Since 2019, ESCP Business School hosts the annual Impact Fair, a career event dedicated to sustainability and career opportunities within the field. As sustainability continues to transform the global business landscape, the Impact Fair provides an opportunity for companies to engage with the next generation of leaders who are eager to have a positive societal impact. Hosted on the Berlin Campus, the Impact Fair also reaffirms the school’s commitment to creating meaningful career connections, and enabling students to concretely envision how their business skills and passion can contribute to change.
“An increasing number of our students are looking for job opportunities in companies where they can identify with the company values and contribute to making the world a better place. Especially for those who study our master programmes in sustainability,” shares Tanja Hejlskov, Head of Company Relations & Career Development on the Berlin Campus. “We heard their feedback, and started the Impact Fair. I think this fair is the highlight of the year for the students of the MScs in International Sustainability Management and Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation.”
Meeting future Change-makers
The Impact Fair brings together representatives from various organizations, providing students with the opportunity to explore how sustainability plays a vital role in the mission and transformation of various companies. Participants have the chance to visit stands of different companies, connect individually with recruiters, and talk about roles that contribute to a greener future in fields like renewable energy, impact investing, food systems, transportation, and tech.
Interactive Workshops and Talks
A centerpiece of the Impact Fair is its lineup of workshops and talks. Companies share real-world insights, helping students see how climate change impacts endless aspects of life – even some they may have never previously considered. As an example, the ECARF (European Centre for Allergy Research) Institute explained that higher temperatures and changing weather patterns intensifies plant growth, which causes more people to suffer from allergies, and for a longer period throughout the year. These changes worsen the quality of life for millions of people in Germany and around the world, and have a notable impact on the economy. ECARF certifies products from cosmetics and vacuums to even vacation spots for their allergy-friendliness.
Some additional talks from the latest Impact Fair included:
Tina Experiences: “Balancing Purpose & Revenues in an Impact Start-Up”
NOSH: “The Impact of Fungi in Food Innovation”
KPMG: “Material Impacts to Meaningful Reports – Sustainability Audit and Consulting”
Ecosia: “David vs. Goliath: Ecosia’s Climate Mission”
…and more! These sessions illuminated the wide variety of business challenges that can be tackled with a management or entrepreneurial skill set with a sustainability focus.
What do Employers Value?
Employers attending the Impact Fair are often drawn to candidates who:
– Demonstrate passion for sustainability: Beyond academic achievements, companies seek individuals who are genuinely motivated to create positive change.
– Exhibit problem-solving skills: The ability to tackle complex, interdisciplinary challenges is crucial in today’s fast-evolving industries.
– Embrace innovation: Companies value students who think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives to their organizations.
– Understand global dynamics: With sustainability being a global issue, employers prioritise candidates who are culturally adaptable and internationally minded.
“Sustainability is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, requiring professionals who not only have a genuine interest in the topic but also demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a proactive approach to staying informed about global trends and developments,” said Ryan Matthews, an HR representative from RCS Global Group, a leading provider of supply chain auditing, responsible sourcing, ESG performance and traceability solutions. “We value individuals who bring innovative thinking and adaptability to our team, enabling us to address complex challenges and drive meaningful progress in this critical area.”
“When looking for prospective employees, particularly for roles in allergy-research, entrepreneurship, or management, we typically look for a blend of interpersonal and leadership qualities that align with the mission and values of our organization,” shared Alexander Boether, CEO of the ECARF Institute. “They should bring a combination of passion for sustainability, leadership potential, and the ability to work effectively in a global, collaborative environment.”
Raquel Bordin,Talent Principal at Via, which aims to expand access to efficient, affordable, and sustainable transportation with innovative software, explained, “We’re not just looking for people with strong critical thinking and creative skills, but also for those who have a strong bias for action. ESCP students bring that entrepreneurial spirit and drive for impact, which is exactly what we’re after.”
A Shared Commitment to Impact
As sustainability remains a core focus of ESCP’s academic, research, and operational priorities, the Impact Fair highlights the school’s role as a bridge between forward-thinking companies and the talent that will drive systemic change in the years to come.
For employers, the Impact Fair is more than a recruitment event—it’s an opportunity to contribute to a larger vision of sustainable business practices. By partnering with ESCP, companies play an active role in nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape industries and solve global challenges.