Priya Dharwadkar

What skills or knowledge did you gain from your experience with Anglian Water that you didn’t have before?

During my time at Anglian Water, I developed a range of new skills and insights. I learned about different stakeholder engagement practices, such as focus groups, and gained a deeper understanding of how interconnected the water industry is with organisations like OFWAT and DEFRA. I also gained valuable experience in organising intercompany meetings and coalitions, which gave me a new appreciation for the collaboration required to drive industry-wide progress. Additionally, I improved my presentation and collaboration skills, becoming more comfortable discussing my findings with a range of people and incorporating feedback effectively into my work. This experience has greatly enhanced my confidence in communicating complex ideas and working as part of a diverse team.

What attracted you to the opportunity to work with an industrial sponsor?

Several factors drew me to this opportunity. The financial support was, of course, a great incentive, but I was also excited by the chance to gain a full year of industry experience. I saw it as an opportunity to explore a specific area, assess whether it was the right fit for me, and simultaneously gain exposure to other interconnected sectors. The water industry is critical to the country’s infrastructure, so I knew this role would provide valuable insights into many different areas. The chance to work in the innovation team was particularly appealing, especially during such a pivotal time for climate action when innovation is key to meeting ambitious targets.