What motivated you to enroll in the CAS Sustainability & ESG program, and how did you hear about it?
After completing my Bachelor degree in 2014, I felt a strong desire to return to university and engage in academic learning once again. I believe that studying at a university is not just about gaining knowledge – it's a transformative experience that broadens our perspective and sharpens critical thinking. I came across the CAS Sustainability & ESG program while browsing Goethe University’s website in search of information about the Goethe MBA, which I also aspire to pursue. The CAS program immediately caught my attention as a meaningful and relevant first step back into academic life.
Why did you decide on the CAS format rather than pursuing the Goethe MBA with a sustainability track or another type of program? How did this format suit your professional and personal goals?
Since it had been over a decade since my last formal academic experience, I wanted to ease back into the university environment before committing to a full MBA. The CAS format offered a more flexible and manageable approach that allowed me to balance my professional responsibilities with my desire to continue learning. As a full-time professional, the program’s structure and schedule were ideal. I was able to keep up with classes, prepare effectively, and study without feeling overwhelmed. It served as the perfect reintroduction to academic life while aligning with my long-term goal of pursuing the Goethe MBA.
Out of the three courses for this CAS, you’ve so far taken “Green & Sustainable Business Models”. How has this course already shaped your understanding of sustainability in business?
I come from a background in corporate banking and had no formal academic exposure to sustainability prior to this course. “Green & Sustainable Business Models”, taught by Prof. Dr. Alexander Benlian, provided a solid foundation for understanding how sustainability can be deeply integrated into core business strategies rather than treated as an add-on. It reshaped the way I view value creation, not only in terms of financial outcomes but also in social and environmental impact. It gave me a new lens through which to assess the long-term resilience and ethical responsibility of businesses.
Can you share an example of a practical insight or skill you gained from this course that you have been able to apply in your professional role?
While I wouldn’t say I have applied the content in a direct or structured way just yet, the course has significantly shifted how I think in my day-to-day work. It has made me more aware of sustainability-related topics during internal discussions, even when they are not the main focus. I now pay closer attention to how companies speak about ESG, whether it is in their strategy or reporting, and I find myself asking more thoughtful questions. The mindset change has already started, and that has been a valuable first step.
In what ways has this course influenced your approach to developing or evaluating business models with sustainability in mind?
The course has helped me develop a more critical and informed perspective when it comes to sustainability in business. Even though I am not directly involved in building business models, I have become more aware of how important it is to embed sustainability into the core of a company’s strategy – not just as a trend, but as a necessity for long-term success. I now look into companies with more curiosity about their environmental and social impact, and I am beginning to understand the types of questions to ask when evaluating whether a business is truly future-ready.
What advice would you give to professionals considering this CAS for advancing their knowledge and career in ESG and sustainability?
My advice is to absolutely go for it!! Especially if you are curious about sustainability but unsure where to begin. The CAS is a well-structured, flexible, and highly relevant program that allows professionals to build essential ESG knowledge while continuing to work full time. It’s a realistic first step for anyone wanting to future-proof their career, transition into a more sustainability-focused role, or simply gain a deeper understanding of how global challenges are reshaping business. The course content is practical, the discussions are inspiring, and the experience as a whole is both intellectually rewarding and personally enriching.