Career prospects with Bachelor Global Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Where and in what position do you currently work, and what are your main responsibilities?
I currently work as a postdoctoral researcher in the international Kili-SES research project (https://kili-ses.de/subprojects/sp3-understanding-social-ecological-transformations-the-role-of-initiatives-values-rules-nd-knowledge/), focusing on understanding social-ecological transformations through the lens of initiatives on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. My responsibilities span the entire research lifecycle: from conceptualizing and designing studies, to fieldwork, data analysis, and interpreting findings. I also develop implications for research, policy, and practice, publish the works, and lead the dissemination of results to research participants, the broader public, and academic audiences. Additionally, I closely collaborate with two PhD students, maintain strong cross-subproject collaboration due to my involvement in both the first and second phases of the research unit, and serve as an active member of the Kili-SES Equity Working Group.

How did you transition from your studies to work?
Following the successful completion of my undergraduate degree in 2015 and the dual-degree program in Global Sustainability Science in 2017, I completed an internship with the International Climate Initiative (IKI). I then took a deliberate step away from academia to pursue 1.5 years of professional trainings in bodywork. While I no longer offer traditional bodywork sessions, I have integrated the principles and insights from these trainings into my academic practice through, for instance, body-mind workshops and movement breaks. I am also convinced that this training and subsequent one-on-one client work significantly enhanced my facilitation skills for interviews, surveys, and focus groups, while deepening my reflections on researcher responsibility and reinforcing my commitment to ethical research practices (For a detailed reflection on how this training shaped my academic trajectory, see Chapter 1 of my dissertation: pubdata.leuphana.de/entities/publication/8b159f62-18c0-4bcd-9051-20995cdb49a1). Although I remain passionate about bodywork, I sought to integrate my broader professional strengths and interdisciplinary interests. This led me to join the nexus – Institute for Cooperative Management and Interdisciplinary Research in Berlin. After nearly two years at nexus, I transitioned into a PhD position within the Kili-SES research project, where I have since advanced to my current role as a postdoctoral researcher.

Which skills or experiences from your studies are particularly helpful to you in your career today?
The extensive group work and collaborative projects during my studies were crucial for building my confidence and sense of responsibility early in my career, particularly when I first joined the nexus institute and then started my PhD. More importantly, the rigorous inter- and transdisciplinary training I received has been indispensable. It has equipped me with the methodological flexibility and onto-epistemological awareness needed to navigate complex, interdisciplinary research environments. I can now more comfortably engage with diverse research paradigms, bridge disciplinary divides, and facilitate meaningful dialogue between so called natural and social scientists, as I have done throughout my five-plus years in the Kili-SES research project.

Were there any course content, projects, or moments during your studies that had a particularly significant impact on your personal or professional development? What memories do you associate most with your time at Leuphana?
I am most grateful for Leuphana’s unique academic structure, particularly the integration of Studium Generale, major/minor combinations, and complementary studies. These elements fostered a truly holistic educational experience. One of my most formative memories dates back to my first semester, when the entire introductory environmental science lecture initially felt abstract and nebulous. However, by the final session, everything suddenly “clicked.” I was deeply inspired by Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory. It sharpened my understanding of sustainability and our roles as sustainability scientists: rather than aiming to become a disciplinary expert, I learned to appreciate the value of being a generalist who can translate across different disciplinary “languages” and system logics. This mindset has become a cornerstone of my professional identity.

What role did internships, part-time student jobs, or other practical experiences play during your studies?
Practical experiences were pivotal in shaping my research trajectory. As a student research assistant, I joined a transdisciplinary scientific project with a focus on governance and gained invaluable hands-on experience in research. Later, during an internship at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Halle, I accompanied a PhD student through fieldwork, collected and analyzed my own samples in the lab, and ultimately wrote my bachelor’s thesis under excellent supervision. Because the researchers were genuinely invested in the outcomes, I experienced a steep but highly rewarding learning curve in ecological field methods and statistical analysis. These experiences solidified my passion for empirical, applied research, including statistics.

Were you involved in extracurricular activities (initiatives, student council, etc.) alongside your studies? If so, how did this involvement shape you?
Alongside my studies, I was actively involved in the departmental student association, where I managed budgets and organized networking events connecting students with the alumni network. Particularly the latter taught me how to build bridges between academic communities and professional networks. It reinforced the importance of community building and peer support in academic and professional life.

Did you gain international experience, for example through a semester abroad or internships abroad?
Yes, I spent a semester abroad at Kristianstad University in Sweden. The experience was profound: I participated in excellent field excursions focused on geology and ecology, took a highly rigorous statistics course, and built lasting friendships with students from diverse backgrounds.

To what extent did these experiences influence your future path?
This international exposure gave me the confidence to write my bachelor’s thesis in English and subsequently pursue my master’s degree in an English-taught program. More importantly, it deepened my commitment to research by providing firsthand insight into both governance-oriented, transdisciplinary, and ecology-focused projects, reinforcing my desire to work in internationally collaborative, interdisciplinary environments.

What advice would you give current students?
I’ve always valued open, expectation-free conversations with alumni and fellow PhD students, hence, highly recommended. If you are drawn to research, I strongly recommend writing your bachelor’s or master’s thesis as part of a research project. This provides not only academic rigor but also valuable real-world research experience. Beyond coursework, view your degree as a unique opportunity for self-discovery and methodological training. Don’t just focus on the “what” you are learning; pay close attention to the “how” you are learning it. Embrace inter- and transdisciplinary exploration, step outside your comfort zone, and allow yourself the space to experiment. The skills you develop in critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific inquiry will serve you far beyond graduation.

What opportunities should students definitely take advantage of during their studies?
Students should actively engage with Leuphana’s diverse extracurricular landscape. Take advantage of programs like SCHUB, the university’s writing center, language courses, and various educational trainings. The opportunities I mentioned were recalled from memory years ago and may no longer be available. I encourage you to explore active offerings that genuinely spark your interest. I am optimistic these offerings complement your academic training and help you develop transferable skills. Additionally, don’t hesitate to request mobility breaks during lectures and seminars. 

To whom would you particularly recommend studying at Leuphana College, and why?
I would particularly recommend Leuphana College to students who thrive in non-traditional, inter- and transdisciplinary research environments and actively want to take responsibility in today’s times. The School of Sustainability is highly unique, approaches research and teaching from innovate perspectives, and actively encourages out-of-the-box thinking. It is especially well-suited for curious, broad-minded learners who value inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration and want to explore complex global challenges before eventually specializing in a focused area. If you are looking for a university that prioritizes critical thinking, real-world relevance, and intellectual flexibility, Leuphana College is an exceptional choice.

Three words that best describe your time as a student:
Group work every semester; thinking outside the box; and expanding my comfort zone

Your favorite place on campus or in Lüneburg:
The Biotope Garden