Meet Our Team: Megan Galloway
Hello from Hyphen
Megan joined Hyphen at the end of last year, bringing with her 10 years’ experience managing and executing international engineering projects in more than 20 countries. Leading the project’s water workstream, Megan has deep expertise in drinking water and sanitation, having visited over 100 sewage treatment plants globally!
But what does Megan get up to outside of Hyphen? And what are her top tips for people considering a career in renewable energy? Find out about her green thumb and love for travelling by reading more below
1. Can you tell us about your role at Hyphen and what you do day to day?
I lead the water workstream which is part of the technical workstream, contributing to the environmental aspects of the project. I am a civil engineer by profession and project manager at heart, and I spend most of the day rushing around managing the project development activities which are incredibly wide ranging, from specialised engineering studies and contracts to ensuring we have charged e-bikes for the environmentalists to use for their field work!
This sees me pre-empting, identifying, and problem-solving key matters related to the project to drive development, as well as managing external experts and collaborating with our internal team, which are crucial due to project complexity and ambitious timelines.
2. What was your first ever job?
I started my career as a junior wastewater engineer at a GIBB consulting engineers in Cape Town, designing sewage treatment plants for domestic wastewater treatment. I visited over 100 sewage treatment plants in South Africa and around the world. Once I got used to the smell, I developed a real appreciation for the importance of civil engineers and environmental protection through wastewater treatment. My father – also a civil engineer – used to say: “People should thank civil engineers every time they flush their toilets!”
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Civil engineering and project development is my true calling, providing the opportunity to enhance the lives of people and the environment through impactful and sustainable projects. The Hyphen project is set to have a significant positive impact on the lives of Namibians while contributing to global decarbonization efforts, the excitement around the project is what drives me.
We’ve established a positive internal culture at Hyphen and, with so much room for growth within the company, it means we’re able to not only carry out work that will benefit our community but that also align with our personal development and career goals.
4. What advice would you give to someone considering a career in renewable energy?
Firstly, I would say, do it! It is a field at the forefront of the global agenda and guaranteed to grow in the coming years.
Some practical advice:
- Network: connect with professionals in the sector. Access networking events or volunteer at conferences – it gives you so many opportunities to meet people who are interesting and interested in similar areas to you.
- Gain practical experience: Real-world experience is highly valued, sometimes more so than a degree.
- But most importantly: Do what interests you as we are best at what we’re interested in.
5. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?
I really love travelling and currently have visited the same number of countries to my age. With 34 countries explored so far, my holidays typically involve hiking, and I’ve completed various long-distance trails in Europe and Africa, most recently the Peaks of the Balkans in Montenegro. I generally choose destinations where the food is good, and the scenery takes second place!
For my next big trip, I’m planning on hiking either the Pacific Crest trail or Continental Divide trail in the US, or the Hokkaido Nature Trail in Japan.
6. When you’re not at work, what do you like to do?
Outside of work, cooking seems to be my creative outlet. I’m a big fan of Middle Eastern and Asian flavours and very into pickling. My husband and I have a border terrier, Jane, who keeps us active. After moving back to Namibia after many years abroad I’m lucky enough to be closer to my mom, who is a brilliant gardener, so I’ve enrolled for one-on-one lessons at her ‘gardening school’ to develop my green thumb. She grows all types of vegetables on our farm in central Namibia.
7. What are you most excited about for the future of the renewable industry in Namibia?
Namibia has always been a unique country, and is becoming more well known, and for wonderful reasons. It’s brilliant to be working on a flagship engineering project for Africa, which is poised to have a huge impact on the renewable industry future. Anticipating increased foreign interest and investments, job creation and a greener, more sustainable energy landscape, the future looks exciting for Namibia.
8. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given during your career?
I was lucky enough to travel to several countries with my manager while at Royal HaskoningDHV in the Netherlands, and he always said you should take time to enjoy your work – don’t rush through your career – and never apologise for what you don’t know.
