Alumni stories: Dilek Arslan

Course: MSc Sustainable Architecture Studies

From: Turkey

Position: PhD student

How has your degree experience helped you in your career?

My masters degree helped me find out my way in the architectural field, like understand what I really want to do and lead me to the academic career persuasion. I grounded my doctorate research on my MSc degree which helped me to progress more quickly in my research.

Is architecture still part of your life?

Yes, I am still in this field and my masters education in Sheffield has changed my way of seeing building projects. Now, I look at a building from the sustainability perspective.

Where did life take you after graduation?

After I graduated, I decided to apply for a PhD at a university in the UK. I prepared a research proposal by combining my knowledge from my thesis and one of most topics for me, retrofit. Then, I got my first acceptance from the University of Liverpool which is where I am studying.

What is your current job like?

PhD study is research and researcher-based education. So, you are responsible for your research design, with little guidance from your supervisors, to achieve the aims of your project. Actually, rather than being a student, you start being more of a qualified researcher throughout this journey.

What advice would you give to a current architecture student?

I would say enjoy your time with your friends as well as widening your knowledge throughout your programme. Once you start working as a professional, you will build your practice on this knowledge, since you will know at least how to find a source to deal with. Also, maintain friendships afterwards as they will be the first call to ask for help.

Is there anything else you would like to share with students?

When there is an opportunity you think may be useful, take it. For example, I had the opportunity to work as a research analyst at the University of Sheffield, during my asters. Although it was a bit different from the subject of architecture, it was very insightful in terms of working with people from other fields on the energy consumption issue. I would recommend everybody to do the same thing when there is an opportunity, to look at issues from a wider perspective and understand the thoughts of others, from stakeholders to the city council or designers to users, or all together.

What are career aspirations for the future?

Build yourselves according to your future career goals. Do not expect to be a great architect by sitting and dreaming about it. Everything starts with a small step and then keep taking those steps with dedication.