How one master’s elective sparked a student’s career passion

To get a deeper understanding, the team interviewed Linkee’s branch manager in Lyon. While they admired the organisation’s impact, they also realised a major gap.  

“Obviously when you think about it, they don't really solve the root cause of food waste. And they obviously give away free food and it helps students, but it doesn't solve the root cause of why students can’t afford food either.” Lena explained, showing how Linkee’s solution was a temporary fix and not a long-term one. 

This sparked their mission to think beyond immediate aid and propose more sustainable solutions. 

"The more we researched, the more we realised how complex the issue was," Lena recalled. Their research showed that food insecurity isn’t just about access to food, it’s tied to various other factors like financial stability, education, policy gaps, and systemic challenges. 

With only two months to work on the project, the team brainstormed potential long-term solutions and recommendations for Linkee, focusing on how to scale their operations and transition from providing short-term relief to implementing sustainable food security strategies. 

Although their project didn’t lead to immediate change, it was a valuable learning experience for Lena and her team. It also played a key role in shaping Lena’s long-term career aspirations, deepening her interest in sustainable consumption habits and the sociology and marketing aspect of consumer behaviour behind food purchases. 

Unlike traditional coursework, this project wasn’t just about theory. When asked about the specific skillset that Lena managed to develop thanks to this project, she pointed out how she developed skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and learning how to tackle social and environmental issues. 

This experience also reinforced her career aspirations. Lena has always wanted to work in sustainability, but now she’s even more determined to make an impact within an organisation that is genuinely focused on their sustainability strategies and are willing to make use of her sustainability focused skillset.  

"My ideal role would be helping a company change its processes from the very inside to be more sustainable. Maybe it's a bit too optimistic, but I believe there are still companies willing to change at their core to achieve sustainability.”  

emlyon’s hands-on approach has also given her a competitive edge in the job market. Through the school’s ‘Responsible Engagement track’ where students volunteer for 50 hours tackling social issues, she’s gaining even more experience applying sustainability in real-world contexts. 

For students eager to make a difference, Lena offers one key piece of advice: start with what already exists. 

"There’s often this urge to start new projects, but there are already so many organisations working on sustainability. Look around your city, find groups that align with your values, and get involved," she suggested. 

For those unsure where to begin, she also recommends taking courses that integrate sustainability into business and policy discussions or even advocating for schools to introduce them if they don’t exist. 

And for small, everyday actions? Start with your food choices. 

"Even something as simple as appreciating local, seasonal produce and making time to cook healthy meals can contribute to the bigger picture of sustainable food practices."  

Lena’s experience is proof that real-world exposure can be just as impactful as traditional education. In just two months, she didn’t just study sustainability, she lived it. 

"Every time I take on a project like this, it reminds me how important this work is to me. It’s easy to get caught up in a career and forget your values. But experiences like this make you realise that working in alignment with your beliefs is non-negotiable."