Alumni of Engineering for Change’s Fellowship Program have high-impact careers in sustainable development and other fields. Their work is meaningful to them and the communities where they work. Fellows report that the greatest benefit of the program is the professional skills they develop. With that in mind, we are interviewing fellowship alumni to discover more about their work, the quality of life they lead now and the meaning they derive from their careers after graduating from the E4C Fellowship Program.
New survey findings show that an E4C Fellowship provides valuable professional experience. For more, see this research collaboration with the Siegel Family Endowment that explores the benefits of an E4C Fellowship.
E4C Fellowship Alumnus Maajabu Alleluia Tito
Maajabu Alleluia Tito
Maajabu Alleluia Tito is a graduate of the 2021 E4C Fellowship, and also graduate of the architecture program at the University of Rwanda. During his E4C Fellowship, Maajabu worked with BamCore, a global supply chain developer distributing sustainable timber bamboo. The work was supported by Autodesk Foundation. He is now a consultant for the company, a position he started in August of 2022.
E4C: How is your work related to sustainability or Engineering for Sustainable Development (if at all)?
MAT: My work is related to sustainability since it deals with realizing BamCore’s core objectives of reducing carbon emissions by utilizing nature’s fastest-growing structural fiber [timber bamboo] and converting it into a strong, durable, innovative, and efficient construction material.
The E4C fellowship connected me with many professionals globally, as well as enriching me with many new skills related to engineering for social good.
E4C: What do you do in a typical work day?
MAT: In regard to my specific tasks as a BIM consultant, I deal directly with sustainability considerations because I prepare drawings that will be used to produce wall panels in the factory in a way that will lead to waste minimization, less cost, and that will need the shortest time.
E4C: Would you describe a day in your life?
MAT: I usually wake up early in the morning and take shower, after I pray and share a short sermon on Whatsapp groups. After that, I take breakfast and quickly begin my job. At noon I take a rest for lunch. In the afternoon I resume my job until the evening. After accomplishing my job daily tasks, I prepare a report of what I accomplished and make a short plan of what is to be accomplished in a few following days. Coming to the end of my day, I manage to take a simple dinner, socialize a bit on social media platforms, pray and sleep early.
E4C: Do you enjoy your work?
MAT: I enjoy it because It helps me to be healthy and successful in my daily career endeavors.
E4C: How has the E4C Fellowship affected your career?
MAT: E4C has boosted my career a lot. First of all, the 2021 E4C fellowship (which I was happy to participate in) connected me with many professionals globally as well as enriching me with many new skills related to engineering for social good. During the fellowship itself, we learnt a lot during the weekly modules and we acquired new practical knowledge specific to each fellow based on our individual different tasks.
Above all, E4C connected me with BamCore, and after the fellowship, I was able to get a job at BamCore. Now I am very happy to serve as an independent BIM consultant at BamCore.
E4C: What advice would you give to someone wanting to enter the field of engineering for sustainable development?
MAT: My advice to someone who is eager to join engineering for sustainable development is to have self-confidence and great enthusiasm. The field is lovely and is worth joining. No need to worry or panic. I recommend everyone to join this specific field not only to gratify one’s wishes but also to save our planet by using engineering and architectural skills for social good.
