What sparked your decision to deepen your expertise in sustainability and ESG through this certificate?

The CAS came at an important transition point in my career. After moving to Europe and taking an extended family leave, I found myself ready to re-enter the professional world, but I knew that I needed some tools to help me refresh my skills and knowledge. Although I already had a strong background in sustainability, much of it was rooted in the public sector and in an American context. I saw the CAS as a way to broaden my expertise, particularly toward the private sector and from a European perspective. It felt like the perfect bridge between where I had been and where I wanted to go next.

What were you expecting from the CAS in Sustainability & ESG when you started, and what has surprised you along the way?

I came in hoping to better understand best practices and regulatory requirements around sustainability in a European context. What really surprised me, though, was how much the program expanded my professional network. Through the program, I’ve connected not only with fellow CAS participants but also with Executive MBA students, professors, and excellent guest speakers who are actively shaping sustainability and ESG in practice. As someone coming in fresh to this job market, that exposure has been invaluable.

How does structured academic learning add value to your practical work at this point in your career?

I find lifelong learning both professionally and personally rewarding. It’s easy to get stuck in your own niche, and the CAS in Sustainability & ESG has pushed me to zoom out and engage with big-picture questions. It’s helped me reconnect with the reasons I built a career in sustainability, and it is deeply motivating. What makes the program really valuable for me, however, is that it balances academic learning with practical application. Each discussion and group assignment tied back somehow to our own expertise or industry, allowing us to apply what we learn in a grounded way.

How has the program influenced the questions you now ask when sustainability or ESG topics come up in a business context?

My work has always centered around sustainability, but the CAS helped me become more confident in translating sustainability into business concepts. I now ask more clearly: How does this initiative create value? How does it fit within the company’s business model?

Before, I was very comfortable with the “what” of sustainability. Through the program, I’ve strengthened my understanding of the “how” and the “why” from a commercial perspective. That’s especially important when presenting sustainability topics to customers or internal stakeholders who care about performance, compliance, and strategy, not just impact.

You took on a new sustainability-focused role in the energy sector during the certificate program. How did the program support you through this career change?

I recently took on a new role as Tender Expert, where I focus on commercial analysis and business development for electric vehicle charging and energy storage projects. Going into interviews, the CAS helped me feel current on key sustainability issues and gave me a sharper sense of business considerations that employers are looking for. The program served not just as an academic credential but as a confidence booster, helping me articulate how my sustainability knowledge translates into business value and commercial outcomes.

Are there any concepts from the program that have influenced how you approach sustainability decisions in your daily work?

One key takeaway for me is how sustainability can be built into core business strategy rather than treating it as a “nice-to-have.” I now feel more attuned to how sustainability supports competitiveness, resilience, and long-term value.

Another aspect I’ve taken from the program into my day-to-day is the stronger focus on ESG reporting, regulation, and stakeholder expectations in Europe. Understanding these frameworks helps me orient my business proposals so that they better speak to my potential customers’ sustainability goals and reporting requirements.

When recommending the CAS in Sustainability & ESG to other professionals, what would you say distinguishes it from other sustainability or ESG learning offerings?

For me, two things really stand out.

First, the integration with the Executive MBA program. Not only does this mean that the CAS program is serious about its academic rigor, but also that it gives participants the opportunity to connect with professionals across many different industries and job functions. That made the experience even more valuable as a network-building and learning opportunity.

Second, is the quality of the guest speakers and faculty. You’re not only learning theory, but also hearing directly from leaders who are actively working on sustainability challenges in their organizations. The trip to Berlin for the Strategic Transformation Management course was a phenomenal experience, offering extensive exposure to changemakers and big thinkers across industries.

Overall, I’d say that a Certificate of Advanced Studies is distinguished by its strong business context. Whether you’re new to sustainability concepts or wish to apply sustainability ideas within a business setting, it’s a great program to achieve those goals.