“Keep an open mind and be willing to learn from different people and experiences”
A combination of sustainability, engineering and management led Sarath Sreekumar Nair to a career at Inter IKEA. Today, he works with Life Cycle Assessments and helps stakeholders understand the environmental impact of materials and products.
Name: Sarath Sreekumar Nair Programme: M.Sc. Sustainability Engineering and Management, graduated in 2024. Job: Material Impact Analyst at Inter IKEA
What do you do today, and what does your work involve?
I currently work as a Material Impact Analyst at Inter IKEA. My role involves conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and translating the results into practical insights for stakeholders, helping them understand the environmental impact of materials and identify opportunities to make products more sustainable.
Why did you choose Linköping University and your study programme?
I chose Linköping University for my master’s primarily because of the programme curriculum. I was particularly interested in the combination of sustainability, engineering, and management courses, as I felt this would provide a strong foundation for working with sustainability in a corporate environment.
What was your experience of studying and student life in Linköping?
I had a great experience studying at Linköping University. I lived close to the university, and the city was very accessible by bike and public transport. This made it easy to balance studies, social activities, and everyday life, and contributed to a great student experience.
Is there a memory or experience from your time at LiU that has stayed with you?
Some of my best memories are from working on group projects. They gave me the opportunity to collaborate with people from different backgrounds, exchange ideas, and build friendships. I made some very good friends through these projects, which made the experience even more memorable.
How has your education helped you in your career?
The programme covered a broad range of subjects that have been very relevant to my career. The combination of technical, sustainability, and management courses gave me a more holistic understanding of sustainability challenges and has helped me approach my work from different perspectives.
What advice would you give to future students considering LiU?
Make the most of your time at the university and take advantage of the facilities, opportunities, and resources available to you. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn from different people and experiences, you never know where a valuable lesson or opportunity might come from.