Why ESG matters in business education

In recent years, businesses have faced mounting pressure to operate sustainably and responsibly. These changes have increased the need to include environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles in business education.

ESG education in business schools is key to creating future-proof leaders for the complex and rapidly changing business landscape. Sara Elfsson is one of those leaders; a mechanical engineer with many years of working experience. She decided to take the Executive MBA at Stockholm’s School of Economics (SSE). Now Sara is making waves in the EV industry 

Sara’s journey is a great example of how professionals advance their careers to make a lasting impact. Complementing professional experience with ESG-focused graduate education is an investment in the future. 

Why the SSE MBA is the best in the Nordics

When Sara took on SSE’s EMBA, her original purpose was to expand her accounting and finance skill set.  Sara soon discovered that the SSE MBA  did that and more. She is now the Senior Director of Sales & Business Development at Northvolt. 

Sustainability front and center

Stockholm School of Economics prioritizes sustainability in its EMBA curriculum, preparing future leaders for a socially and environmentally just world. 

When we ask her about sustainability, Sara tells us, “It was a topic that I was interested in, but also really pressured by. I worked for a company with a lot of different production facilities around the world, and SSE really helped me, taking this sustainability topic to a new level and a better discussion.” (03:36) 

As the FT’s top-ranked EMBA program in the Nordics, SSE’s EMBA integrates sustainability as a core value. This makes it ideal for leaders aspiring to create a positive global impact.

One MBA, three continents, and three additional certificates later…

The SSE’s EMBA is an 18-month part-time program. The program was designed for working professionals seeking in-depth knowledge on leading a sustainable and innovative global business. 

The program takes place on three different continents (Europe, the US, and Asia). Candidates get the opportunity to earn three additional certificates in collaboration with the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM). 

By the end of the program, SSE’s graduates gain a deep understanding of the fundamentals of modern-day business, and about navigating ESG challenges. This enables them to view opportunities from a unique approach. 

A flexible curriculum that supports working professionals

In the SSE MBA, candidates can personalize their course with various electives, such as entrepreneurship, social innovation, digital transformation, branding, gender equity, or behavioral science. 

By offering a diverse curriculum, students can enhance their careers by developing skills in areas beyond their primary field.

Sara chose finance and accounting as her electives, complementing her mechanical engineering skill set. This has made her a more versatile and well-rounded leader. 

She shares that she was impressed by the professors. The practice cases provided were relatable to her daily work. As a result, she could effortlessly apply these concepts in her career. (09:00) 

Building a network in Europe’s IT technology hub

Lastly, one of the many positive aspects highlighted by Sara throughout her experience at SSE’s EMBA was the human factor. The quality of friends and people she met throughout her time there. 

“I didn’t know it at the time, but it was also a great way of building a network within my home region,” she tells MBAGRADSCHOOLS (01:39) 

For those looking to make an impact in the world of business while immersing in a vibrant, supportive, and cosmopolitan community, SSE could be the perfect fit. It brings an international student body into the heart of Stockholm.

“You feel safe within this environment, and that also helps you explore and challenge yourself,” Sara explains (12:11) 

The benefits of SSE’s sustainability-focused EMBA for impactful innovators

As working professionals, pursuing a part-time EMBA helps individuals examine company operations through a new lens. 

“You get a lot of time to reflect on your own leadership style in the class, and you get a lot of feedback which was super helpful,” Sara explains (09:32). 

In addition, the part-time nature of an EMBA allows candidates to successfully blend the classroom and real-life experience for greater impact. Students are expected to bring their real-life work experiences to class and apply the theories learned in their actual day job through different “live” projects. 

Better graduates lead to a better world

SSE’s EMBA program empowers working professionals with skills, knowledge, and network for sustainable innovation. It helps them to create positive social change.

This benefits students as they become future-ready professionals. In turn, future employers benefit from the talent recruited. Additionally, impacted communities benefit from responsible business activity.

Furthermore, businesses embracing ESG principles are more likely to attract and retain customers and employees. Additionally, ESG-first organizations create long-term value for their shareholders. In this sense, ESG is a moral imperative and a strategic must for businesses that want to succeed in the long run. 

For professionals considering a sustainability-focused EMBA program, SSE’s EMBA is a great choice.

Find out more about their program, talk to one of SSE’s student ambassadors to hear their experience first-hand.