BSc—PostDoc Training

I spent 3 months at HAW Hamburg, studying Sustainable Development topics and participating in various events. I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, which broadened my perspective on ESG practices and sustainability in a European context, while strengthening my autonomy, adaptability, and English fluency in a multicultural environment.

During my time as a visiting PhD candidate, I conducted 40 interviews for my thesis on the hidden curriculum and the decolonization of business schools. Professor Walter Leal and his team were welcoming and helpful, playing a fundamental role in the development of my research. During this period, I had the opportunity to work on the organizing committees for four in-person and two online academic events. I also actively participated in drafting and publishing academic papers and managing Networks. I feel that the knowledge shared with me shaped me into the researcher I am today.

The experience of spending six months of my doctoral studies at HAW, working alongside the FTZ-NK team, was undoubtedly a turning point in my career and in my personal life as well. During that time, I had countless opportunities to learn about research, management, scientific output, and the development of research papers, in addition to gaining firsthand experience with the dynamics and operations of an international research group. During this time, I was able to significantly expand my professional network, attend events, exchange knowledge, and strengthen professional and academic partnerships. The experience was made even more enriching by the opportunity to continue collaborating with the team for two years after my return to Brazil. Professor Walter’s team is extremely welcoming and offers many opportunities for visiting researchers to get involved and participate in the various activities and projects developed by the group. This openness was essential for me to make the most of the experience in such a comprehensive and enriching way. I am very grateful to Professor Walter and the entire FTZ-NK team for all the opportunities, for their hospitality, and for everything I learned throughout this journey. Without a doubt, this experience played a very important role in shaping the professional I have become.

My sandwich PhD period in Germany was a transformative experience that enriched both my academic and personal journey. During the months I spent in Hamburg, I had the opportunity to experience numerous opportunities and work alongside renowned researchers in my field of study. In addition to the academic environment, immersion in the German culture was an enriching experience. The cultural richness, academic environment, and collaboration opportunities provided an unparalleled period of growth and learning

Collaborating with the renowned sustainability researcher, Prof. Dr. Walter Leal, along with interacting with scholars from around the world, provided a very fruitful experience, enriching both my professional and personal perspectives. In addition to collecting data for my thesis, I had the opportunity to engage in articles, books, event organization, and participation. This unique experience transformed my view as a global researcher.

Reflecting on my time as a PhD student at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg), I am filled with a sense of gratitude and accomplishment. Choosing to work with Prof. Leal and the dedicated team at the FTZ-NK research centre was one of the best decisions I made during my academic journey. My period of study at HAW Hamburg stands out as one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my entire academic career.

The research environment at FTZ-NK opened doors to an international dimension of conducting research that I had never imagined possible. It provided me with a unique platform to engage with global perspectives, fostering a sense of interconnectedness that transcended geographical boundaries. This exposure to a diverse academic community not only broadened my horizons but also presented challenges that significantly enriched my personal and professional growth

The experience at HAW was outstanding in several ways. The team at the FTZ-NK facilitated the participation in university events and in projects developed by the centre. The scientific production was also a highlight of the period at HAW – and after my return to Brazil as well. The opportunity of studying at HAW, connecting with a centre dedicated to sustainable development and climate change issues led to personal, academic and professional development, boosting my career and opening doors to exciting new challenges.

The experience provided at HAW, under the guidance of Prof. Walter Leal, was transformative in terms of learning for my education and professional career. I highlight the training opportunities in HAW's graduate programs for the development of high-impact articles and theses, experiences gained through participation in symposiums and training sessions in other countries with experts. It allowed me to explore new research areas, methods, and integrate with new teams and networks of researchers from different regions of the world, which facilitated experiences, scientific enhancement, and high-impact publications.

Going to Germany was a blind choice, with many expectations but without any certainty. What happened after this experience was an evolution in my professional career and for all the students who followed and also had the opportunity to go.