Profile
Thomas Bjarnesen
Copenhagen, Denmark NO LONGER ACTIVE BLOGGERAge: 28
Education and training:
- Innovation and Business student at CBS, Copenhagen
- Master Thesis at Novozymes on innovative business models for sustainability business projects.
- Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Milan (2008)
- Copenhagen Business School (2004-2010)
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences (2000-2003)
I have always had an idealistic approach towards my choice of career. I spent a few years of my childhood in Africa, which I think had an impact on my world view and on where I see myself in the near future. In my work, there should be a balance between my personal goals and doing something for “the common good”. During high school, my mind was set on medical school – I was intrigued by the topics, the opportunities for “saving the world” and for an international career. I started at medical school, but found out that even though my quest might be right, it wasn’t as a doctor I was to pursue it.
After having talked to friends, visited lectures on different educations, and much pondering, I made my decision. I spotted an undergraduate program at Copenhagen Business School! At first, the transition from medical school to CBS was challenging. However, my undergraduate program in economics and psychology opened the doors I was looking for, and led me to discover my key areas of interest. And during the final year it was crystal clear. My graduate program should be Management of Innovation and Business Development, and an add-on double degree in International Management completed the picture. During my undergraduate studies I worked in some private companies. It was exciting because I got to use theory from my studies, and gained valuable experience from “the real world”. When I got the chance to work with research within innovation, I had to say yes! When I returned from my exchange in Milan, I went back to research; this time within CSR. During the course of my studies, I have had great fun and learned a lot from being part of organizing teams for conferences at CBS, and as part of the executive team in an international student organization.
So now I am working and writing my master thesis on innovative business models for sustainability business projects here at Novozymes. It’s a very exciting challenge to combine my job with my thesis writing at Novozymes. My job in the Sustainability Development dept. matches well my hopes for a balance in my work, and I get to develop general practical skills and competences that complement my existing knowledge base. The extent of my “extracurricular activities” will be rather limited the next six months, but I look forward to spring comes and the golf courses open. I love travelling abroad, and I hope soon to meet up with my study friends from Milan, and to take a trip to my favorite continent – Africa!
I hope you will enjoy my blog!