From October 14 to 18, 2024, Bologna Business School hosted the second On Campus Week of the Master in Sustainability Transition Management.
This unique opportunity allowed students to immerse themselves in the challenges of sustainable transition through hands-on activities, company visits, and exchanges with industry experts. This intensive week perfectly encapsulates the mission of the Master: to train professionals capable of leading the shift towards a sustainable future.
The Master in Sustainability Transition Management at Bologna Business School is designed for those aspiring to a career in sustainability, addressing key themes driving the transition towards more responsible production and organizational models. Thanks to a multidisciplinary approach, the Master equips students with a strong foundation on the main environmental, social, and economic challenges. Courses covering topics such as climate change, resource management, technological innovation, and corporate strategy help students acquire the skills to navigate the complexity of sustainability in the business world.
The On Campus Week is one of the highlights of the program, giving students the chance to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. During the week, students visited leading companies in sustainability transition and worked on real business cases, putting their problem-solving and teamwork skills into practice.
Participant Harika Yagmur Szelest emphasized the invaluable learning experience from her peers: “The most valuable aspect of the visits was undoubtedly the continuous learning and inspiration I gained from my colleagues. Each individual, coming from diverse backgrounds and industries, brought unique approaches to addressing sustainability challenges. This diversity of thought fostered a rich learning environment, where everyone contributed their experiences and knowledge.”
One of the most significant activities was the visit to Curti S.p.A., where students witnessed firsthand the innovations and strategies implemented to tackle industrial sustainability challenges. Additionally, the discussion with the ENI-Snam team provided in-depth insights into cutting-edge technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), a key solution for reducing CO₂ emissions in the energy sector.
Another key strength of the On Campus Week was the direct contact with professionals and industry experts. Through a series of keynote speeches, students engaged with sustainability managers from companies such as Unipol, IMA S.p.A., and Tper, who shared their strategies for integrating sustainability into business models.
Harika Yagmur Szelest highlighted how the visits demonstrated the unique nature of each organization’s sustainability journey: “During site visits, it became evident that the theoretical frameworks we have studied do not translate the same for all into practical applications. Some organizations are well advanced in their sustainability transitions, while others are just beginning. This reinforced my understanding that sustainability is a multifaceted challenge that each organization must address uniquely. These visits further fueled my commitment to fostering a more sustainable future, ensuring that all stakeholders are included, even if they are not yet fully engaged.”
The On Campus Week also focused heavily on teamwork and real-world business cases. Students collaborated to develop innovative solutions to the sustainability challenges faced by companies like Curti S.p.A., applying their analytical and leadership skills in a professional setting. This hands-on approach allows students to experience the complexity of sustainability in a real-world business context. As participant Pedro Timoteo Oliveri said: “The company visits and working on a real business case were invaluable for deepening my understanding of the real challenges companies face beyond theory. Being able to immerse ourselves in these issues allowed us to brainstorm and propose ideas with practical, attractive solutions for the companies. This experience reaffirmed the relevance of our profile in today’s business landscape. Additionally, working on these projects as part of a diverse team was incredibly rewarding”.
The Master in Sustainability Transition Management at Bologna Business School not only provides students with a strong theoretical foundation but also offers opportunities for hands-on experience, as demonstrated by the On Campus Week. As highlighted by Professor Matteo Mura, Scientific Director of the Master, “The On Campus Week offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with the real challenges of the sustainable transition, developing practical and analytical skills that prepare them to become the sustainability leaders of tomorrow.”