Prof. Pandeli Temarel, PhD.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and your professional duties?

I work at Silverstream Technologies, a leading maritime clean technology company based in London. Silverstream developed an air lubrication system that can be fitted to existing ships to improve efficiency, energy consumption and reduce emissions.

I joined Silverstream in November 2020 as a KTP Associate on a 2-year project. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme helps businesses in the UK to innovate and grow by linking them with an academic or research organisation. It is a three-way partnership between the University of Southampton, Silverstream, and the KTP Associate, who manages and delivers the project.

The project aims to embed artificial intelligence into the air lubrication system's control module and develop ship performance data analytics tools. This initiative will ultimately improve system performance by increasing ship fuel savings, reducing emissions and increasing business for Silverstream Technologies.

## Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes, describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

I obtained a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Malta in 2013. The following year, I moved to the UK to read for a PhD in maritime engineering at the University of Southampton. For my PhD studies, I researched slamming loads on high-speed marine craft using numerical and experimental methods. I was awarded a PhD in 2018.

Before joining Silverstream Technologies, I worked at KBR as a Naval Architect specialising in hydrodynamic, Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) and experimental analysis of floating marine structures and related fluid dynamics problems.

At KBR, I was involved in various projects, including the Concept Definition and pre-FEED of two newly built ship-shaped FPSOs for the Browse fields in Western Australia. My responsibilities included hydrodynamic and CFD analysis of FPSO in waves, wind and current to investigate motions and accelerations and to evaluate the risk of green water on deck and emergence of the keel and bottom slamming; CFD modelling of gas turbines exhaust dispersion; and wind tunnel and wave basin testing - preparation of test specifications, supervision of model tests and analysis of test data.

## How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a PhD student conducting research. However, I always felt that academia was not the path for me, and I wanted to move into industry after my PhD. At the same time, I did not want to stop doing what I liked the most about my PhD - doing research - and I also wanted a role that could have a positive impact. I feel that my current position at Silverstream delivers on all three fronts - I work on a challenging but exciting practical problem
that looks to reduce the negative impact on the environment, including a vital
element of research.

What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?

At Silverstream, when we install a new system, we conduct tests and collect data to understand how the system is performing. The most satisfying moment is when the data shows that the system is delivering positive savings. As a company, we feel we're doing our part to help the shipping industry reach the IMO's decarbonisation goals. Embedding artificial intelligence into the system should further improve the performance making my job even more rewarding.

Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?

The main highlight at KBR has been attending the wind tunnel tests at FORCE in Denmark and the wave basin tests at MARIN in the Netherlands. Up to that point, the design of the FPSO had only existed in the form of a CAD model on our computers, and even though we had run many numerical simulations to ensure that the model could withstand the design conditions, there was always that tiny doubt that it might not perform as expected. However, even to our surprise, the design performed better than expected, which was an excellent achievement for the whole team. As for professional failures, I cannot think of any significant shortcomings so far. I am in the early stages of my professional career. The learning curve is steep, especially with my new role, which requires extensive artificial intelligence/ machine learning knowledge, something I only brushed upon in the past. However, I enjoy a challenge, and this is an exciting one.

I do not think there is a "one-size-fits-all" answer to this question as it depends on many factors, including the field of study, industry and region. However, I firmly believe that obtaining a PhD gives you knowledge and expertise and teaches valuable skills that are desirable to hiring managers.

For PhD graduates looking to move into the industry, this can be a big step. Having experienced this and the KTP setup, I would highly recommend considering doing a KTP project to anyone who wants to transition from academia to industry slowly.

To what extent does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?

There is a considerable element of research in my work: the nature of KTP projects by design. The hydrodynamic problem central to this project – air lubrication of ship hulls to reduce frictional resistance – hasn't been studied extensively in the past. The use of artificial intelligence in the maritime industry is still in its infancy. Some research is required to develop a solution which isn't
unlike doing a PhD. Managing the project and communicating ideas and results verbally and in writing are also areas in my professional career that correlate strongly with my PhD studies.

**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

I do not think there is a "one-size-fits-all" answer to this question, as it depends on many factors, including the field of study, industry and region. However, I firmly believe that obtaining a PhD gives you knowledge and expertise and teaches valuable skills that are desirable to hiring managers.

For PhD graduates looking to move into the industry, this can be a big step. Having experienced this and the KTP setup, I would highly recommend considering doing a KTP project to anyone who wants to transition from academia to industry slowly.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

The PhD has taught me various skills. The one I find most useful at work and in my personal life is problem-solving and thinking creatively to come up with solutions.

It also taught me how to manage and deliver a project effectively, not just the PhD project itself but also the full-scale testing campaign that formed a large part of my PhD work. I was responsible for managing all aspects of the project, including writing the test specification, managing time and budget, specifying and purchasing equipment and liaising with the stakeholders (PhD supervisors, boat operator, and project sponsor).

The PhD also helped me develop my communication skills. I produced regular reports for my degree and research sponsor; wrote a successful doctoral thesis and several conference and journal papers; presented papers and gave talks at various conferences and events to a wide range of audiences.

These are the three most valuable skills I acquired from my doctoral studies, which are very important in my current role. I do not think any skills that I learned in my PhD studies are not helpful.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

Have a clear plan and spend time defining the question you want to answer rather than jumping straight into answering the question. I find that this helps me a lot, particularly when I get stuck. Also, be ambitious with the research questions - as the saying goes: shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars. As for dissertation defence, make sure you can discuss anything you put in your thesis. Good luck!
<figure><img src="image_92.png" /><figcaption>Christopher Cousin</figcaption></figure>

## Aligning your professional skills to the market

Christopher Cousin holds qualifications related to The Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries. These three subjects intertwine at various points. He has read for a Bachelor with Honors in Fisheries and Aquaculture at the University of Plymouth and proceeded to a Master in Integrated Resource Management from the University of Malta. He obtained his doctoral qualification in law from the University of Plymouth with a thesis entitled "The Governance of Mediterranean High Sea Marine Protected Areas from a Maltese Perceptive."

### What is your current place of employment, your position and your professional duties?

I currently work at the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), where I hold the Unit Manager (Thematic) position. I have worked here since 2006, and I held different positions, starting from an Environment Protection Officer, and dealt with various topics ranging from marine and terrestrial environmental issues. Today, I deal with problems focusing on air, noise, radiation, light, and waste. These topics include various tasks such as maintaining an operative air monitoring network throughout Malta, respecting EU and National law obligations, and producing multiple plans and programmes. ERA is the national regulator of the environment and has the mission "to safeguard the environment for a sustainable quality of life."

### Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes, describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

Before joining ERA, I worked with other entities. Among these is the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. Here, I held the position of Chief Fisheries Protection Officer. The primary responsibilities were to ensure that fishing operations were conducted in accordance with the law, maintain regular communication with fishers, and participate in international and regional meetings.

Before changing my career path to environmental-related subjects, I had worked for three years at the National Meteorological Office and then for thirteen years with the national airline - Air Malta. Here, I held the position of a Flight Operations Officer. The main tasks were flight planning and flight watch. In short, before each flight left the airfield, I had to ensure that it flew on paper.

### How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?

Before joining the Ambient Quality and Waste Unit, I was at the Biodiversity and Water Unit. In dealing with topics related to marine protected areas (MPAs), I realised, through my participation in regional meetings, that governance, including the establishment of MPAs on the high sea, can be quite a complex task. This has heightened my urge to explore more about this topic to provide my share to this complicated topic rather than just being a receiver. During my studies, I earned a promotion and moved to another unit. While the subject is entirely different, the doctoral studies have induced a modified attitude and approach towards environmental topics. The study gave me technical knowledge and attributes for dealing with problems, attaining deadlines, and working on different areas at any time. While I am currently satisfied with my job, this does not imply that I would not consider changing it to work on the topic I researched during my PhD.
**What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?**

Ambient quality is a topic of concern to most people. It deals with issues for which various people show serious regard, noting that these features may affect the quality of life. This is one factor that makes me delve even deeper into these topics. Apart from the anthropogenic factor, the fact that the issues (air, noise, radiation, light and waste) that I deal with are also highly relevant to ensure that the overall natural environment is also maintained in good status, makes it rewarding so that I can also contribute as much as I can towards a sustainable environment.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

My professional career spanned over different years and was also developed while I was engaged in full-time jobs. This made me aware of the practical issues when one deals with the theory and thematic subjects. But there is also the other side to it. Had I started my professional career at an earlier stage in life, I might have achieved the tertiary qualifications at a younger age and, therefore, gained more experience on a specific number of topics.

(...) I believe that a person who has reached a PhD level would have more job opportunities as long as one can be flexible enough also to consider jobs that are not necessarily related to the topic. This is because an employer would also consider the externalities gained, such as professional skills. Yet, a PhD graduate can also tackle other areas that, in principle, can be related to one's research topic.

**To what extent does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?**

Nowadays, I realise that making progress in high education should not only lead to oneself being highly readable in one topic but allow the self to grow. This implies that I have gained skills through my studies such as time management, working under pressure, and achieving targets, among others. All three are attributes that are also essential in managerial positions. I can say that although today I am not dealing anymore with the research topic (marine environmental management), the PhD gave me enough skills to manage a unit that focuses on ambient quality and waste.
**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

It depends on how one looks at it since work opportunities depend a lot on the job market. In other words, if the market does not demand the topic that one researches, a PhD will not create an employment opportunity. However, nowadays, I believe that a person who has reached a PhD level would have more job opportunities as long as one can be flexible enough also to consider jobs that are not necessarily related to the topic. An employer would also consider the externalities gained, such as professional skills. Yet, a PhD graduate can also tackle other areas that, in principle, can be related to one's research topic.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

As expected, the knowledge gained regarding the topic was immense. But apart from thematic knowledge, a PhD also equips the candidate to discuss the subject from different perspectives and seek possible solutions to identified problems. Yet, apart from thematic aspects, a PhD also broadens one's approach to dealing with issues not necessarily, attributed to the research topic. It also provides the candidate with stamina and the capability to work under pressure when required to do so. Keeping focused, calm, and as much as possible record progress along each year may prove to be essential toward the successful completion of a PhD.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

The route towards completing a PhD may be extended and, at times, may also embrace difficult times. One should be aware of these possible factors and other factors that may be both external and directly related to the studies so that they do not distract the determination of the PhD candidate. Additionally, allowing oneself to pass through the lows and highs along the course while keeping zealous on the research topic may also be a key to continuing. Excellent knowledge of the research topic and how it can enrich existing studies on the same subject can prove fruitful when defending one's work.

<figure><img src="image_93.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_94.png" /><figcaption>Simeon Deguara</figcaption></figure>

## Experimental design and commercial application

Simeon Deguara, PhD, obtained his doctorate at the University of Stirling in 1998. He studied the Use of Enzymes in Gilthead Sea Bream Diets, following which he worked as a Project Manager with EWOS. After acting as an Aquaculture Consultant to the Government of Malta, he took the position of Research (now CRO) Director at ABT Innovia. He has also held the position of Quality Assurance Coordinator at MFF Ltd and is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Malta.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and your professional duties?

I have been involved with the AquaBioTech Group since 2002. I am currently employed as the CRO Director (previously Research Director) at ABT Innovia (based in Malta), the wet-lab research division of the AquaBioTech Group. ABT Innovia is the largest privately owned and independent aquatic research facility (the facility is GMP and GLP certified) in Europe, carrying out contractual industrial research in various aquatic fields, including fish nutrition, hatchery technology, fish health and production techniques. My role at ABT Innovia includes the macro-level management and scientific oversight of the facility and the design, coordination, and reporting of the research conducted. I also provide consultancy advice as part of AquaBioTech Group's international consultancy work on research and feed production-related projects. The position offers a tremendous opportunity to liaise with scientists from all over the world and contribute to the latest R&D being carried out by major international players involved in the aquaculture industry.

## Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes, describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

As Project Manager with EWOS, an international salmon feed-producing company with activities in the UK, Norway, Canada and Chile, my work included the development, preparation, organisation and running of experiments designed to improve the performance of EWOS's feeds and investigate aspects of fish quality. My main research areas were fish meal and fish oil replacement, with related topics such as amino acid requirements. As an Aquaculture Consultant to the Government of Malta, my duties involved general management of personnel and facilities within the National Aquaculture Centre and the design and running of nutritional experiments and analysis for and in collaboration with the local industry and internationally based companies. During my time at MFF Ltd in Malta, I ran the HACCP plan and set up ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 within the company. My role also encompassed management of all the documentation related to the biology and harvesting of the stock of the farms. I still act as the R&D Coordinator for the Federation of Maltese Aquaculture Producers, which involves, amongst other things, attending ICCAT meetings and carrying out research and data analysis related to farm management, stock management and quality assurance. I am also a Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Biology of the University of Malta.

## How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?

In the position I currently hold, I am in continuous contact with scientists worldwide, working on products and projects in many fields of application in the
aquaculture industry. Since I cannot go into details about the products we test due to client confidentiality, it is difficult to describe the details of the type of research we carry out. In other words, whilst very demanding and challenging, it does meet my professional expectations.

**What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?**

As answered in the previous question, this is an excellent opportunity to discuss science with experts in their fields whilst discussing research projects, which can be as long as a few weeks to many years.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

Being involved in many projects with different scientists and clients is in itself a success and rewarding. There is also great satisfaction when the research achieves its objectives and eventually comes onto the market as a commercially viable product. From a scientist's perspective, the disadvantage is that due to the confidential nature of the research, we cannot publish the results of the scientific research we carry out.

**To what extent does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?**

My job position fits in very well with the scope of my PhD studies which revolved around using supplementary enzymes in commercially applicable fish feeds. Whilst some of the research carried out is very similar, and the variety of research carried out at ABT Innovia is broader in scope than this; the approach to experimental design and implementation with a commercial application has served me well in my interactions with other scientists who are themselves looking to commercialise products and technologies. Since the beginning of my PhD studies, the commercial realities (related to, for example, the scale of production and technical limitations) have been an essential part of the discussions about trial designs and eventual product commercialisation.

> My job position fits in very well with the scope of my PhD studies which revolved around using supplementary enzymes in commercially applicable fish feeds. Whilst some of the research carried out is very similar, and the variety of research carried out at ABT Innovia is broader in scope than this; the approach to experimental design and implementation with a commercial application has served me well in my interactions with other scientists who are themselves looking to commercialise products and technologies.
**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

The nature of my PhD studies was commercially oriented from conception since, within my study area, it was possible to go deeper into specific aspects of enzyme use. In my case, my longer-term objectives were always the more comprehensive commercial application in the aquaculture industry at the manufacturing level and practical use on the farm. By taking this approach, I feel that I was (at the time I graduated at least) at an advantage when applying for positions within production-focused companies. However, I was probably disadvantaged should I have been attempting to enter Academia.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

Apart from knowing my subject area well, focusing on the practical requirements of experimental design, especially when dealing with live animals, has been an essential skill acquired during my PhD. Needless to say, sound project management skills (e.g. organisational, time management, prioritisation, data acquisition, analysis and interpretation) are needed from the moment a new trial is being discussed to final data analysis, report writing and presentation. Good communication skills are essential from the beginning (i.e. during initial discussions to ensure a clear understanding of the objectives and how best to reach these objectives, trial execution, and eventually reporting in whatever form that may take). Some lab skills I acquired during my PhD are probably redundant now that more automated equipment is available (faster and more accurate). I did not find it difficult settling into my first job just after graduation as it involved Project Management of trials similar to the research I had carried out in my PhD.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

I would expect anybody choosing to go for a PhD to have made a conscious choice that this is something they really want and not simply do it because 'everybody else is doing it' or 'why not'. Make sure you know the literature inside out and can quote multiple papers off the top of your head. But be critical of the same papers you are quoting if needed, as this should improve your work. If taken seriously, it will probably not be easy (which doesn't mean it won't be fun), but it can be a very rewarding and fulfilling career choice, and with your work, you can make a difference in your field.

<figure><img src="image_95.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_96.png" /><figcaption>Mark Dimech</figcaption></figure>

## Sharing my knowledge and experience with others

Mark Dimech, PhD, is an independent fisheries consultant with experience as a researcher and supervisor at the University of Malta. Locally, he also worked at the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights. Last year, he finished a two-year implementation project in Turkey related to stock assessment in fisheries activities. He is currently halfway through another project in Mozambique, where he provides technical assistance to develop the aquaculture sector. As he advanced in his career, Dr. Mark Dimech worked as part of the European Commission monitoring/research activities framework. He also provided stock assessment-related studies to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and your professional duties?

Since 2019, I have worked as an independent fisheries consultant for various entities, including universities, NGOs, Governments, International Organizations and Private Companies. From November 2019 to September 2021, I coordinated the European Project "Implementation of Stock Assessment in Fisheries Activities in Turkey". From November 2020 to December 2023, I am managing the Norwegian-funded project "Technical Assistance for Developing the Aquaculture Sector in Chokwe - Mozambique".

## Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes, describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

I have worked as a researcher and supervisor at the University of Malta, supervising students in Fisheries, including population dynamics and stock assessment. I have worked for five years as a Fisheries Resources Manager at the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights, coordinating projects related to small scale artisanal fisheries, fisheries statistics and data collection, stock assessment, socio-economic aspects and ecological impacts of fisheries.

I have worked extensively within the European Commission monitoring and research activities framework, the FAO General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). I have served regularly as an expert at the European Scientific and Technical Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), acting as Chairperson for several EU Fisheries Working Groups, including those of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), and was a focal point for several EU funded research projects, where I published several research papers. Within the framework of the STECF and the FAO GFCM, I have conducted several stock assessments and stock assessment-related studies.

From 2010 until 2019, I worked with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department as a Fisheries officer, where I coordinated several FAO Inter-Regional Projects in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa on Fisheries data collection, Stock Assessment and Fisheries Management. With FAO, I have worked in these specific countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Eritrea, Palestine, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Turkey, Tunisia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. I have worked extensively with FOA on developing Fisheries Management Plans according to the FAO Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM).
**How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?**

I am an independent consultant, and it serves me well, as I am quite independent with my job and personal life, managing my own time.

**What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?**

Working with different countries and nationalities. The aid business, where I work with developing countries, also gives me satisfaction.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

United Nations Officer for nine years. With the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN. I achieved the highest grade in my profession, a Senior Fisheries and Aquaculture Office, at a relatively young age, 41. I was promoted to FAO representative for the UAE in my last year, equivalent to an ambassador.

**To what extent does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?**

My PhD has served me exceptionally well, as my job was very technical. I could use all the knowledge and experience I gathered during my PhD to develop my skills and then pass it on to the people of the countries I have been working with.

**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

Yes. A lot of opportunities in my case since, in the aid business, many developed countries are providing aid to developing countries worldwide. However, one has to have the aptitude for working in such countries, which can be quite tricky if one is used to the living standards in developed countries.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

All of these are useful:

* Fundamental scientific knowledge.

* Statistical analysis

* Lecturing and presentation skills

* Writing skills

* Program management

* Socio-economic aspects, which were essential for me coming from a background in natural sciences

* Logical thinking

* Planning

The least useful, I might say, is writing scientific papers that serve academic purposes. The skills related to planning and designing an experiment as part of the scientific work were quite helpful. I did my PhD full-time while employed with the government, so there was no transition. For me, it was just another project that I had to do outside of office hours.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

Never give up! Even if it takes years! It is an investment in yourself that no one can take away from you and will provide huge rewards!

> My PhD has served me exceptionally well, as my job was very technical, and all the knowledge and experience that I gathered during my PhD, I could use to develop my skills and then pass it on to the people of the countries I have been working with.
<figure><img src="image_97.png" /><figcaption>Edward Sciberras</figcaption></figure>

## How my role aligns nicely with my PhD work

My interest in marine engineering started when I participated in a summer traineeship at Malta Shipyards during my third year at university. I graduated in Electrical Engineering from the University of Malta in 2009 and then furthered my studies with a Master's degree in marine engineering at Newcastle University. Between 2011 and 2016, I was a researcher at Newcastle University, working on projects concerned with shipboard power systems. This was the topic of my PhD study, which I completed in 2016. Since then, I have been employed as a research engineer at Damen Shipyards in the Netherlands.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and your professional duties?

I have worked as a Research Engineer at Damen Shipyards for the past five years. I am part of the Electrical & Automation research team. We focus on onboard power systems. My work here involves researching novel concepts for our ships and providing project support for ongoing vessels. This role aligned nicely with my PhD work and felt like a natural fit for my interests where I wanted to focus on marine electrical engineering.

## Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes, describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

Before working at Damen, I worked at universities in a research role. Here I have mostly worked on projects concerned with the modelling of electrical systems, and I was able to run my work on a day-to-day basis and liaise with project partners.

## How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?

Working in the industry means that research projects are efficient and closely linked to implementation. Shipping is under swift and constant evolution. Thus, research work in electrification is very much in demand, and the final results are fast-paced. This means that I am involved in state-of-the-art projects. Moreover, I can also be at the heart of the designs and follow throughout the entire implementation process to completion.

## What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?

My work in a shipyard research context involves a lot of applied engineering where keeping a broad picture in mind is required, with the need to focus on complex topics where needed. This means that there are always new things to be discovered, and the multi-disciplinary nature of marine systems implies that collaboration with colleagues to figure out things together makes for a great atmosphere. The projects themselves are also challenging, and being involved from design to trials gives a very satisfying sense of completion.

## To what extent does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?

My current job correlates quite well with my PhD study. I do not work on my PhD project. However, the topic is very well aligned. My study helped me prepare a lot of the required background knowledge and have a broad industry outlook. I wanted to specialise as a marine electrical engineer, and I see my current role as a good fit in my progression.
**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

Obtaining a PhD puts you in a research mindset and thus helps you fit into a more senior role in a research environment. The marine industry needs a lot of research and innovation, so opportunities are certainly there. This is both within an industrial context and at research institutes. There is a large degree of collaboration between the two, so one can still maintain a good relationship with either side. Another benefit of doctoral studies is that the networks and contacts established can help find opportunities.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

I think one of the most valuable skills has been the dissemination aspect of my studies. This includes presenting, debating, networking and basic reporting. Conferences were crucial, allowing you to submit your work and meet other researchers interested in your field. This proved excellent practice in dissemination and academic socialising – things that are useful daily.

The fundamental scientific knowledge gained during the PhD is probably the least critical aspect of the studies now (seen with hind-sight!). I found the methodology, mindset, and approach to performing research is perhaps more relevant. This also includes a general awareness of the resources available and where to start looking for information on a new topic! The more drastic change from PhD to employment is the broader diversity of tasks required since the focus is no longer on a single project. This can make project management of your work a bit more challenging.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

Say yes to any opportunities that come along as you do not know what they might bring.

I have been working as a Research Engineer at Damen Shipyards for the past five years. I am part of the Electrical & Automation research team, and I focus on onboard power systems. My work here involves researching novel concepts for our ships and providing project support for currently ongoing vessels. This role aligned nicely with my PhD work and felt a natural fit to my interests where I wanted to focus on marine electrical engineering.
<figure><img src="image_98.png" /><figcaption>Daniel Sultana</figcaption></figure>

## Aligning your professional skills to the market

Daniel Sultana, PhD, started his career overseeing the disposal of materials. Eventually, he started working for an oil and gas company in Scotland. Today, he is employed at Junior College, a further education college in Malta which prepares students for the Matriculation Certificate. He also supports the Environment Resource Authority, where he began as an Assistant Officer and gradually got promoted to a Senior Officer grade. Apart from working on the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), he also reviews and provides technical reports on geology, geomorphology, and hydrology.

### What is your current place of employment, your position and your professional duties?

I work full-time at Junior College, where I teach students. Additionally, I work part-time at the Environment Resource Authority — the leading public body that allows competent Officers significant responsibility on interesting environmental dossiers. I started as an Assistant Officer. Eventually, I was promoted to Officer and Senior Officer. For the past eight years, I have focused on the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) by developing strategies to achieve land degradation and neutrality. I also review and provide technical reports on geology, geomorphology and hydrology.

### Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes, describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

I was briefly employed at PT Matic (a company that forms part of Alberta Group), managing hazardous waste. More specifically, I was responsible for overseeing the disposal of materials like batteries and asbestos. I was also employed in an oil and gas company in Scotland. My role was to extend the life of an onshore oil and gas field. As per above, I started teaching students at the Junior College and working on the UNCCD at the Environment Resource Authority.

### How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?

Considering that I work on geology, geomorphology and hydrology, I had the opportunity to apply the academic insight I have gained in a practical way. Over time, I also started understanding better national and international policy in various thematic areas. By reviewing technical proposals, I found skills like critical thinking very beneficial. My main focus is to contribute to the countries moving towards higher standards.

### What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?

I enjoy finding practical solutions to various current and future environmental issues. It is interesting because we help guide the strategy of the country. The outcomes that we develop take environmental, social and economic considerations. As a result, we work in teams of officers with different expertise. Furthermore, I also enjoy travelling to international meetings and contributing towards various European Union and United Nations obligations. Since we are a member state, we get exposed to large portfolios.

### Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?

I am satisfied with the way my career at the Environment Resource Authority. Since we are a small member state with relatively few technical experts, we
still have to abide by many directives. If an Officer puts in the proper amount
of work, one can be assigned significant and interesting tasks (particularly
with respect to directives by the European Union). I would also like to take the
opportunity to encourage people to work while studying.

**To what extent does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?**

My PhD studies were about geology and numerical modelling. As highlighted earlier, my work at the Environment Resource Authority is directly related to both fields.

**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

Yes, if you are willing to work at a rate as if you do not have a PhD. When you have a PhD, you should not dismiss any job. Students should also be aware that having a PhD will not affect their hourly rate since it is difficult to get it. When I hire certain people, I first look at the quality of their work. Of course, one would expect that the higher the qualification, the higher the quality of their work.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

It was seamless since I worked with the Environment Resource Authority before
starting the PhD and continued the following completion.

During my PhD, I learnt how to improve my:

1. Writing Skills: By being able to write clearly and concisely

2. Research Skills: By knowing how to look further into new things

3. Time Management Skills: By being efficient with the use of my time

4. Partitioning Skills: By learning that you have to switch mind frames

5. Learning Skills: By understanding the benefit of life-long learning.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

PhDs require a lot of time. Moreover, you will likely continue to work on the same or related subject for the rest of your professional life. Make sure you choose a topic you are passionate about and for which there is or shall be a demand.

> Considering that I work on geology, geomorphology and hydrology, I had the opportunity to apply the academic insight I have gained in a practical way. Over time, I also started getting a better understanding of national and international policy in various thematic areas. By reviewing technical proposals, I found skills like critical thinking very beneficial. My main focus is to contribute to the countries moving towards higher standards.
<figure><img src="image_99.png" /><figcaption>Marie Louise Zammit Pace</figcaption></figure>

## A social perspective through stakeholders

Marie Louise Zammit Pace, PhD, a Maltese National currently living in Tarxien. She was awarded a doctoral degree in Geography from the University of Portsmouth in May 2021. Her doctoral dissertation, entitled 'A critical analysis of beach management systems and processes on the Maltese Islands', focusing on public and essential stakeholder perceptions, was completed under Dr Jonathan Potts, PhD and Dr Caroline Day, PhD.

## What is your current place of employment, your position and your professional duties?

For the past three years, I have been working at the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), the Maltese national environmental regulator. I currently hold the position of an Environment Protection Officer in the Environmental Assessment Unit. My job is to screen and assess significant development projects at the planning stage to determine if they will substantially impact the environment and require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), an Appropriate Assessment (AA), or both. When an EIA or an AA are necessary, I conduct consultations internally within other ERA units and with the relevant stakeholders and the public to collect the required information. Such talks occur during the scoping stage, where the Terms of Reference of that particular project are compiled during the EIA/AA review. Once the EIA/AA process ends, the findings of such studies and ERA's position (if in favour or objection) are presented to the ERA's board, where the final decision on the proposed development is taken.

## Have you worked at any other institution or company before? If yes, describe your work responsibilities at such previous places of work.

As soon as I finished my Master in Geographic Information Science degree in 2010 from University College London (UCL), I found a job as a Project Officer with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture back in Malta. I managed the technical and financial parts of an EU FP7 project called MESMA (Monitoring and Evaluation of Spatially Managed Area). I also assisted in developing a set of management tools for spatially managed areas, including models, maps, databases and indicators. I was also responsible for the Department's Geographic Information System (GIS) database, where I plotted and managed spatial maps related to fishing activities. After four years, I was promoted to Manager (Research Projects), where I was responsible for various EU-funded projects such as MANTIS (Marine Protected Areas Network: Towards Sustainable fisheries in the Central Mediterranean), LIFE + Bahar for N2K (Benthic habitat research for Marine NATURA 2000) and MAREA (Mediterranean hAlieutic Resources Evaluation and Advice). Due to these projects, I could participate in conferences and workshops both locally and internationally and share Malta's fisheries experiences with other Mediterranean countries. I also continued to be responsible for the Department's GIS system.

## How does your current employment meet your professional expectations?

Living almost my entire life on a small island where beaches are only a couple of minutes away from home awakened my interest in the subject. Working with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department allowed me to work in the marine industry. However, I have always wanted to do something about the beaches and tourism industry. I started my PhD in beach management while working at the Fisheries
> My PhD research focused on the public and stakeholders' perception of beach management. By including a social perspective, one would enhance their knowledge and understand the way the people out there (who will make use of that type of resource) think. (...)The knowledge I gained while studying my doctoral dissertation helped me understand the importance of including the stakeholders and practising this skill at work.

Department. Still, I then moved on to ERA, where I got the opportunity to practice my skills in a much broader environment, including both the terrestrial and marine areas.

**What brings you most satisfaction in your current job?**

My current job allows me to assess the impacts a proposed development will likely have on the environment. In this regard, together with my team, we try to minimise the environmental impact as much as possible by introducing mitigation measures/conditions and sometimes even reducing/amending the proposed project's size. This gives me so much satisfaction as we are like the guardians of the environment where we protect and safeguard our environment for future generations.

**Would you be willing to share with us your professional victories and failures?**

For me, every time we manage to safeguard the environment by either objecting to a proposal that would have otherwise resulted in a significant impact on the environment or implementing conditions or mitigation measures, it is an achievement. The Maltese Islands are the smallest EU member state and so every little thing has an effect directly or indirectly.

With regard to the failures, it is the opposite of what I have just said. Even though the ERA is the regulator of the environment and tries as much as possible to safeguard the background, I feel that it sometimes lacks power in doing so, as the ultimate decision on a project is not taken by the ERA but by another authority, the Planning Authority. In this regard, sometimes, the ERA may object to a proposal from an environmental point of view, but then the Planning Authority overturns the objection. In the future, I would like to see the ERA have the same power and rights as the Planning Authority.

**To what extent does your professional career correlate with your PhD studies?**

My PhD research focused on the public and stakeholders' perception of beach management. By including a social perspective, one would enhance their knowledge and understand how the people out there (who will use that type of resource) think. As mentioned before, during the assessment of major projects, we also consult with the public and stakeholders during the various stages where they can express themselves. The knowledge I gained while studying my doctoral dissertation helped me understand the importance of including the stakeholders and practising this skill at work.
**Does obtaining a PhD provide more job opportunities or broaden professional horizons?**

This is a challenging question, and I think it depends on where one is located and what the PhD was done. For a small island like Malta, job opportunities after obtaining a PhD could be much better. Most of the time, universities offer jobs and better salaries for people with a PhD. However, this is less common in private and government companies. Most jobs do not require a PhD, and in such cases, experience in that particular job prevails.

**What sort of skills did you develop in your PhD studies, and which one of them would you rate as the most and the least useful?**

I did my PhD as a part-time student for over seven years. During those seven years, I worked full-time, got married, and had a child, so I must say that time management and organisation were both fundamental skills to juggle everything simultaneously. In addition, given that part of my research consisted of undertaking questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with people I did not know, it helped me gain confidence in myself and others. At first, it was a bit difficult for me to approach people I did not personally know to interview them, but then as time went by, I gained more confidence and social skills. These skills help me in my day-to-day job, where I meet various applicants, architects, and public members to discuss things with them.

**Would you like to share a message with current doctoral students about the challenges of completing both a doctoral thesis and a dissertation defence?**

Doing a PhD is not an easy task, and there will be times when you ask yourself, 'why did I do it?' but I guarantee you that once this is over, you will be very proud of yourself and what you have achieved. The essential things are to remain focused and remember why you started it in the first place. Completing a PhD is one of the most rewarding achievements and satisfaction as you would have contributed something original to the broader knowledge. Additionally, you would have gained many skills to use daily and at work.

<figure><img src="image_100.png" /></figure>
INSPIRING ALUMNI STORIES:
TESTIMONIALS OF BLUE DOCTORATE HOLDERS

UBO

Université de Bretagne Occidentale

<figure><img src="image_101.png" /></figure>

UCA

Universidad
de Cádiz

<figure><img src="image_102.png" /></figure>

Uniwersytet
Gdański

CAU

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

<figure><img src="image_103.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_104.png" /></figure>

L-Università
ta' Malta

<figure><img src="image_105.png" /></figure>

DOC

Co-funded by the
Erasmus+ Programme
of the European Union

<figure><img src="image_106.png" /></figure>