Master in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSc)
Meet our alumni: Jan-Owe Linden, Class of 2020
We spoke to Jan-Owe, an ESCP alumnus who shared his journey from studying industrial engineering at TU Dortmund to working as a senior consultant at Capgemini Invent. With a strong interest in technology-enabled sustainability and experience across various industries, Jan-Owe discusses how ESCP’s master's programme helped shape his career path. He also offers insights into the dynamic international experience of studying in Berlin and Paris.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m Jan-Owe Linden, and I originally come from a small village outside Cologne, Germany. I studied industrial engineering at TU Dortmund. When I was at TU Dortmund, I focused on four major fields: mechanical and electrical engineering, IT, and economics. After graduating, I completed an internship at KPMG Lighthouse, which is the department focusing on Data & Analytics, Intelligent Automation and AI.
What did you think this programme could add to your profile?
The main reasons why I decided to apply for this master’s programme at ESCP Business School are
- The excellent academic reputation of the university,
- The fact that one is studying in different countries and getting to know different cultures,
- The three pillars of the programme, being entrepreneurship, sustainability and innovation, and finally
- The one-year long start-up project incorporated in the programme.
What are you currently doing now?
After graduating from ESCP, I joined Capgemini Invent as a Consultant in the Enterprise Transformation team in Berlin. In that role, I am consulting clients from various industries regarding topics including Process Mining, process analyses and target operating models.
Since joining Capgemini Invent, I had the opportunity to lead project streams with an increased responsibility ensuring deliverables align with both client expectations and organizational goals.
What sustainability topics particularly interest you?
Technology-enabled sustainability is a field that interests me. Some examples include smart cities with IoT transforming resource management as well as green buildings, smart grids for energy, electric vehicles, and vertical farming.
What aspect of the curriculum did you enjoy the most?
The one-year start-up project was a lot of fun. Teams of students developed sustainability-related start-up ideas using methods such as the business model canvas, which they further refined until creating minimum viable products (MVPs). Eventually, each idea was pitched at an event hosted by a Berlin-based venture capital firm.
Can you share more about your Company Consultancy Project (CCP)?
I was part of a team of students working with the global intralogistics company Jungheinrich. The concrete topic was a macroeconomic analysis of external impact factors and their influence on the global pricing strategy. This involved examining various influential dimensions across 40 defined distribution countries. The project concluded with a comprehensive report outlining next steps for the company.
You did your internship at Siemens. What was the scope of your responsibilities there?
At Siemens Mobility, I was part of the corporate venturing unit, with the goal of driving innovation by forming long-term partnerships between start-ups and business units. My responsibilities included scouting and evaluating start-ups with a focus on areas such as Augmented Reality, LiDAR sensors, iCCTV, and autonomous driving. Additionally, I co-authored reports on topics such as "AI in Mobility”.
What were the highlights of being a student in both Berlin and Paris?
The prospect of studying in both Berlin and Paris was a significant factor that drew me to ESCP Business School. In retrospect, I can say that it was an incredible experience. The cultural diversity, the location of Berlin as a start-up hub in the context of the programme, and access to academic excellence across different countries were all outstanding. This experience helped me build a strong international network and really enriched my personal growth.
To what kind of person would you recommend the MSEI programme?
I recommend this programme to persons from any background who are driven to tackle social and environmental challenges and have an entrepreneurial way of thinking. My tip is to dive into networking, get involved in the various societies and projects at the Berlin and Paris campus and have fun! This will help you build strong friendships.