Emilio Sessa, Global MBA in Green Energy and Sustainable Businesses
2 May 2022Emilio Sessa, is an Alumnus of Global MBA BBS, track Green Energy and Sustainable Businesses, now Senior Researcher for company-wide emission reduction strategies in Cervest, UK.
«I would advise a BBS student to study to learn, not necessarily to excel; to build good relationships with maximum assertiveness, to always be available and know how to ask for support and to know how to work in a team, without competition, but with cooperation. BBS is a life-long experience». Emilio Sessa
What is your career path?
My area of expertise is environmental engineering, in which I graduated. Later, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in petroleum geosciences and finally a master’s degree MBA Bologna Business School (BBS) in Green Energy and Sustainable Business. I have worked with different types of companies, from the Indian IT giant Infosys in Poland to Royal Dutch Shell as a modeling intern on faulted reservoirs, to research in academia. After the MBA, I started to explore sustainability issues and I trained with the company Carbon Credits Consulting in the carbon footprinting; then carbon accounting and carbon offsetting also as a freelance.
A couple of months ago I started a work experience in Cervest, a U.K. based company, where I am working on carbon accounting protocols, policies and reduction strategies as a senior researcher.
I have collaborated with BBS to provide project simulations and I am involved in workshops in Europe for companies looking at disclosure (internal and external communication of CO2-related environmental policies).
Why did you decide to continue your education and how did you choose BBS?
The managerial-strategic approach was something I missed and sometimes it was pointed out to me during interviews. Although I had a full CV for the technical-scientific sector, often (especially in start-up or project management contexts), it is necessary to have all-round skills. I was abroad, employed on a permanent contract, I applied, won a scholarship, resigned and started on a new path (pandemic included-UNIBO was the first university to implement DAD in just 1.5-2 weeks).
What skills did the Master provide you with and how did you apply them in your work?
The MBA has helped me to give more sophisticated names and structures to many of the things learned ‘on-the-job’. A twist of finance and project management plus marketing gave me a less absolute and more relative point of view to complete my previous knowledge. For example, during my internship, I was responsible for internalizing a start-up process that contributed to significant cost-savings.
What are your next professional goals?
I am not someone who has ever set a goal and pursued it spasmodically, but rather I follow my curiosity with maximum mental flexibility and adaptability. I maintain small occasional collaborations because the work of a consultant is sometimes almost tailor-made; if it does not contribute to my current activity, I can do it remotely in my free time.
What is the added value of being part of the BBS Community?
The BBS Community is a widespread network both in terms of business ecosystems and in terms of mindset, background and diversity. Having spent a lot of time together in Bologna implies sharing a common background, both in terms of education and experience. So, the added value of this network is precisely the sense of belonging it implies.
What would you advise a BBS student to do?
To study to learn, not necessarily to excel; to build good relationships with maximum assertiveness, to always be available and know how to ask for support and to know how to work in a team, without competition, but with cooperation. BBS is a life-long experience.
