Our world-leading environment and sustainability research underpins a wide range of postgraduate programmes. In our Meet our Students series we look at the journeys taken by those studying MSc courses within the Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability, explore why they have chosen to study with us and learn about their experiences at the University of Exeter, Cornwall. Today we hear from Mathys Reiss, an MSc Sustainable Business Management student!
Name: Mathys Reiss
What course are you studying?
MSc Sustainable Business Management
Where do you call home? France
Where did you complete your undergraduate course? University of Exeter
What was your undergraduate course? BSc Business
Did you work or volunteer before starting your MSc programme? If so, in what roles?
Yes, indeed, I had a substantial pre-MSc journey during my BSc Business program at the University of Exeter. This included a year-long industry placement at KPMG in Tunisia, where I served as an ESG Junior Business Developer. Additionally, I embarked on a summer internship at Attitude Hotels in Mauritius, focusing on Carbon Footprint Impact Assessment. In my final year, I dedicated 8 months as a volunteer EDI consultant for the Wave Project.
What attracted you to your MSc course? Why did you choose the University of Exeter?
The allure of my MSc course lies in its focus on Circular Economy and Sustainable business models, which are becoming pivotal in the world of business management. I chose the University of Exeter due to the opportunity it presented for me to deepen my expertise in these areas and engage with top-tier academic staff. This unique environment allows me to apply my knowledge effectively to real-world scenarios, making a meaningful impact.
What do you like about living and studying in Cornwall?
I love the rugged coastline of Cornwall, it is a unique area of outstanding natural beauty and hosts the perfect setting for focused academic research whilst truly connecting with nature. It completely transcends other traditional university experiences and makes your studies here unique and memorable.
What are you looking forward to most about your course?
What excites me the most about my course is the prospect of collaborating with a diverse cohort and engaging in insightful discussions with academic staff. Together, we aim to address global challenges, such as the transition to a circular and sustainable economy, fostering valuable learning experiences.
What skills and experiences are you hoping to gain from your course?
Beyond honing my research skills, I anticipate personal growth through group projects and real-life applications. These experiences build my confidence, which I consider the foundational step towards achieving my aspirations.
What have been the highlights so far?
So far, the highlights have been interacting and getting to know people from very diverse backgrounds who still have the same sustainable values as me. This has been extremely refreshing and socially rewarding.
What are your career aspirations?
As I complete my MSc, I aspire to venture into the field of circular economy business strategy. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable business management, I am confident in my ability to quickly ascend to a sustainability manager role. This path allows me to fulfill my vision of doing good while thriving in the business world.
The Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability brings together experts from across the spectrum of earth and life sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences and business. Our programmes are all designed with a focus on developing solutions to global challenges and creating a better future for our planet and its people. Help lead a global Greener, Healthier and Fairer revolution by studying one of our world-leading, interdisciplinary Masters degrees here at the University of Exeter, Cornwall. See our Masters programmes here.