From Delaware to Georgetown: My Journey in Sustainability Management
This story is part of the Student Voices series, which provides a firsthand perspective of the student experience at Georgetown McDonough.
Max Scheiner (MS-ESM’24) is a master’s candidate in the Environment and Sustainability Management (ESM) program and a sustainability consultant at Georgetown McDonough’s Business of Sustainability Initiative from Newark, Delaware. Here, Scheiner reflects on his experience at Georgetown, valuable lessons learned, and what he plans to do after he crosses the Commencement stage in May.
Scheiner and his classmates gathered for dinner after completing one of their first days of classes.
As a graduate of the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in energy and environmental policy, I was eager to further my education and pursue a master’s degree in sustainability. After researching several programs, I found Georgetown’s M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management program to be the perfect fit for me.
Scheiner introduced John Davies, the director of Net Impact and senior vice president for the GreenBiz Executive Network, as the speaker for Georgetown University’s “Meet and Greet” event with GreenBiz.
One of the key aspects that impressed me about Georgetown’s program was its academic structure. The MS-ESM program provided ample opportunities to develop skills in areas such as environmental policy, sustainability management, and climate change adaptation. This holistic approach to sustainability was exactly what I was looking for.
In addition to the academic structure, the program’s location benefits were also a major draw for me. Georgetown’s campus is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., which provided me with unique access to policymakers, industry leaders, and other experts in the sustainability field. This location also allowed me to attend various sustainability-related events and conferences, which further enhanced my knowledge and skills.
The cohort model was another significant factor that contributed to my decision to attend Georgetown. The program’s close-knit community allowed me to form strong bonds with my classmates, who came from different parts of the world. Celebrating with them after completing our final presentations was an unforgettable experience.
Scheiner and his classmates had dinner together after completing their final presentation in their Economics of Climate Change course.
Furthermore, Georgetown helped me to grow both academically and professionally. The practical knowledge I gained in the classroom was immediately applicable in the real world and after just three months in the program, I was offered a role on the Business of Sustainability Initiative (BSI) team. Working with Gabe Dorsey, associate director of initiatives at the McDonough School of Business, I was able to organize BSI’s annual university-wide sustainability workshop and summit, arrange fireside chats with sustainability experts, and write published articles about each event.
Gabe Dorsey, my supervisor for BSI, has been a significant influence on my Georgetown experience. He has been welcoming, generous, and dependable since day one, and has always looked for ways to help me excel in my role. I couldn’t have asked for a better boss.
In addition to my studies and role with BSI, I am also an intern for the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) in membership and environmental stewardship. Here, I have the opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained from my business courses to the daily operations of the organization.
Scheiner and his BSI supervisor Gabe Dorsey
As for my post-graduate plans, I hope to stay in the DMV area and help organizations achieve their sustainability goals. I am particularly interested in working in the private sector, leveraging the skills and knowledge I gained from the MS-ESM program and my professional experience.
To the next MS-ESM cohort, my advice is to take advantage of every opportunity Georgetown offers. The program’s unique curriculum structure provides a comprehensive understanding of sustainability from both scientific and business perspectives and offers opportunities to apply this knowledge to real-world challenges. Take advantage of Georgetown’s industry engagement through networking and career opportunities to grow.
Scheiner and his classmates during their Holiday party
-Max Scheiner (MS-ESM’24)