Master of Sustainable Business
Holly Leach.
Holly Leach says the Master of Sustainable Business was the ideal programme to help her realise a life-long goal of helping people and the natural environment.
While completing an undergraduate degree in food science Holly learned about the complexities of food systems, and the “unsustainable and broken issues that often come with food.”
“Food waste, food insecurity, excessive food packaging and mass food consumption are all very significant issues, and the more I learnt, the more passionate I became about solving these issues.”
The Master of Sustainable Business appealed because the interdisciplinary programme allowed her to learn about the latest research and findings and apply them in the business world.
Since graduating Holly has worked at the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), which is New Zealand's largest and longest standing sustainable business organisation.
“I do not think I would have been offered my job without studying the Master of Sustainable Business. The theories and concepts I learnt on the programme gave me the knowledge and confidence to do what I do today. The course also helped me build a network of people and businesses working in sustainability to help kick start my career.”
Part of her role at SBN involves leading the Now Crowd project, which involves a group of 150 people aged under 30 in the early stages of their careers who are eager to drive sustainability initiatives within their organisations.
Members of the Now Crowd receive the tools, resources, events, network and mentorship from sustainability experts to make a positive impact and the opportunity to lead change.
“The Now Crowd was set up by young professionals, for young professionals to empower people to bring about change and to help them build capability, confidence and impact around sustainability.”
Holly, who comes from Wellington, says she chose Otago because the student culture and academic reputation appealed, as did the diverse range of study options.
“Being 18 years old, I knew what I enjoyed but the thought of deciding what I had to do for the rest of my life was daunting. Otago offers a range of courses and makes it easy to change if you discover something new.”
Holly also loved Otago's student culture and says the “friends, lecturers, tutors, coaches, mentors and role models” made her time in Dunedin “fantastic”.
“I will remember my time at Otago for the rest of my life.”