Embarking on an MBA is always a transformative journey, and for Sergio Castillo, it was a stepping stone to a global career in Sustainability. Originally from Colombia, Sergio leveraged the ESCP MBA in International Management to transition from Entrepreneurship to Climate Finance, now working in Germany at GO2-Markets. He shares insights into his experience, career growth, and the invaluable ESCP network that continues to shape his professional path.
Sergio Castillo, MBA Class of 2019
Tell us about your experience with the MBA in International Management.
The MBA was an incredibly enriching and authentic experience. Studying across two campuses« ”Turin and Berlin »”allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures and collaborate with a wide range of peers. The programme featured outstanding professors, particularly in Finance and Innovation, whose expertise deeply influenced my learning. One of the most valuable aspects was the Company Consultancy Project (CCP), which provided real-world industry insights tailored to each country. This hands-on experience allowed us to tackle challenges and elevate our understanding to the EU level, bridging theory and practice in a global context, while emphasizing teamwork.
Why did you choose the MBA?
I chose the MBA to step back and reassess my professional path while keeping my options
open for future opportunities. I wanted to learn alongside peers with similar work experience but
from diverse industries and backgrounds to broaden my perspective. Additionally, I have a passion for languages and saw the programme as an opportunity to learn Italian. At the same time, I had a strong desire to move to Berlin, a city that had fascinated me since my first visit in 2012″”it all aligned perfectly!
How did your previous university education influence your approach to the MBA, and how did the programme help you get to where you are now?
I pursued the MBA to strengthen my finance skills, as I felt I lacked practical knowledge in this area while growing my startup in Colombia. I also wanted to expand my horizons and get involved in business with a broader global impact. The MBA provided me with the tools and confidence to make this transition. Just before finishing the programme, I was hired by GO2- Markets, which at the time was a small startup with only seven employees. Today, the company has grown to 50 employees, and I work in climate finance, trading environmental commodities such as renewable energy, green gas, energy efficiency, and carbon offsets. The MBA played a pivotal role in helping me transition from entrepreneurship to a global career in the sustainability sector.
What was the value of the international experience, diversity of profiles, and the ESCP network?
The diversity of my classmates and the variety of group projects we worked on helped me develop essential soft skills such as resilience, active listening, and teamwork« ”skills that cannot be fully learned online or through textbooks. These experiences enhanced my interpersonal abilities and gave me a deeper understanding of global business dynamics. The programme’s content, both in hard and soft skills, along with the strong ESCP network, has been invaluable in shaping my professional growth. The access to a global alumni network and career events continues to provide lasting benefits in my career.
How have you applied what you learned to build your professional network?
I really enjoyed attending career fairs, elective classes on different campuses, cocktail events,
and ski or regatta trips, where networking was an integral part of the experience. I had the chance to connect with people from different campuses, industries, and recruiting companies, building relationships that have been invaluable. Today, my work follows a similar pattern« ”I regularly attend energy, carbon, and sustainability conferences, networking with professionals, meeting new contacts, and creating opportunities. The networking skills I developed during the MBA have directly translated into my current role, where building relationships is key to success.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering an MBA?
Start learning a new language before the programme and aim to master it during your studies »”languages open doors, both professionally and personally. Also, choose the location for your final semester wisely. Don’st just go for a city because it’s trendy; consider the quality and quantity of career opportunities available there in your industry of interest.
How do you feel being an ESCP Alumni now?
Being part of ESCP means belonging to a prestigious and dynamic global community that continues to make an impact in international rankings. It’s rewarding to work alongside fellow alumni who share the same strong foundation, and the sense of connection remains alive through events like the annual regatta and ski trip in Italy. The ESCP network is a lasting source of professional and personal value, always evolving and offering opportunities to stay engaged.
What is your best memory from the MBA?
The best memories come from the ESCP regatta. It was a time of pure joy! Everyone put aside the stress of classes, assignments, and exams for a long weekend of fun and discovery. It was the perfect way to bond with classmates and enjoy the moment. I also discovered a new passion for sailing, which has stayed with me since. The regatta encapsulated the spirit of the MBA »”finding balance, creating connections, and embracing new experiences.
