How further training opens up real prospects
In this testimonial, Sven Thode reports on how the Future Jobs Class helped him to combine his knowledge of controlling with the requirements of sustainability and to put this knowledge into practice.
"If you have the relevant figures available, you can quickly identify where the problems lie. Based on this, targeted measures can be taken that bring sustainable improvements for both the environment and the company."
Sven Thode
Graduate industrial engineer and controller
Sven Thode
Sustainability Manager:in
52 years
July 2024
Graduate industrial engineer and controller
"The format and content are very instructive and an important step into the future."
"Sustainability reports require hundreds of data points - from energy consumption and personnel statistics to supply chain analyses. Controlling provides all of this," says the experienced controller. This insight led him to discover a new dimension to his field.
He sees sustainability not as an additional burden, but as an opportunity: "It is a real lever for improvement - for companies, the environment and society."
"It's about using figures to create tangible solutions. I wanted to understand where we stand as a company and society - and, above all, how we can improve."
Sven Thode was at a turning point. After the announcement that his long-standing job would be closing, one thing was clear to him: "I didn't just want to carry on as before, I wanted to develop myself further. Sustainability seemed like the perfect complement to my knowledge from controlling."
"Companies need people who can combine both topics. Understanding this interface has opened up new opportunities for me."
Sven Thode had previously attended a training on business development at the Haufe Akademie . "The topic was already exciting back then, but sustainability goes one step further and connects almost all areas of a company."
For Sven Thode, the further training not only opened the door to a new specialist area, but also to a clearer idea of his professional future: "Today I know that sustainability is more than just an additional topic for me. It's a direction in which I can really make a difference."
"The topic of sustainability is huge - from Sustainable Development Goals to legislation and sustainability reports. It affects almost the entire life of a company."
The EU regulations in particular were a challenge for him: "It's a tough nut to crack. These legal texts are constantly changing, it feels like a moving target."
Despite the challenge, he took a structured approach to learning: "You have to plan for it. I often needed more time than planned because I was looking at a lot of sub-documents, but it was worth it."
"The atmosphere in the Master Class learning community was good. We often talked about our experiences and supported each other. We still do that today, by the way - we still meet virtually on a regular basis."
"The trainers impressed us with clear examples and guided us through the topics step by step. That really made it easier to start learning," praises Sven Thode.
"I've learned that you can't know everything yourself. You have to understand where you can find support," he explains. This insight has shown him how to tackle even complex issues.
"It was instructive and prepared me for the future. It's not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about how to put it into practice."
A particular focus for him was on the practical application of what he had learned. "The supreme discipline is not only to comply with sustainability reporting in accordance with the German Sustainability Code, but also to create real added value for the company and society," says Sven Thode.
He also took away from the Master Class the ability to present the topic in an understandable way: "I learned how to communicate findings clearly - whether to the Management Board or other stakeholders. That was a crucial step for me."
"Planning is the be-all and end-all," says Sven Thode, addressing one of the most important aspects of successful training, "because with such a broad topic, you have to take the time to really get to grips with the content."
He advises people not to work on their own. The exchange with other participants was an important benefit for him: "The learning community was a great support. Talking about problems and solutions together opened up new perspectives for me."
"It's worth it. You gain both specialist knowledge and the ability to tackle complex issues and make a lasting difference."
Become a Sustainability Expert and shape the sustainable transformation of your company.
In this Master Class, you will learn about the legal framework for sustainability and find out how the sustainability strategy can be successfully communicated to relevant stakeholders and implemented within the company.
