A new ca­reer cli­mate: en­abling a pivot into sustain­ability

Eager to transition into a more purpose-driven role, Jayraj found exactly what he was looking for in Copenhagen. With its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and its focus on employability, the CBS FT MBA helped him build the confidence, networks and expertise to step into a new kind of leadership position – one that’s making a difference for both business and planet.

Building a foundation in sustainability

For Jayraj, joining the Copenhagen MBA wasn’t just about gaining business skills. It was a strategic step toward building a career in sustainability.

“I was a part of the Copenhagen MBA programme with sustainability as my core Concentration,” he explains. “A key aspect that sparked my interest in choosing the programme was its comprehensive focus on sustainability. I was keen to pivot into the area and found Copenhagen MBA to be an ideal platform to build a sound academic foundation.”

That foundation was grounded in teaching that combined academic rigour with real-world relevance. “Andreas Rasche, the Associate Dean of the Copenhagen MBA programme and our lead faculty on the subject of sustainability, was my favourite teacher,” says Jayraj. “From his classes, I learnt the foundational principles of corporate sustainability as well as an important professional lesson: to remain thorough and constantly updated.”

This mix of depth and application proved invaluable. And it wasn’t just Professor Rasche who made a lasting impression.

“I also had a great time engaging and learning from my thesis supervisor, Tanusree Jain, whose input and guidance immensely helped me in optimising the learnings from my thesis – many of which continue to hold me in good stead after completing my MBA.” He adds, “It was also wonderful to interact with and learn from Thomas Minyi, our lead faculty on the Leadership Discovery Process (LDP) module. Along with the facets of leadership discussed during his classes, I learnt a lot from how Thomas engaged with us in the class – something that I found worth emulating.”

From classroom to career – real-world preparation

Like many CBS FT MBA participants, Jayraj found that one of the biggest advantages of the programme was the way it connected academic learning to real-world career goals.

“The camaraderie with my fellow participants played a significant role in helping me succeed after graduation,” he reflects. But alongside peer support, it was the wider CBS ecosystem that opened doors.

“Regular interactions with my MBA career manager helped me gain a fine understanding of how to approach the Danish job market and build a professional network.” This was especially valuable for Jayraj, who – like many international participants – was entering a new cultural and professional environment. “Coffee chats with members of the CBS MBA Alumni Network provided an opportunity to imbibe very helpful lessons from their professional journeys and experience of working in Denmark.”

The CBS MBA also gave Jayraj the chance to build direct local experience. “The opportunity to pursue a Strategy Project as part of the programme enabled me to get practical exposure of working in an organisation in Denmark.” And beyond the structured elements of the curriculum, the community spirit of CBS offered even more professional development touchpoints: “The broader CBS community and its various clubs organise a wide range of conferences, visits and networking events which were also a very useful avenue for professional development.”

Making an impact in energy

After graduation, Jayraj stepped into a new role that directly aligned with his MBA focus. He now works as ESG Manager at European Energy, a global renewable energy company headquartered in Copenhagen.

It’s a career move that clearly reflects the growing importance of sustainability in global business – and the way that CBS equips its participants to meet that challenge head-on.

Skills that translate

Reflecting on what he gained from his time at CBS, Jayraj points to three areas in particular that he uses every day in his work.

“The first major takeaway would be the core knowledge about sustainability,” he says. “The second would be the lessons from the leadership sessions, especially those regarding managing differences while working in teams and leading people.” That practical focus on navigating group dynamics is a hallmark of the CBS approach, and one that helps set participants up for success in complex corporate environments.

But Jayraj’s third takeaway highlights one of the MBA’s less tangible – but equally important – strengths. “The experiential learnings that I received through interactions with my fellow participants, the alumni members and the expert speakers who engaged with us on a wide variety of subjects.”

It’s a reminder that what happens outside the classroom is just as valuable as what happens inside it.

Sustainable ambitions, global outlook

Jayraj’s journey reflects a wider shift in business education; away from transactional learning and toward purpose-driven, integrated leadership. At CBS, employability doesn’t just mean helping participants land their next job. It means helping them build careers that have long-term impact.

Whether it’s preparing corporate sustainability statements, advising on ESG strategies, or simply navigating international work environments with confidence, the CBS MBA gave Jayraj the tools to step into a new role and start making a difference immediately.

And as global demand for sustainability-minded professionals continues to grow, his experience offers a clear signal to future participants: if you’re ready to realign your career with your values – and gain the capabilities to do it at a high level – Copenhagen Business School is a powerful place to start.

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