Environmental Risk & Compliance Supervisor Had Resilience

Name: Kevin Tambwe

PhD: Electro-Analytical Chemistry, CY Cergy Paris University, 2024

What is your current job?

I am currently working as an Environmental Risk and Compliance Supervisor at SGS, based in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

As Environmental Risk and Compliance Supervisor at SGS Kolwezi, I oversee environmental monitoring, ensure regulatory compliance, and conduct risk assessments for mining operations. I coordinate audits, implement mitigation strategies, and liaise with local authorities to uphold ESG standards on site.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is being on the ground, actively solving real environmental challenges that impact both the community and the mining operations. I enjoy the balance between technical assessments, regulatory strategy, and contributing to sustainable practices that make a measurable difference.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

The most important skill I developed during my PhD was critical problem-solving through analytical thinking—especially in handling complex data and designing experiments under pressure.

This directly supports my current role by helping me assess environmental risks with precision, interpret technical reports, and propose compliant, science-based solutions in dynamic field conditions.

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

I built the skills for my current role through a combination of academic training, fieldwork, and hands-on compliance experience during and after my PhD.

Courses in environmental chemistry, safety standards, and analytical techniques provided a strong foundation, while my exposure to regulatory frameworks and ESG principles in mining during internships and consulting projects was particularly helpful. Working on interdisciplinary research also strengthened my ability to manage complex systems and communicate across technical and regulatory teams.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

I found my current position by consistently applying for relevant roles and proactively reaching out to HR personnel or key contacts within companies to introduce myself and highlight how I could add value. This approach helped ensure that my name and skills were recognized internally across multiple organizations. I also maintained a strong LinkedIn presence, which helped build visibility and credibility in the industry until I eventually secured the opportunity with SGS.

Internships in mining and QA/QC ➡️ PhD in Chemistry ➡️ Director of mining operations ➡️ Postdoctoral Fellow ➡️ Research Collaborator in Mining Projects ➡️ Environmental Risk and Compliance Supervisor at SGS Kolwezi.

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

If someone is interested in a similar role, I’d recommend they start by building a solid understanding of environmental regulations, risk assessment, and compliance frameworks especially within the mining or industrial sectors. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or even small consulting projects can be incredibly valuable.

I’d also suggest developing strong communication and reporting skills, since the role often involves working across departments and with external authorities.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Connect with professionals in the field, stay active on LinkedIn, and make sure your profile clearly reflects your skills and interests.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

I decided not to pursue a career in academia after realizing the limited growth opportunities and long-term instability it often involves, especially in certain regions. While I valued the research and teaching aspects, the decision became easier over time as I saw how my skills could be applied more dynamically and impactfully in industry and particularly in environmental compliance and mining, where real-world challenges demand both scientific insight and strategic thinking.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

My advice for someone pursuing a PhD and considering a career outside academia is to start by identifying the specific industry or role you’re interested in *while* still doing your PhD. Once you have that clarity, set yourself up for success by actively seeking relevant experience and whether through internships, consulting projects, volunteering, or even targeted coursework. If internships aren’t an option, build strong knowledge and transferable skills that align with the role, because this can often be a valuable substitute when employers question your lack of direct experience.

Make sure your CV and conversations reflect how your PhD work translates into real-world value.

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

One key part of my identity is resilience. I’ve always reminded myself that my journey is my own, and even when I saw others with PhDs feeling stuck or undervalued, I refused to believe that would be my story. I kept pushing forward, constantly looking for ways to improve myself and even through rejections.

Some companies don’t fully recognize the value of a PhD and may try to downplay it, but I never let that shake my confidence. I’ve always believed in the worth of my experience and stayed committed to reinventing myself and finding new paths forward.

And for those interested, what was your main area of research?

My major area of research for my PhD focused on the development of lead-free hybrid halide perovskite nanocomposites for humidity sensor applications. Then for my postdoc, I studied 2D inorganic lead-free mixed halide perovskite materials, combining experimental synthesis, structural characterization, and electrochemical techniques to design efficient, environmentally friendly biosensing platforms for early diagnostics of targeted diseases and conditions.