Testimonials

''I like that real-world business cases are used and you apply the knowledge from it in group projects.''

The combination of sustainability and innovation attracted me in this Master's programme. I think innovation is a key part of tackling sustainability problems. In this programme you learn several innovation theories which gives you insight into how the process of innovation emerges. I really like the way you develop a systems way of thinking which is reflecting back in your real life conservation with anyone. This Master’s teaches you several sustainability tools allowing a more complete view on the subject. 

I like that real-world business cases are used and you apply the knowledge from it in group projects. The consultancy project where you work together with a company is interesting to gain real life experience. Moreover, a two-year Master’s programme gives me more time to gain experience. You are flexible to adjust the programme to your own needs. I think the Master’s prepares you very well with relevant skills for your future career.

''SBI was a perfect mix of theoretical and practical knowledge, with the opportunity for hands-on application through the business consultancy and internship thesis projects.''

I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus on Marketing. Although I was a business student, I had taken a few natural science classes at university out of personal interest. I think this, plus having international work experience, helped in getting accepted into the SBI programme.

I volunteered at the Sustainable Business Network, a New Zealand nonprofit organization whose goal is to empower businesses to make New Zealand a more sustainable nation. It was a career-changing experience and I knew that I wanted to work with businesses to promote sustainability. I also realized I lacked the knowledge to be effective, so I looked for a Master’s programme that could provide me the skills to jumpstart my new career. SBI was a perfect mix of theoretical and practical knowledge, with the opportunity for hands-on application through the business consultancy and internship thesis projects. It offered a good balance of natural science and business courses, which I believe provide a solid foundation to understand the complex issues around sustainability and to also be effective in implementing sustainability programs within an organization. 

I liked the dynamics of doing group research (consultancy) and having a clear business problem to solve. I did underestimate the amount of time and effort that was required for this study, especially the large amount of group work. I have no regrets in doing this Master’s, as the benefits definitely outweigh the cost, but I would recommend that any student with a partner or family make sure that they understand the time commitment required of you and that you have their unwavering support.

I think it is very valuable to have work experience before embarking on a master’s degree. Having a job allows you to see what you like or dislike about your work and working environment, so you can make good choices about the kind of work you want to do in the future. It also helps you to see where you may have gaps in knowledge that a master’s degree could provide. The other recommendation I have is to take advantage of the many international exchange programs that are available to students. 

''The most enjoyable parts of the programme involve the strong focus on and involvement of real-world practice.''

I chose this Master's, because I wanted to extend my social development background with more knowledge of environmental development issues, one of the main areas of focus in this programme. Moreover, during my Bachelor’s in International Development at Leiden University College, I mainly focused on public institutions and policy. However, sustainable development and the work of public organisations, like those around Foreign Affairs, increasingly involves working with businesses. This is why I wanted to complement my previous education by learning more about businesses. I chose a two-year Master’s, as I am convinced that I can learn a lot more from it.

The most enjoyable parts of the programme, and the ones I always look forward to, involve the strong focus on and involvement of real-world practice, for example visiting guest speakers, consultancy projects and business cases. These provide us with useful skills and also give us a better understanding of possible and interesting fields of work. There is also a lot of group work with people from varied educational backgrounds. I consider the latter to be very valuable, as it provides many opportunities to learn from each other while pursuing the shared goal of a more sustainable world. 

''The main reason I chose Sustainable Business and Innovation was that it is less research-focused than other Master’s programmes.''

I have a background in Earth Sciences. The main reason I chose Sustainable Business and Innovation was that it is less research-focused than other Master’s programmes. For me, SBI offers more practical elements whilst still having a link with natural sciences – a perfect combination.

The programme is packed with interesting group projects, of which the consultancy project at the end of the first year is the coolest by far! For this project we worked for Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. We were trying to find out what their internal standard for renewable energy sourcing should look like. It was an awesome hands-on experience of what it would be like to work a big organisation after graduation. The programme is extremely flexible, which allows you to tailor it the way you want – I can really recommend it!

''I wanted to investigate multiple sides of sustainability issues as well as apply my knowledge more directly.''

I have known for many years that I want to make the world more sustainable. I decided that a Master’s programme in solar energy engineering would be a good way of working towards this goal. Something was missing though. Although I was able to learn about technical aspects of sustainable energy, I wanted to investigate multiple sides of sustainability issues as well as apply my knowledge more directly. I needed to find a way to get involved with various organisations to make an impact. The Master’s programme in Sustainable Business and Innovation fit this ambition perfectly. It has allowed me to explore the many aspects of sustainability and apply this knowledge to real-life business cases. This Master’s programme has allowed me to become a change agent for a more sustainable world.