“I was adopted from Brazil, my mother is Dutch and my father is English, but I grew up in Spain. Before I started the master’s programme in Maastricht, I worked for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Sustainability Department in Rio de Janeiro driving the integration of sustainability measures into the overall operation and management of the event.

Although it was an incredible experience, I wanted to return to Europe after three years in Brazil. Having gained experience in the field of sustainability I was fascinated by it and also felt the need to gain more knowledge. I therefore started looking for a master’s and found the UM Master in Sustainability Science & Policy. Although at first glance I didn’t find the title appealing, when I opened the course description I immediately knew this was the one for me. Even though Maastricht is very small compared to Rio, it is a breath of fresh air, safe and you can walk or cycle everywhere. It really is a box of surprises.

There is no doubt in my mind that going back to university and studying this master’s is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Although I was sceptical about the value of a master’s (I didn’t just want to tick a box on my CV), I was very pleasantly surprised. The content of the programme has proven very insightful. All modules have been carefully designed to build on one another giving students a real systematic view of what sustainability means (both in theory and in practice). Not only have I gained more knowledge in the field but it has also made me reflect on how I can put my skills best into practice and determine the type of professional I aspire to be.

What next? Companies can and should contribute to positive social and environmental change. They have a lot of power and resources and I aim to leverage my international background and experiences to help them take the necessary steps towards driving real change.”