The global energy transition has created unprecedented opportunities for professionals seeking meaningful careers in sustainability and renewable technologies. ESCP Business School’s MSc in Energy Management provides a unique pathway for career changers, offering a holistic view of the energy business across London and Paris campuses.
To illustrate the real impact of this programme, we spoke with Matti Lievenbrück, a current student of the MSc in Energy Management (MEM) and a biomedical scientist from Cologne who has not only excelled academically, earning the prestigious Dean’s Award, but also become a student leader through his roles as Head of Sustainability at AGORA and as a student ambassador.
What motivated you to join the MSc in Energy Management at ESCP?
After working in laboratories in Rwanda and Germany, I decided it was time to move on to a new chapter. I thought about what I expect from my future job and eventually came up with three key factors:
– Adding value to society
– Earning enough money to live a life without financial worries
– Having fun at work
I figured that going into renewable energy, a field that had already interested me for quite a while, would potentially give me the opportunity to satisfy all three. I started researching the best possible programme out there, and that’s how I found the Master’s in Energy Management at ESCP.
Kaustav Talukdar, Kanako Akiyama, Sakshi Ronghe, Andreas Kristensen, Aleksandra Petrova, Myself, Arkady Zelman, Juan Pablo Castro Revuelta, Iñaki Bueno Vidán, Daniel Ramirez, Benjamin Sherbakov, Raphaël Charlier, Victoire Borredon
How has your experience in the programme shaped your understanding of the energy sector?
It basically changed my view on the sector entirely. I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of energy sources – oil, gas, nuclear, wind, solar, hydro, and more – while learning from lecturers hailing from countries such as France, the UK, Greece, South Korea, and Colombia. That geological point of view can really make a difference. Just think about how different i.e. the German and French views on nuclear energy are. I find it super interesting to hear different approaches and see new angles to existing topics and problems in every module.
As Head of Sustainability at AGORA and a MEM student ambassador, how have these roles enriched your journey at ESCP?
These roles have really made my time at ESCP. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many different people and build a strong network, but also to influence strategic decisions by being the voice of our student body with the School leadership. I was being heard and I was granted sensitive insights and I’m very thankful for these opportunities and lessons.
I’ve said it many times, but I cannot stress this enough: ESCP gives you the chance to have an extraordinary experience during your master’s, so make sure to take that opportunity. Other universities offer great lectures too, but you will hardly find extracurricular activities like the ones at ESCP. My roles as AGORA Rep and Student Ambassador gave me just as steep of a learning curve as the course itself. I regularly met with faculty members, students from different programmes and societies, and even with Chairmen and Chief Executives. During that time I found friends, connected to valuable contacts, and learned skills I will use all my life. I can only encourage every student to participate in societies, events, AGORA, or whatever seems interesting to you. I’m convinced there’s a place for every ESCP student among the range of extracurricular activities on offer.
Can you share what receiving the Dean’s Award meant to you, and how it reflects your commitment to the ESCP community?
Receiving the Dean’s Award is the highest academic honour for me so far, and it makes me very proud. It gives me a strong sense of recognition for my projects and my overall presence at ESCP. At the same time, seeing the other recipients and hearing about their projects deeply impressed me and reminded me that there is always room to grow and improve.
What have been the most valuable skills or insights you’ve gained from the masters so far?
When I started the course, I didn’t really know which sector I wanted to work in. Of course, I knew I wanted to work in energy, but the options seemed endless. The programme shaped my view and made me realise which sectors are suitable for me and which are not. After looking into so many different energy types, partly experiencing them in real life (site visits to a solar farm and a nuclear power plant), and learning so much about sustainability, I decided that I want to go into renewables, preferably offshore wind energy. On the more practical side, I learned how to get in touch with the right people, that it’s okay to reach out, how to use the alumni network, and how to approach people at networking events.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MSc in Energy Management at ESCP?
You are at a crossroads, with many different options and considerations, and no one can tell you what will turn out best for you. But I can tell you this: you will not regret joining the Master’s in Energy Management at ESCP! You will meet amazing professors, experience two of the greatest cities in the world, step out of your comfort zone, and make new friends. You will complete this journey with a top degree from one of the most renowned and prestigious business schools in the world – laying a solid foundation for a steep career trajectory.
Matti’s ongoing journey from biomedical research to energy leadership demonstrates the immediate impact and transformative potential of the MSc in Energy Management. His academic excellence and leadership roles showcase how the programme develops well-rounded professionals ready to tackle the energy sector’s most pressing challenges. With 95% of graduates employed within six months and strong industry connections, current students of the MSc in Energy Management, like Matti, are building the foundation for successful careers in energy innovation.
