Originally from Zimbabwe, Mastercard Scholar Sheunesu graduated this year with an MPhil in Industrial Systems, Manufacture and Management (2024). He initially studied electrical engineering and worked on engineering projects in South Africa that involved designing substations to connect renewable energy sources, such as wind farms, to the grid. Through this line of work he became interested in the processes behind scaling manufacturing and what it looks like in other industries which encouraged him to pursue a master’s at Cambridge.
The Path to Cambridge
“What motivated me to choose my Master’s? I wanted to learn manufacturing and industrial systems, which is necessary to aid further industrialisation of my home country, Zimbabwe and support the economy with sustainable jobs for the growing youth population.”
What was your most memorable experience at St Edmund’s?
“Playing basketball with the Eddies team. I made a couple of friends, and it was fun to win a few games. Although we did not get far in the cuppers tournament, it was great fun.”
What’s the benefit of becoming a member of St Edmund’s?
“Since St Edmund’s has a lot of mature students, some with past work experience, it helped a lot when it came to my dissertation work, as I could find willing participants who provided rich information. The College is great for people studying fields within management and engineering.”
My experiences at St Edmund’s showed me how powerful inclusive environments can be for fostering global connections. It was easy to connect with people from all over the world, from Peru, India, Kenya, to the United States of America. The college’s vibrant community and global values shaped my mindset to become aware of global experiences other than my own.
Tell us about your research
“For my Master’s, I did a project that looked at how generative AI users use AI tools in strategic planning. This has sparked my interest in understanding how this emerging tool will be integrated into the future of work. I am looking to contribute to work that enhances people’s productivity with AI, also aiming to support industries within my country to become competitive globally.”
What would you say to prospective students thinking of choosing St Edmund’s?
“I think that when it comes to choosing Eddies, it is important to understand what kind of workspace one wants to be in. It is away from the centre of town, so it can be quiet and great for those who do not necessarily want to bump into hoards of people in town every day!
It is a great College for mature students, which eases the transition for working professionals back into an academic environment full-time.”
You can read more profiles like Sheunesu’s on our student stories page.
