Sustainability Skills Set a Candidate Apart
Lola Lichtenstein (SRS ’25) will be joining Bloomberg in a sales role in New York City when she graduates this spring thanks to a successful internship last summer. She says that the skills, knowledge, and values she developed through sustainability classes at Leeds set her up for success and helped her to see that this opportunity would be a good fit.
“Throughout the hiring process, recruiters recognized the skills I’ve developed through my focus on sustainability, like people-centered thinking and ethical decision-making,” Lichtenstein said. “These things align well with the mission-driven, collaborative environment at Bloomberg. My strengths in communication and collaboration, which are important parts of their culture, have been shaped by my experiences in CESR courses, Sustainable Business Club, and team-based projects at Leeds.”
"Recruiters recognized the skills I’ve developed through my focus on sustainability."
Lichtenstein said that she was hesitant at first about the role with Bloomberg since she is not a finance major and initially wanted a role that focused on sustainability. A mentor helped her to see that she had all the skills she needed to be successful, and that sustainability could be a part of jobs in many different fields, if the company’s values aligned with her own.
Guest speakers and peers in Sustainable Business Club, where she serves as VP of Marketing, have inspired her to make a difference and helped her to see that there are many paths to impact.
“I am excited to work in an environment where my values align with others, and where there are many opportunities to learn and grow within the company,” Lichtenstein said. “Long-term, I aspire to create a positive impact on the world through my work. I have lots of ideas for making a difference, and I think Bloomberg will give me the perfect foundation to begin this journey.”
Lichtenstein is passionate about using business to solve challenges like climate change, global inequality and waste. While studying abroad in South Africa, she witnessed the stark divide between wealthy people living in mansions just across a highway from people who were struggling with a lack of basic infrastructure in townships. Classes at Leeds taught her about business models that create positive social and environmental impacts. One day, she hopes to return to South Africa and start a business that would address inequality with long-term solutions.
“The most growth comes in uncomfortable situations, and it's important to explore diverse opportunities.”
Lichtenstein sees building skills and staying true to her values as the key next steps on her career journey. She has advice to share with other Leeds students about pursuing rewarding opportunities and an impactful career.
“I think one of the most important things is to keep an open mind and step out of your comfort zone,” Lichtenstein said. “The most growth comes in uncomfortable situations, and it's important to explore diverse opportunities.”
The Social Responsibility and Ethics Certificate prepares students with many of the skills that helped Lichtenstein land her job and, at just nine credit hours, pairs well with any area of emphasis at Leeds.