Rizky Pratama

The University of Edinburgh is one of the renowned universities in the UK, which focuses on sustainability, aligning with my professional background in the energy sector, where the energy transition is happening. 

I chose MSc GeoEnergy in particular because the programme has a deep focus on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which is my interest. Furthermore, the University is tightly linked with research institutions and industries in CCS, one of which is Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage (SCCS), which allowed me to get valuable knowledge directly from the experts. I'm extremely grateful that my dissertation was supervised by Professor Stuart Haszeldine, the Director of SCCS and the world's first Professor of Carbon Capture and Storage.

View Professor Stuart Haszeldine's research profile

I enjoyed the way the lectures were delivered, a mix of class teaching, group/individual presentations, and field visits. I enjoyed the field trip with my cohort to the Scottish Highlands, where nature shows its beauty and provides perfect examples of geological outcrops.

After high school, I consciously decided to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry because it offers good career prospects in Indonesia. At that moment, there were many undergraduate programmes to choose from. After much consideration, I chose geology and am grateful for the decision. I found my passion in it, particularly in predicting the subsurface behaviour across four dimensions. 

Currently, I'm working as a Development Geologist at Pertamina Hulu Indonesia, a subsidiary of the state-owned energy company in Indonesia. Each day, I virtually explore our oil fields, looking for undrained areas to enhance production. I apply my geological insights, such as interpreting the depositional environment, creating reservoir models, and conducting volumetric calculations, while collaborating closely with the Reservoir and Drilling Engineer to identify optimal drilling locations. 

To embrace the energy transition, Pertamina is adopting a dual growth strategy, maintaining its strong legacy business in oil and gas while expanding its greener energy portfolio, such as CO₂ injection into oilfields since 2023. I pursued the MSc in GeoEnergy, which equipped me with essential knowledge in alternative energy, including energy storage and unconventional hydrocarbons, helping me pivot toward sustainable energy roles to become the CCS specialist within the company.

I gained a wealth of knowledge during my time at the University! From the latest technical skills in geoenergy to effective communication skills through presentations and academic writing. The assignments throughout the programme challenged me to give my best efforts and develop my critical thinking.

All of these are transferable skills to my current role, allowing me to review and deliver tasks thoroughly and look for possible alternative solutions. Additionally, the public speaking skills I developed at the University enabled me to effectively showcase the impact of my work for the company, and the technical skills make me ready and keep me relevant in this energy transition era. The Subsurface Reservoir Quality module is not only applicable in searching for potential carbon storage but also in optimising reservoir production.

There are also skills I developed from the teaching methods, such as thinking more thoroughly and critically, and understanding concerns from different perspectives.

I have plenty! 

One of the things I loved was walking to the University campuses, taking different routes each time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Edinburgh. On the weekend, I took my family out to explore the city, whether it was hiking up to Arthur’s Seat or enjoying the Portobello Beach on the outskirts of the city. 

I also made amazing friends from various backgrounds and nationalities, which allowed me to learn about their unique cultures while expanding my network. These are opportunities that can be hard to come by back home in Indonesia. 

One of my all-time favourite memories was the MSc GeoEnergy field trip to the Scottish Highlands in June 2024. I was mesmerised by the pristine nature and breathtaking views. Exploring the beautiful landscapes with my friends from the cohort was unforgettable. We had a blast together at the hotel playing cards, chatting, and having fun with sports like tennis and basketball. Those moments were truly special!

Look up your goals. If you're looking to have a career in the sustainable energy sector, this is the place. The University is linked with industries, research institutions, and policymakers, which enables you to keep up with both the latest technical skills and policies. 

Don’t miss your class! You're about to be taught by world-class lecturers with exposure to the latest research. 

Save your teaching material. It's so helpful when you need them. 

Use the Career Service support. They help you polish your resume to make it stand out among the crowd. Get the latest information from them for any job opportunities. 

Socialise and balance your study and life. This is the opportunity for you to grow your network with international exposure. 

Enjoy Edinburgh! This is a magical city that you never want to miss in any corner. All the best spots within the city are reachable by walking or by bus. If you're into nature and plan to roam further, I highly recommend that you visit the Scottish Highlands.