Find out how a sustainability-focused MBA helped this Thai accounting graduate switch from a job at PwC to working with a consulting company in Copenhagen
There must be something in the Scandinavian water, because not only is it home to the world’s happiest people—according to a 2023 US News and the World survey—the region also lays claim to three of the planet’s five greenest countries.
But what is it that Scandinavia (comprised of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark) are doing differently?
It’s a question that Thai accounting graduate, Nontawach (Ta) Soonthornsorn (pictured right), was determined to find out.
After spending five years working for the top accounting and professional services firm PwC in Bangkok, his interests increasingly grew in the area of sustainability. But he was disappointed by the avenues open to him in his homeland.
“The sustainability practice in Thailand is still very immature,” he says.
As a result he began to look for opportunities to study further afield—a search that ultimately brought him to the one-year Copenhagen Business School MBA.
Not only is it the only full-time MBA program in Scandinavia, which appealed to him due to its high standard of living, it also offers a top-notch specialization in sustainability.
“I saw that CBS has sustainability integrated into its MBAs. That sounds interesting to me,” he says.
Now working as a sustainability analyst for Raison Consulting, it’s clear that the MBA in Copenhagen taught Ta the necessary skills to pivot his career. The question is: how?
Experience a democratic teaching style
One element of the Copenhagen MBA that really stood out to Ta was the egalitarian style of teaching.
In each of the program’s core modules—which include analytics, accounting, and innovation management—students are encouraged to discuss their ideas with each other, rather than simply engaging in coursework on their own.
“It's not competitive, it’s more collaborative. People just like helping each other,” Ta says.
Another aspect of the teaching that Ta felt he benefitted from was the non-hierarchical relationship between professors and students.
In class, CBS professors interact with students on a one-to-one level, asking them to explain and support their ideas, helping to develop both their communication and critical thinking skills.
Andreas Rasche (pictured right), Professor of Business in Society at the CBS Centre for Sustainability and Associate Dean for the CBS full-time MBA program, explains, “The Scandinavian method of teaching is always that the students need to find their own way.”
Learn from world-leading sustainability researchers
Though CBS’ sustainability ethos is woven through the entire MBA, in their third semester, students have the opportunity to specialize in the Governance and Sustainability track.
Students who pick the specialization study a range of topical modules including Leadership and Corporate Governance, Circular Economy and Sustainable Supply Chains, and Sustainable Finance.
One of the main takeaways from these modules is the practical implementation of ideas, rather than just learning about theory.
“You really need to make changes to processes, products, and services in order to create the impact that we all want,” Andreas says.
Helping students explore more ways in which sustainable practices can be established, the CBS campus also features the cutting-edge Centre for Sustainability—the first of its kind in Europe.
There, leading researchers work on numerous projects surrounding pressing environmental issues such as supply chain and sustainable consumption.
“We always try to be on the edge of research,” Andreas adds.
They also research and develop methods of sustainable entrepreneurship, which are then brought into the classroom to help support students considering launching their own projects in the field.
Immerse yourself in a green campus
There’s no better way to get to grips with sustainability than immersing yourself in a culture that lives and breathes it.
Considered the green capital of the world, Copenhagen boasts a total of 546 km of bicycle paths, while also holding plans to become completely carbon neutral by 2025.
Ta saw the benefits of Denmark’s green transport initiatives most acutely in the short travel time it took to get to different places.
“There’s almost no traffic at all,” he says.
Plus, like the city around it, CBS’ campus is also dedicated towards environmentally friendly practices, such as encouraging cycling, cutting down on waste, and promoting student initiatives, which even includes planting rooftop gardens.
Access a sustainability-focused job market
Given its status as a cleantech hotspot, Denmark possesses an exciting number of career opportunities for graduates interested in sustainability.
At the end of Ta’s fourth term, the CBS careers team supported him in landing an internship at Raison Consulting, a specialized sustainability and ESG strategy consultancy firm.
After completing the internship he accepted the offer of a full-time role.
Now almost a year into his time with the firm, Ta says he has been impressed with the amount of trust placed in him by the company.
“Here, trust is something you risk losing. Even being super new in the company, I am required to work independently a lot,” he says.
In his day-to-day role, he spends his time helping clients to increase the sustainability of their businesses while also reaching out to potential new clients—utilizing key soft skills developed on the MBA.
“It’s the nature of the MBA that you need to talk to a lot of people at a lot of networking events. I learned people skills,” he says.
Ta admits that changing from accounting and finance to sustainability was definitely a nerve-wracking jump, but he feels the skills he learned on the MBA helped him to feel more secure in his decision.
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Stella
Verified
24/04/2019
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
Student
Verified
13/04/2019
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
Stefani
Verified
12/04/2019
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
José Pedro
Verified
22/09/2019
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Cathy
Verified
5/02/2019
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Philip
Verified
15/04/2018
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Student
Verified
27/09/2017
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
Student
Verified
22/09/2017
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
Student
Verified
29/09/2019
CBS: efficient international network
CBS has always been ranked among the best universities in Europe and this means that it has become a sign of professionalism and success.
The academic level is great thanks to the good teachers and the atmosphere is proactive and challenging. Lots of events are planned every week and this helps you to find your own way.
CBS is not only a business school, it is a great and efficient international network.
Stella
Verified
24/04/2019
Good academic career
I did my Bachelors at CBS and their academic excellence and career opportunities led me to pursue my Masters in Accounting, Strategy and Control. I was very lucky to go on an exchange in Singapore for one semester it boosted me to get a career in a global firm. I like that it is super modern and has all the facilities for the business student in 2019. Especially, I liked the library and Bitlab where I spent most of my time studying. However, note that it is very demanding and studying here is no joke. Everything is very competitive and you are among the most excellent business students in the country. The interaction with international students helped me to see different perspectives in business and culturally and I was lucky to make friends from any part of the world. CBS is like a brand in Denmark. Every serious business company prioritizes us over any other Danish university and also it is free for European citizens. Overall, I have a very satisfying experience at CBS and I'm looking to continue my academical career even further.
Student
Verified
13/04/2019
CBS is one of the best!
All I have to say regarding my experience at CBS is that it is AMAZING. Having been tutored by world-class academic staff, I can definitely support that I am receiving the best of quality regarding my studies in Digital Marketing. Staff is very friendly and easy to approach. In addition, the facilities we enjoy are top class and meet any demands. Keep in mind that, EU citizens do not pay any fees. Student life might be non-existent here, but the location of the University in The very center of Copenhagen has a huge variety of choices to offer to students regarding their entertainment. Accommodation might be a problem, but early research of the market can be very useful. In addition, the University promotes diversity. In CBS University you can meet people from the whole world which is quite interesting. I definitely suggest CBS for any student who he's interested in pursuing a career in marketing or business.
Stefani
Verified
12/04/2019
The ideal business school
I have been enrolled in this university for 2 semesters. What I took from this experience is that there is nothing better out there for those looking for professional growth while being guided by some of the top-notch professors in Scandinavia. They have a really strong focus in technology and digital transformation and they are up to date to guarantee you land a job in the modern fast-evolving world. They also embrace diversity which means many students come from any part of the world and it takes the entire learning experience to another level. You simply learn from every other student cause everyone has different experiences and background which makes you open your mind and see the world from a different angle. In Denmark, even businesses prioritize people who graduate from CBS as it's commonly perceived as the most prestigious university for business graduates.
José Pedro
Verified
22/09/2019
A Place of Personal Growth
In CBS you can expect an environment of proactive thinking and growth.
The university staff is always open to help and to debate. The teaching methods balance theoretical knowledge and practical skills enabling the student with capacity and confidence to enter the job market successfully. The existence of students from all over the world stimulates discussion and promotion of different cultures, ideas and perspectives. I highly recommend this university for students in business-related areas.
Cathy
Verified
5/02/2019
Environment
The environment here is really great. Despite the well organized buildings and libraries, there are also places for students to just stay and relax also even study in the corners of each campus. The professors are mostly really nice and try to interact with students a lot. So, to sum up, the environment is really nice for studying here.
Philip
Verified
15/04/2018
Quality education
Quality education where it emphazises the importance of academic. No finger to put on this aspect of the school.
However, sometimes the administration and IT can be lacking a bit, but in general a really good choice for education!
Student
Verified
27/09/2017
Best Time!
Classes are challenging and conducted in a professional manner. CBS offers a wide range of possibilities to develop outside of the classes! Libraries and other facilities on the campus are very well adjusted to the student needs.
Student
Verified
22/09/2017
A heavily theory-based curriculum combined with an ever-stimulating environment
I am currently a Master student at CBS, but I have also completed a Bachelor's Degree in this university. I am quite satisfied with my studies and the teaching level. However, when compared to other business schools, it becomes apparent that most courses at CBS strive to find a good balance between theoretical insight and real-life examples. Compared to my exchange university, the projects that I have found myself writing at CBS have a far less practical application and also leave little room for creativity. If the teaching is heavily theoretical, on the bright side, the university arranges a number of events throughout the year to encourage students to apply their knowledge, in the form of career fairs, case competitions, and other events organized by student associations. In my experience, teachers are very easily approachable and happy to answer your questions. A foreign student like me will find a more international environment at Master level, since the number of international (or at least non-Scandinavian) students enrolled in the Bachelor programs is quite low. However, all communication (both oral and written) from teachers and the university offices is always in English. Administrative offices, student guidance services, the career center, and the international office are definitely worth a mention. All of the requests that I have had throughout the years have always been met with kindness, promptness and efficiency.
