Daniel Petre, Student of the MSc in Sustainable Development, Management & Policy

Interview with Daniel Petre, Student of the MSc in Sustainable Development, Management & Policy

About Daniel:

I was born and raised in Venezuela but I have double nationality (Venezuelan and French). I graduated from high school when I was almost 17 and then I went to France for a cultural exchange year to learn the language. I ended up staying in Europe for a few more years studying and working in Spain and France; eventually I obtained a Hotel and Tourism Management degree in Nimes, France. After graduating I worked in hotels in South Korea and China and in a cruise line travelling the Pacific Ocean. 

Why did you decide to study Sustainable Development in Vienna at MODUL University?

I was interested in studying sustainable development since I first heard the term sustainable tourism during my Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Tourism Management in France. I decided to study at MODUL University because it offered a very interesting and complete curriculum which suited my ideas on what this topic should be about. As well I found out that I could be part of the first promotion, so that sounded to me interesting. The university itself looked very unique, being an eco-friendly building, and the natural surroundings were very appealing. As well, I found the city very attractive to live in since I had never been in Vienna (or Austria) before and I had heard that it was the city with the highest living standards in the world.

How do you like the study program so far? What makes the program experience for you personally unique?

The study program is very interesting and varied. We have lecturers with very different backgrounds, experiences and nationalities. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to learn about the different dimensions of sustainable development and better understand the complexity behind this topic. I like that we have classmates from different parts of the world; this creates a unique study environment. Our courses are structured in small groups and in my point of view we are very lucky since we can have a better interaction with lecturers and with other students. As well the location of the university makes the studying experience very pleasant. The road to the university is through Kahlenberg forest which is very nice and relaxing compared to the commotion in the city.

Finally, I find it great that the university hosts different conferences, think tanks, lectures, projects and academic research on sustainable issues. We are encouraged to take part in them; this way we can get acquainted with current issues regarding sustainable development.

[img_assist|nid=4295|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=300]How does the unique study location at Kahlenberg and the eco-friendly university building add value to the experience?

The study location at Kahlenberg is remarkable since the views from the university are incredible. Something that impresses me the most is the change of seasons throughout the year. I had never experienced this before and it’s amazing to see the forest change in each season. As well one can walk in the natural surroundings and enjoy the great weather when we exit our courses.

The eco-friendly university definitely brings value to the studying experience. The facilities of the building are very modern and they reflect the values of the university. It would be a shame if the university taught about sustainable issues but would not try to be sustainable themselves. In this sense they operate in different levels to try to minimize their impact through efficient energy use, conserving water, minimizing waste, using recycling materials and following environmental legislations and standards among other activities. As well they coordinate a sustainability committee to find new solutions and alternatives to be more “sustainable”. Another aspect that I find interesting for students is that the university encourages us to find innovative ideas to deal with activities that impact negatively the environment and could possibly be implemented at the university.

Speaking of sustainability and eco-friendliness:What method/theory of sustainable development

& management can be applied best to each individual’s every-day life?

It is very difficult to say exactly what can one do since there are a lot of aspects that one should take into account when one tries to be “sustainable”. In my opinion first of all one should think about our consumption patterns and learn to differentiate actual “needs” from “wants”. When we learn that just by changing our ways and thinking how our actions will impact our surroundings we can definitely make a big difference, then we will be behaving more “sustainably”. As well, I think it is important for us to learn about the interactions between human being and nature and the complexity behind this relation. Something that might seem meaningless for us might actually have a negative impact on the environment which will eventually have a negative impact on ourselves.

What are your career plans after you successfully have graduated from MU? 

When I graduate from MU I want to first of all focus on improving my German level since I would like to find a job in Vienna. I would like to continue enhancing my work experience and I would even welcome an opportunity to work in a country I have never been before. My career plans for the long term are to go back to my country and make a positive difference with all the experience and knowledge I have gained abroad. Mainly I would like to work in sustainable tourism development of my home town near the sea.