Featured Alumnus: Anshul Bhatnagar

How has the program shaped your passion for driving positive change in your community or industry?  

I was fortunate to spend two of the best years of my life surrounded by extremely passionate people who cared deeply about the environment and the community. During my time in the program, I focused most of my assignments and projects on the Oil and Gas and mining industry. Developing an understanding of this sector at that stage helped me excel in my career in consulting. The program instilled in me a strong desire to drive positive change, and I continue to apply the knowledge and skills I gained to make a meaningful impact in these industries. 

How did the program help you build connections within the sustainability community? 

Claire, Rose Mary, and Shashi provided us with numerous opportunities to network and hear from industry experts. The program also offered opportunities to leverage the existing network of industry leaders to take on some volunteering opportunities. The exposure I received during the program has been fruitful. I am still in contact with many of those leaders and speakers and often reach out to them to gain insights on market trends and sector developments. 

If you could go back in time and learn more about a work-related topic, what would it be and why? 

If you could go back in time, I would love to know more in detail about ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Materiality, Double Materiality, and Environmental audits and assessments. These topics are crucial for understanding the broader impact of business operations on the environment and society, and having a deeper knowledge in these areas would have further enhanced my ability to contribute to sustainable practices in my professional journey. 

What tools and relationships have you utilized to support your professional journey? 

The research abilities that I developed while I was in the program, along with the knowledge gained from the Sustainable Law course, have been some of the most valuable tools in my professional journey. Additionally, I have been inviting alumni to speak at my organization and have had opportunities to deliver guest lectures and talks, leveraging the contacts I made during the program. These relationships and tools have been instrumental in supporting my career growth and development. 

What is one brand that aligns with your self-image and/or values? 

EY (Ernst & Young) is a brand that aligns with my self-image and values. EY's commitment to building a better working world through its focus on sustainability, innovation, and community impact resonates deeply with my own passion for driving positive change. The firm's dedication to integrity, inclusiveness, and excellence mirrors my personal and professional ethos, making it a brand that I am proud to be associated with. 

 If you could have any person in the world as a mentor or friend, who would you choose and why? 

Tough question—I'll take Claire and Shashi any day as my mentor. They are my favorite humans. Being new to the country and the program, Claire and Shashi quickly recognized my strengths and challenges and helped me navigate them. When I mentor students for career counseling, I often think about how Claire and Shashi would have responded. Their guidance and support have been invaluable to me, and I aspire to provide the same level of mentorship to others. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to current MScSM students? 

The world is yours to make a change, and change starts with you. Embrace the opportunities presented to you, and don't be afraid to take initiative. Your actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a larger positive impact on the community and the environment.