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 are based on self observation alongside to feedback received from colleagues and supervisors.

The UN's Sustainable Goals

• Academic background

• Work experience

• Communication skills

• Passion for sustainability 

• Limited research  exposure

• Time management

• High level of criticalness

• Professional advancement

• Networking

• Making a real difference 

• Balancing work/study/life

• Rapid evolution

• Study method 

Strengths - 

Academic Background

• A wide range of internationally recognized studies, mainly 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 I am eager to test in the journey towards a Master degree.

Strengths - 

Work Experience

• I have evolved from a kitchen assistant to an Executive Chef. I have travelled the world and I have 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. Since 2017 I have been working as an educator. As a Culinary Arts teacher, I share my passion and wisdom with  future generations. In my work I wear the hat of a Teacher and of a Chef.

Strengths - 

Communication Skills

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

• Multi-lingual with fluent English alongside to Dutch, Spanish, Hebrew and some Italian. 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 managed the F&B side of the business and 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 environments. 

Strengths - 

Passion for Sustainability

• An active member of the Club voor Positieve Duurzaamheid Denkers (CvPDD) since its commencement date. 

Assisted with designing and implementing of new sustainability procedures, developed the manifesto of the club, and actively supporting the Sustainability Ambassador with making significant changes and creating a positive impact.

Strengths - 

Passion for Sustainability

• Sustainability has a major role and influence in 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 eager to learn more and to explore the developments and the possibilities within the sustainability field and to take my abilities to the next level.

Weaknesses -  

Limited Research Exposure

• While I do have 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. 

• Due to lack of use, my current knowledge and skills levels in AI still need further development. 

• I am actively working to improve my skills 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 a challenge to my scheduling. 

While I am being immensly supported from the organization where I work and my home environment, 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. 

I always seek for fulfilling potentials and making things better. 

Sometimes this can shift the focus away from more important issues.

Opportunities - 

Professional Advancement

• Gaining specialized knowledge and an international network in the field of sustainability management will allow me to improve 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, procedures and educational aspects.

Threats - 

Balancing work/study/life

• At my work I have several major responsibilites 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 attend their needs, such as a possible sick leave of such.

Threats - 

Rapid Evolution

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

•Sustainability trends and policies evolve quickly; staying current will require 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 a very commited and serious student. My workplace is very supportive and will assist me when and where needed. 

• Studying online will require diligence on my behalf, alongside to good planning and prioritising.

Why RSM?

Why this programme? 

The reputation of Erasmus, in additon to the network and resources it holds.The language taught, the flexibility and the granted Lerarenbeurs (subside).

Why now?

An opportunity arose in my work, alongside to my eligibility for subsidy and my family status.

? Any Questions?