Meet Two Leeds MBA Students with Science Backgrounds Pursuing Impact Business Careers
"The impact-driven community that surrounds Boulder is highly unique, and the university provides incredible opportunities to work within that community.” - Jenny Swonger, MBA ‘21
Over the next few months we will be showcasing some of the many talented Leeds students who are committed to creating social and environmental change with their business degrees. Today, we are excited to introduce you to two MBA students who started their careers in scientific research and who pivoted to the business world as a place where they can deepen and expand their impact. (‘21) and (‘22) exemplify the breadth of experience and range of backgrounds that students come to Leeds with, and which is part of what makes them such incredible advocates for sustainability and business as a force for good.
To learn more about Leeds students, and connect with those who are currently looking for internships and job opportunities in impact-driven business, please be in touch with CESR. We would love to introduce you.
Jenny Swonger, MBA ‘21
Why did you decide to get an MBA? What made you choose Leeds?
I have always been passionate about environmental conservation. Prior to starting at Leeds for my MBA, I worked in the wildlife biology field conducting studies on how climate change affects salt marshes. While I loved the work, analytical skills and team building opportunities I developed in the wildlife field, I felt that helping businesses decrease their environmental footprint would result in a larger environmental impact. As such, I decided to pursue an MBA with a focus in renewable energy. I have always resonated with the culture and outdoor opportunities in babyֱapp, which is what drew me in to Leeds initially.
What was something you learned while at Leeds that surprised you?
Through my Business of Renewable Energy class I partnered with NREL to develop a feasibility analysis and go-to-market strategy for new chemical recycling technology they created. Learning about the quantity of recyclable materials that end up in landfills as well as the general pitfalls of our recycling industry was shocking to me, and really helped showcase the importance of developing new recycling technology to recycle a larger array of products.
What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time at school?
Last March when the world was shutting down due to COVID-19, I took the risk to start my own consulting firm: Entrepreneurial Solutions, 2020. With all the unknowns that came last spring, my team and I were uncertain if we could attract clients or even turn a profit. After developing marketing materials, building out our pipeline and negotiating contracts, we eventually reached a point where we had more clients than we could complete projects for! My team and I worked on projects ranging from medical devices to electric vertical takeoff vehicles and everything in between. The growth I experienced from starting and running my own consulting firm was immeasurable and I could not be more grateful for taking that risk during the start of the pandemic.
What kind of work do you want to do and why does it appeal to you?
Currently I am interning for the , an alliance of large clean energy buyers, NGOs, service providers and developers who are unlocking the marketplace for non-residential energy buyers to rapidly transition to a zero-carbon energy future. While at REBA, I support the membership team through development of marketing collateral and prospecting potential members.
I am continually inspired by my co-workers and stakeholders at REBA and revel in the opportunity to green the grid for all – especially some of the largest energy buyers. I want to continue greening the grid for all, in whatever form that comes in, since electricity and clean energy usage affects every single person on this planet,
says Jenny.
What is one thing that you would like others to know about you?
I have wholeheartedly turned into the quintessential babyֱappan since moving here for graduate school. When I am not working or studying, I love to hike, run and explore all that this beautiful state has to offer. I am also terrified of heights, so I have been spending the last few months tackling that by getting into rock climbing! I have really enjoyed finding new ways to experience the Rockies.
Jenny is currently an intern at the and looking for marketing opportunities in the clean energy industry.
Izzy Diehl MBA ‘22
Why did you decide to get an MBA? What made you choose Leeds?
I decided to get an MBA after I realized that I no longer wanted a career in neuroscience research. I had spent years as a project coordinator and laboratory manager within a neuroscience laboratory and I was ready for a new challenge. I specifically chose Leeds because of the location and the opportunity to build a community in a place that was filled with people that shared a common interest in protecting the environment.
What was something you learned while at Leeds that surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised that in the first semester of the MBA program we would learn how to code! I had always been interested in coding but had never had the opportunity. I had a great time learning something so new and challenging.
What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time at school?
I am proud of my consulting work with , which came through my participation in Leeds Social Impact Consultants (LSIC). I was fortunate to get the opportunity to work for a company that I truly believe in. Mammoth has created a mobile app that helps farmers keep track of their water usage. During the course of the semester, I was able to conduct market research and create an ad campaign. It brought me great joy to bring the skills I had gained during this program into action.
I love using data to make informed decisions, and I also find great joy in uncovering why people engage in certain behaviors, so I decided to get the MBA/MS STEM dual degree in marketing and data analytics. This unique opportunity felt like the perfect bridge between my past career in neuroscience and the one I was hoping to move toward,
says Izzy.
What kind of work do you want to do and why does it appeal to you?
I really want to work in a data analytics role where I can collaborate with the marketing team to uncover consumer decision-making and use those insights to drive business decisions. This work interests me because I am so deeply fascinated by what makes people tick. I would enjoy getting to cater certain aspects of the business to best fit the desires and needs of the consumer. It would be a plus if I could work for a company that prioritizes using capitalism for good and has a focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
What is one thing that you would like others to know about you?
I would like others to know that I am someone that truly enjoys learning. I am such a curious person and spend my free time trying to learn something new, whether that be through a new podcast, a book, or trying out a new hobby. I enjoy anything intellectually stimulating and challenging.
Izzy is looking for a marketing internship focused on the outdoors, including sustainable tourism and gear companies.
To get in touch with or , or learn more about other Leeds’ students pursuing impact careers please contact CESR.