Online MSc in Sustainability Management

• Sustainability
• MBO
• HBO
• Studiejaar 3,4

!Welcome, Benvenuto, Vítejte!

Dear Dr. Morseletto and Mrs. Michalkova

 Welcome to my SWOT Analysis

The SWOT analysis, which will be presented to you today, has been conducted in preparation for this interview.

The findings arebased on self observation alongside to feedback recieved from colleagues and supervisors.

The UN's Sustainable Goals

• Academic background

• Work experience

• Communication skills

• Passion for sustainability 

• Limited academic exposure

• Time management

• High level of criticalness

• Professional advancement

• Networking

• Making a real difference 

• Balancing work/study/life

• Rapid evolution

• Study method 

Strengths - 

Academic Backround

• A wide range of internationally recognized studies, mainly in in Hospitality and Education, including HBO, Post HBO, and various Diplomas.

• In addition, I have completed a number of Sustainability related online courses, such as: Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Sustainable training for Culinary Professionals and The Ethics of Eating.

• The knowledge I have gained has equipped me with analytical and critical thinking skills and extra curiosity towards Sustainability, which are eager to be tested and advanced in the journey of a Master degree.

Strengths - 

Work Experience

• I have evolved from a kitchen assistant to an Executive Chef. I have travelled the world and I experienced amazing cultures and cuisines, while leading projects to recognition and success.

• Throughout the years I had many stagiaires and apprentices under my wing, and after reaching my own professional peak, I have decided to make a career change towards education. As a Culinary Arts teacher, I share my passion and wisdom with  future generations and I posses the ability to wear the hat of a Teacher and of a Chef.

Strengths - 

Communication Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, possessing the skills of writing academic papers, including structuring arguments, referencing, and critical analysis.

• Multi-lingual with fluent English alongside to Dutch, Spanish, Hebrew and some Italian (from Pipo Franco). Internationally oriented, multi-cultural and well travelled, which makes me eager to interact and communicate with others.

Strengths - 

Passion for sustainability

• For the final thesis of my Bachelor degree, I have designed the culinary concept of the first sustainable beach club in the Netherlands, formerly known as “Barefoot Beach Club”. The successful F&B design led to a fantastic internship where I have managed the F&B side of the businessand had the chance to see the vision come to realization . 

Strengths - 

Passion for sustainability

• Throughout my culinary journey, the environment and sustainability were a focal point of the course. Whenever I had a leadership position, sustainability was the center of my attention and I have emphasized on it in my cooking; always fresh and seasonal, working hand-in-hand with local, organic and fair farmers, supporting artisan producers, and striving for ethical and inclusive working environment. 

Strengths - 

Passion for sustainability

• An active member of the Club voor Positive Duurzamheid Denkers (CvPDD) since its commencement date. Assisted with designing and implementing of new sustainability procedures, developed the manifest and manifesto of the club, and actively supports the Sustainability Ambassador with making significant changes and positive impact.

Strengths - 

Passion for sustainability

• Sustainability has a major role and influence on my life. I aim to make a positive impact on the environment, and I implement it in my daily work as I give it extra attention in the various classes I teach and in my surroundings. I am passionate about sustainability and I am eager to learn more and to explorer the developments and the possibilities within the sustainability field and to take my abilities to another level.

Weaknesses -  

Limited Academic Exposure

• While I do have some level of knowledge from my HBO and Post HBO degrees, I do not have a WO degree and I lack formal training in data analysis and advanced research tools. 

• When it come to AI, my knowledge and skills are quite limited. 

• I am actively working to improve my current skills level with the goal of closing these gaps by the time they will be needed.  

Weaknesses -  

Time management 

• Balancing a part-time study with full-time work may be of a challenge to my scheduling. While I am being immensly supported from the organization where I work, I am aware of the expectations which could make things challenging.

Weaknesses - 

High Levels of Criticalness

• Throughout my life I am known to be the critical person in the room. I tend to see the very small details while visioning the broader picture. It can be exhausting for people around me and for myself at times. I always seek for fulfilling potentials and make things better. sometimes it can shift the focus away from more imprtant issues.

Opportunities - 

Professional Advancement

• Gaining specialized knowledge and an international network in the field of sustainability management will allow me to improving my leadership capabilities to better drive measurable impact.

• Bring the newly gained knowledge to the school where I work and maximize the oppertunity for a real change.

Opportunities - 

Networking

• Engaging with a diverse and like minded cohort and faculty. The programme attracts talented individuals globally, which can be both motivating and uplifting as I could expand my global understanding of sustainability and broaden my views and understandings of things

Opportunities - 

Making a Real Difference 

•Further development and implementation of sustainable practices and procedures within the operation. Incorporate elements of sustainability studies in the learning program. Create a domino effect, where other schools within our organisation will align with the practices, rocedures and educational aspects.

Threats - 

Balancing work/study/life

• At my work I have several majour respsnibilites and often I work during irregular hours. Managing multiple responsibilities could affect academic performance if not carefully handled.

• As a parent of two young children,  there will be times where I will need to attentd their needs, such as occasional study day or during sick leave of such.

Threats - 

Rapid Evolution

• The worlds' attention which is currently being given to the environment and sustainability will might be shifted towards other attention gathers, and public resistance could increase. 

•Sustainability trends and policies evolve quickly; staying current will requires constant effort beyond the degree. 

Threats - 

Study Method 

• While I have previously followed and completed several online studies throughout my career, it seems like the program is quite intense and demanding. As it is online-based, a higher level of attention will be required. 

• Online communication will remove the human element which is needed at times for sharing with others.

SWOT

Sum Up

• My passion and true interest in sustainability, alongside to prior education and work experience  within the field, are a solid foundation for the study. 

• While I lack some advanced statistical tools, research knowledge and AI skills, I intend to close these gaps and be ready for the study! 

SWOT

Sum Up

• I am very commited and serious student. My workplace is very supportive and will assist me when and where needed. 

• Studying online will require deligance from my behalf, alongside to good planing and prioritising.

? Any Questions?