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Gerardo López Pinto found his passion for sustainable development during an exchange programme in Finland. It left a lasting impression and drove his desire to understand the complex interplay between environment and society. The next step was obvious: a master’s programme that would give him specialised knowledge and skills to realise his aspirations and lead in this field. After months of searching, he found his answer in the MSc Industrial Ecology programme at Chalmers University of Technology.
Gerardo López Pinto. Source: Gerardo López Pinto
The MSc stood out for its unique blend of technical and social aspects of sustainability. This resonated deeply with Pinto, who sought a deep understanding beyond mere technical solutions. The programme’s flexibility through electives further appealed to him, allowing him to tailor his studies to his specific interests and goals.
“I chose sustainability and the environment as an area of study because I felt the responsibility to use my knowledge to drive for a transition into a sustainable future that does not jeopardise the planet,” Pinto says.
The MSc provides the tools and knowledge needed to tackle the challenges of climate change and environmental pressures. It delves into analysing and developing sustainable solutions for diverse sectors, from industry and government agencies to research institutions.
By joining this two-year programme, students like Pinto become part of the solution. They learn to analyse environmental impacts, suggest and implement sustainable measures, and navigate complex issues like land use, resource management, energy systems, and urban planning. The best part? Students gain practical knowledge and critical thinking skills to take on complex challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“At the end of the master’s, students can ‘zoom in and out’ of an issue to look at the whole picture while still considering relevant key details,” assistant professor Maud Lanau says. “As a student, you’ll explore different aspects of sustainability and gain insights into various economic sectors.”
Maud Lanau. Source: LinkedIn
The programme offers two distinct tracks: Company Level and Society Level. The former focuses on environmental management, life cycle analysis, and other industry-specific practices. The latter explores environmental policy instruments, sustainable energy futures, and broader societal aspects.
Students can choose a dedicated track or combine courses from both, ensuring their expertise aligns with their desired career path. Courses like Urban Metabolism and Sustainable Energy Futures provide sector-specific knowledge, while others equip students with tools to analyse and assess the sustainability of various systems. Pinto thrived in classes that supplied him with practical know-how for environmental assessments and those that analysed the social context of sustainability.
“Some of my favourite classes were those in which we learned practical tools for different environmental assessments such as Environmental Systems Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment and Applied Industrial Ecology, and also those courses that included a more social context such as Technology and the Environment and Environmental Policy Instruments,” says Pinto.
Amanda Josefsson, another Industrial Ecology master’s student, shares similar preferences.
Amanda Josefsson. Source: LinkedIn
“One of my personal favourites was the Life Cycle Assessment course since it gave me the tools needed to perform an LCA, which is commonly used in the field of Industrial Ecology,” Josefsson says. “The Leadership for Sustainability Transitions course gave interesting perspectives on leadership and how to work successfully in a group, which is essential for working in the future.”
Developed by leading professionals at the Department of Energy and Environment, the programme maintains close ties with industry and authorities. This ensures that students are exposed to the latest advancements, making them adept at addressing real-world challenges.
During his studies, Pinto actively participated in IE Transform, an association for Industrial Ecology that combines community and industry connections. While engaging in research projects with professors like Maria Ljunggren, he explored the practical applications of his knowledge. “During that same semester, I wrote my master’s thesis in collaboration with Chalmers and the European Solar Manufacturing Council,” Pinto says. “With this, my thesis partner and I got the opportunity to present the results of the master’s thesis as a conference paper in the EU PVSEC 2023 conference in Lisbon, Portugal.”
Chalmers’s Industrial Ecology programme graduates are well-equipped for diverse and impactful careers. They find opportunities in environmental consultancy firms, government agencies, research institutions, and various industries like energy, automobiles, and green buildings. Alumni hold positions like environmental strategy analysts, project leaders, and researchers, contributing to sustainable development on various levels.
“Chalmers is quite close to industry, so, as a student, there are many opportunities to interact and meet potential employers,” Pinto says. “This could be through work fairs, conferences, special presentations and talks, guest lecturers at a course or even a project at a course. The master’s thesis project is also a great way to gain more experience and an opportunity to work closely with a company or an organisation.”
Click here to learn more about the MSc Industrial Ecology at Chalmers University of Technology.
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