Naresh Bhansali, India

Having a business and industrial engineering background, Naresh joined the International M.A. Program with an interest to learn more about sustainable business strategies. He joined in from Thapar University in India, where he studied for an M.A. degree, to complete his major following a student exchange program between the schools. The special interest in sustainable business strategies arose because this is where business and profitability meet environment and sustainability. The effect they have in both directions is of major importance. Naresh commented that his perspective of how business developed in the past 200 years, how we messed up our planet, and the serious sustainability concerns that emerged as a result have changed considerably during his studies. Another major topic of interest that he learned and experienced at the Environmental School was the transboundary water resources issues between Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, and Gaza that were covered in great detail. Both these topics provided insights that would help in studying and providing solutions in his country, which also has sustainability and water resources management challenges, driving initiatives that benefit society. It is both sustainable strategies that should be developed and employed and awareness and education of people that go hand in hand to meet sustainable development goals that are good for both business, society, and the environment. Completing his majors in the fields of energy and sustainability at the program proved to be very beneficial. The studies were also a great opportunity to meet people from very different backgrounds and experiences. Meeting, mingling, and studying together with students from many diverse nationalities was the highlight of the program. He had a really nice opportunity to intern with Greeneye, an innovative business engaged in research, analysis, and consulting at the intersection of finance and business with sustainability. Through that internship, he experienced the field of responsible investment strategies. This is a strategy where people can invest for their better future and still earn returns on their investments. Naresh commented that he is so intrigued by this field that he would want to focus his career in the field of responsible investment, where there is much ground and opportunity in India and all over the world.