I'm applying for the Brian Meredith Net-Zero scholarship so that I can explore the subject of Environmental Management and get the best out of the opportunity, without the risk of potential financial hardship. As I currently work for a charity, my ability to save up for the master's degree has been limited, so this scholarship will ensure that  I not only have the funds to study, but also the time to concentrate fully on the course. I'm confident in my ability to compete for this scholarship through my passion for the environment, that I have showcased through my current assistant manager position.

I have been accepted onto an Environmental Management for Business MSc, which gives me an incredible opportunity to build the knowledge and skillset that is necessary to effectively tackle climate change. This degree will leave me poised for a career where I can produce or develop strategies that will create a positive contribution to the world. The module on "Leading Corporate Sustainability" appeals to me in particular, as I would love to gain a better understanding of how to best configure corporate action to promote sustainable business strategies. My current job involves carefully analysing our use of recycling practices and waste management, and there have been problems to which I haven't thought of a sustainable solution, so I would love to be able to deep dive into the world of environmental sustainability and learn from experts in the field. It's a very exciting prospect for me!

Cranfield University is one of the leading educators in not only environmental studies, but in management. This course, as a culmination of both, is the perfect choice for someone like myself who is trying to work on their managerial characteristics, while broadening their scope of ways to support environmentalism in the workplace. As I already work at the campus, I know the area and many of the people that make Cranfield a positive experience for Students. Through my work I have witnessed the university's green initiative from a third party perspective, and have been involved in campaigns set by the Green Team, which I plan to join once starting my course.

During my studies I hope to demonstrate my ability to make clear and evidential change with my involvement in the Green Team, while also upholding the values set forth by projects such as Nature Recovery. Their focus on land acquisition to create safe habitats for nature has a critical impact on our conservation efforts, and I will be making a concious effort to follow their vision as I proceed throughout my professional career.

Many of the changes required to tackle climate change must come from governments, with political change being one of Meredith's main goals. During my bachelor's in Politics I studied important topics such as lobbying governments and policy implementation. I learned about NGOs such as the Environmental Law Foundation who focus on educating people on how to prevent and reduce environmental pollution, and researched their impact on creating palpable change through their drive and passion for a clean earth.

One of the key factors that has driven me to be successful in this  application is having the chance to collaborate with other like-minded people and experience a course at a University of this calibre. Cranfield has some incredible professors and lecturers that I'm eager to work alongside, and strong industial partnerships with forward thinking organisations such as Green Future Ltd, giving me an excellent chance to make long-lasting connections with smart, eco-driven individuals that will benefit me for years to come.

The collective goal of nations to achieve net-zero by 2050 is a movement that resonates with me personally. There still needs to be an incredible shift in methods used by larger corporations to meet these targets, and we need to make a difference now so that we preserve out future and that of our children. I hope to be able to contribute to that difference throughout my degree and for decades afterwards in my career in management.

Jack