Home: Plano, Texas
UT Dallas Degree: BS – International Political Economy , 2013
Profession: Sustainability Coordinator, ThyssenKrupp Elevator Americas
As a Sustainability Coordinator, I manage environmental data for the entire Americas business unit for annual reporting. Additionally, I manage sustainability initiatives related to product developments, such as Life Cycle Assessment, Health Product Declaration, and Environmental Product Declaration.
A critical revelation during my studies was the great value of ‘context’ in problem-solving. International political economy coursework often centers on the ramifications of seemingly obvious answers to important questions: How does a country respond to genocide? Why does generational poverty exist? Why can’t religious groups come to a peaceful consensus in society? —and how a gamut of more complicated consequences must be considered for progress.
Now I experience business and sustainability entirely as the discovery of value-based answers to pressing issues. Understanding the inherently complex nature of problems has helped me become productive in working towards a solution.
Additionally, the many opportunities in Dallas and at UT Dallas to apply what I was learning to solving real-world problems have contributed to my success.
Focus on the reason you chose your degree/field and look for opportunities to put what you’ve learned in action. Also, look for intelligent ways to engage and build a relationship with professors and staff—they are a resource that is not so easily found after graduation!