Margherita Cristaldi

I work as a Sustainability Consultant. This means that I work with clients on sustainability-related projects. Most of these are related to European regulations on sustainability reporting. We support clients by assessing their material topics, filling the gaps, and implementing targets, policies, and plans to enhance their sustainability strategy. The projects can vary depending on the clients' needs and range from a focus on climate risks and transition plans to biodiversity and human rights.

What interested you about the field/company/role you are currently in?

Working for a multinational company such as KPMG gave me the opportunity to be exposed to international clients, whose operations span not only across Europe but also other countries on other continents. Having this broad perspective is helping me understand how to work with sustainability in different contexts. I am very interested in the field, as I believe that only when big business players start making an effort regarding their impact can the system actually improve and make a difference. It is a very fast-paced field, and significant changes are always around the corner. This high degree of novelty makes the field exciting and stimulating to work in.

Why did you choose to study International Business at SSE?

I decided to pursue my Master's degree at SSE, as the MSc program in International Business has a very international cohort and, together with CEMS, allowed me to travel and learn from different cultures. I appreciated the strong connection with corporate partners and the projects carried out with companies, starting from the first term of the first year. Having real hands-on experience has been the greatest takeaway I brought with me from SSE when starting my first full-time job. Finally, meeting ambitious and like-minded people, whom I now consider close friends, has been truly enriching.

How did your time/education at SSE help guide you to the career journey you have embarked on?

The professors and students I met during my studies at SSE inspired me to always look for something more, to reach out to people in the network, and to strive for the best. This mindset helped me land my summer internship at EFRAG, where I developed critical knowledge on sustainability reporting in the heart of Brussels, which opened the door to my current role. Additionally, the mentorship program, career counselling, and support from the staff have been really valuable.

Following the time at SSE, do you have any words of wisdom or advice you would like to share with our current students?

I would say that it’s true: “sharing is caring,” and that says a lot about the community that students form at SSE. I would advise students not to be shy and to reach out to alumni if they are interested in a specific field—it’s always nice to get in touch with MIB students and share personal experiences. Most importantly, enjoy the time at SSE; enjoy the long study sessions, but also the parties and fun social events. The two-year Master's will fly by very quickly, believe me. ;)

What are three words that sum up your time at SSE?

Enriching, intense, inspiring.