Sustainability in action

Daniela Fritz: Driving sustainability through strategy and practice

Daniela Fritz has been working at A1 Austria since 2010 and is now a Sustainability Manager. Her work includes coordinating ESG reporting, covering environmental, social and governance topics and building a sustainability community. She is also involved in initiatives such as the A1 digital.campus and the A1 Seniorenakademie.

She chose IMC Krems for its practice-oriented approach and the opportunity to combine studies with work. The master degree programme provides her with new perspectives and theoretical frameworks that she can directly apply in her role. “The different perspectives from the courses help me to make more informed decisions and to critically reflect on processes.”

Her studies strengthen her systemic thinking, her ability to work with sustainability metrics and her communication of complex topics. For her, the interaction between theory and practice is essential, as it allows her to better understand and address real-world challenges.

Lena Johannsen: A strategic perspective on organisations

Lena Johannsen joined A1 Austria in 2021 and works in People & Culture, focusing on apprenticeship recruiting and employer branding. With a background in psychology, she chose the master degree programme Umwelt- und Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement at IMC Krems to deepen her understanding of responsible organisational development.

The programme’s strategic approach enables her to better understand complex organisational dynamics and develop a more systemic and long-term perspective. At the same time, the exchange with fellow students and lecturers provides valuable insights beyond her own professional environment.

Valentin Mayr: From IMC Krems graduate to Environmental Manager

After graduating from IMC Krems in 2019, Valentin Mayr joined A1 Austria through an internship in energy and environmental management. Since 2020, he has been working as an Environmental Manager.

In his role, he is responsible for environmental reporting, coordinating environmental measures and acting as a contact for sustainability topics. The practical insights and knowledge gained during his studies continue to support his daily work.

“The field of sustainability is constantly evolving. Those who stay open and try new approaches can make a real impact,” he adds.

Why combining studies and work creates real value

All 3 emphasise the value of combining studies with professional experience. While the programme provides theoretical frameworks, their work at A1 allows them to apply these insights directly in practice. This interaction fosters deeper understanding, critical thinking and the ability to drive meaningful change within organisations.

Advice for future students

For students considering a similar path, their advice is clear. Staying open to new perspectives, actively engaging with the IMC Krems network and reflecting on both academic and professional experiences are key to personal and professional development. Choosing roles that connect theory and practice can further enhance learning and impact.

Sustainability is a dynamic field, and those who remain curious and adaptable can actively contribute to shaping the future.

Studying sustainability at IMC Krems

The master degree programme Umwelt- und Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement at IMC Krems prepares students to address complex environmental, social and economic challenges. By combining academic knowledge with practical application, it equips graduates with the skills needed to drive sustainable transformation in organisations.

Umwelt- und Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement