How an Indian Engineer Secured the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Study Environmental Technology at Imperial College London

I’m Lalitha Jyothsna Vedula, originally from Kakinada, a small coastal town in southern India. Currently, I’m pursuing an MSc in Environmental Technology at Imperial College London, specializing in Environmental Assessment and Management.
My journey into environmental sustainability was deeply personal — after graduating in Mechanical Engineering (2015), I worked as a Change and Release Manager at Tata Consultancy Services starting in 2016.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, I was working from home, which gave me extra time to read, reflect, and engage in deeper introspection. As a practising Hindu, reverence for the Earth—its resources and all forms of life—was already a core part of my spirituality. I was consciously trying to lead a life with minimal environmental impact, within the means and resources available to me. However, the news of environmental recovery during the lockdown, along with certain passages in the book Sapiens, which I happened to be reading at the time, made me acutely aware of the urgency of climate action. In addition, the personal loss I experienced during that period served as a stark reminder of life’s impermanence. I felt a deep need to make my life truly meaningful by dedicating it to something I genuinely cared about: the environment.

To explore this calling, I took a part-time role at Beyond Sustainability (BeyoS), an ESG start-up, eventually transitioning to a full-time role in GHG and ESG Reporting.

Yet, a few months in, I recognized the need for a broader perspective. I started searching for 1-year programs that integrated natural and anthropological aspects of environmental sustainability — and found a perfect match in Imperial's MSc program.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I am honored to have been awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue my MSc at Imperial College London for the academic year 2024–25.

Additionally, I received the Felix Scholarship for an MSc in Environmental Management at the University of Reading, but chose Imperial for its greater networking opportunities in London.

Last year (2023-24), I was also offered the Women in STEM Scholarship to study MSc Environmental Engineering at the University of Bath, although I couldn’t take up that opportunity then.

Educational Background

Growing up, I had limited awareness about career options beyond Engineering and Medicine — the two most conventional choices.
Since I wasn’t comfortable with dissection, medicine was not an option, and my love for understanding machines led me to choose Mechanical Engineering. I’ve always been a reasonably good student, though not at the absolute top of my class, and maintained a good GPA.

I believe what helped me get shortlisted was my ability to showcase strong research and analytical skills, proactiveness, a knack for finding unconventional solutions to complex problems, and well-developed interpersonal abilities, drawn from both my academic background and professional experience. Additionally, my decision to pivot careers reflected a clear commitment to creating a meaningful impact.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Imperial College London?

One of the biggest decisions I made was carefully selecting my university. Given that I had some flexibility in my career path, I prioritized programs with strong reputations and comprehensive curricula over strict career mapping.
Imperial College London stood out to me because of its holistic program design, engagement with industry experts, and real-world consultancy projects.

Apart from the IELTS exam, my course didn’t have extensive standardized test requirements. My IELTS preparation was entirely through YouTube, particularly the channel ‘IELTS Liz’. My advice: Clearly understand what the test measures, tailor your preparation to the test rubric and format, and answer accordingly. ‘Statement of Purpose’ plays a crucial role in making one’s application stand out. Make sure you talk about your strengths and how you can contribute and add value to the cohort. Highlight why a particular course appeals to you and what you intend to do after you graduate.

How I Prepared to Apply for the Chevening and Other Scholarships?

Applying for the Chevening, Felix, and Women in STEM Scholarships was a deeply introspective journey. I spent a few weeks reflecting on the life events and decisions that shaped my purpose. Alongside introspection, I kept myself updated on advances in environmental sustainability, major environmental challenges, and overlooked societal issues.

The preparation for the scholarships, particularly the essay writing and self-analysis, was as rewarding as winning the scholarship itself.
Reaching out to former Chevening scholars on LinkedIn also played a crucial role in preparing for the interview.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe it was my authentic storytelling and grit. I was neither the "brightest" nor the "most disadvantaged" candidate, but I was able to express how my career shift was a deliberate choice that gives me a sense of purpose.

I was honest in my responses and communicated my unique perspective to the interviewers. In my Chevening interview, for instance, I referenced the animated movie Moana to describe the complex relationship between humanity and nature — a metaphor that reflected my perspective on climate change.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would invest more time in exploring a wider range of universities and courses. Although I had carefully weighed the pros and cons of each option and am genuinely happy with the choice I made, I’ve come to realize that a Master’s degree experience extends far beyond academics, networking, and career opportunities. Every university has its own unique character and strengths that may resonate differently with individual goals and interests. Connecting with alumni and reaching out to professors can provide valuable insights that often don’t appear in brochures or websites.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

We often hold ourselves back because of a fear of failure. When I applied for Chevening, I forced myself to focus on telling my story authentically — and enjoying the journey, without worrying about the outcome. My advice to anyone from a small town, with no global exposure, who feels they are "mediocre" is this: Tell your story. Believe in your journey. Relish the process. Winning a scholarship is wonderful, but the transformation you undergo during the process is even more priceless.