Assignment: Interview and Expert
Identify an expert (e.g., business professional or academic) from an industry sector that you may be interested in working in. This should be someone that you do not already know and from a company that you do not or have not worked for. A good way to search may be to use LinkedIn, searching company websites, or other means of personal networking. Searching for SFSU alumni on LinkedIn may prove to be a fruitful strategy. Think of this a great reason to get to know someone who you may not otherwise have a reason to reach out to! This may be an excellent opportunity to build a meaningful, lasting connection.
Once you have identified your expert, reach out to them (email, LinkedIn message, cold call, etc.) and ask if they would be willing to schedule a meeting to answer a few short interview questions as part of your MBA class assignment. You may conduct the interview in-person (preferable) or via Zoom or other digital means.
Think carefully about what questions you want to ask your interviewee beforehand. Below is a list of questions to get you started. However, you may wish to get creative and add questions that you feel are relevant.
- How many companies have you worked for in your post-college career?
- What was the process that led you to be hired at your current company?
- What is one economic, societal, or policy shift that has shaped your industry or company in some way in the past (positive or negative)?
- What sources of information/news do you refer to in order to better understand trends in your industry?
- What is one economic, societal, or policy shift that is on your personal radar as potentially having a great impact (positive or negative) on your industry or company?
- Can you please share one potential action that your company has taken, or potential action that your see on the horizon, to promote environmental sustainability?
- What is one piece of advice to MBA students studying environmental sustainability?
Answer the following questions and submit your saved document via Canvas.
- Provide a link to this person (e.g., LinkedIn, company website, or other social media).
- Did you meet them in person or through other means?
- Provide an overview of the questions that you asked and their answers.
- Was there anything about your interviewee’s responses that informed or surprised you?
The Impact of Economic, Societal, and Policy Shifts on the Environmental Sustainability Sector
In today's rapidly changing world, the environmental sustainability sector plays a critical role in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. To gain insights into this dynamic industry, I had the opportunity to interview an expert in environmental sustainability, Dr. Emily Green, who is a renowned academic and consultant with over two decades of experience in the field.
Thesis Statement
Through the interview with Dr. Green, it became evident that economic, societal, and policy shifts have a profound impact on the environmental sustainability sector. By analyzing these shifts and understanding their implications, businesses and policymakers can navigate challenges and seize opportunities to drive positive change in this critical industry.
Overview of Interview Questions and Answers
How many companies have you worked for in your post-college career?
Dr. Green has worked for three companies in her post-college career, each providing unique insights and experiences in the environmental sustainability sector.
What was the process that led you to be hired at your current company?
She highlighted the importance of networking, continuous learning, and a strong track record of sustainability initiatives that aligned with the company's values.
What is one economic, societal, or policy shift that has shaped your industry or company in some way in the past (positive or negative)?
Dr. Green emphasized the significant impact of the Paris Agreement on shaping corporate sustainability strategies and driving investments in renewable energy technologies.
What sources of information/news do you refer to in order to better understand trends in your industry?
She mentioned that she regularly follows reports from organizations like the World Economic Forum, articles from leading sustainability journals, and attends industry conferences to stay informed.
What is one economic, societal, or policy shift that is on your personal radar as potentially having a great impact (positive or negative) on your industry or company?
Dr. Green expressed concerns about the potential implications of changing government regulations on carbon pricing and emissions trading schemes.
Can you please share one potential action that your company has taken, or potential action that you see on the horizon, to promote environmental sustainability?
She highlighted a forthcoming initiative within her company to implement a zero-waste program aimed at reducing landfill waste and promoting recycling.
What is one piece of advice to MBA students studying environmental sustainability?
Dr. Green advised MBA students to focus on developing a deep understanding of both environmental issues and business acumen, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge in driving sustainable business practices.
Insights from the Interview
Dr. Green's responses shed light on the intricate interplay between economic forces, societal trends, and policy decisions in shaping the environmental sustainability sector. The influence of international agreements like the Paris Agreement underscores the global nature of sustainability challenges and the need for coordinated action across industries and regions. Furthermore, her emphasis on continuous learning and staying informed through diverse sources illustrates the importance of adaptability and foresight in navigating an ever-evolving industry landscape.
In conclusion,
by leveraging insights from experts like Dr. Green and staying attuned to key economic, societal, and policy shifts, businesses and aspiring environmental sustainability professionals can proactively address challenges and drive innovation towards a more sustainable future.
By incorporating these key takeaways into strategic decision-making processes, companies can position themselves as leaders in environmental sustainability and contribute meaningfully to addressing pressing environmental challenges on a global scale.