A day in the life of a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Business student
Friday 15 August - Iguatemi Melo Costa, Scientific Manager at Natura Cosmeticos SA and a student on the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Business at CISL, shares a day in the life of his studies in Cambridge, UK.
My day begins with…
A bit of stretching and light exercise to wake up, followed by a hot shower to activate my mind. If it were in Brazil, it would be a cold one, but I haven't had the courage to do that here in Cambridge yet! I then head to breakfast at Robinson College, where I’ve been staying for all of the workshops – there’s something “fitting” about starting the day with an English breakfast, even though it's completely different from what I do on a regular day-to-day basis. Before leaving, I review the day’s programme and gather my materials, ready for another intense day. Then a walk to West Hub along Cambridge's spring-fresh path is one of the most inspiring parts of the day.
The workshop starts with…
Arriving at the venue, there’s a quiet buzz of anticipation as we settle in and prepare to dive into the topics that connect business with the pressing sustainability challenges of our time. The first session was a student soundbite, a session that features a fellow student talking about their work. It was a great presentation describing, in a real case, the role of clarity in sharing a goal to employees and how the engagement derived from this collaborates with meeting (and in this case overcoming) sustainability challenges.
Between sessions we…
This is the time to catch up over coffee, share reactions to the content presented and often continue the discussion that began in the classroom. Talking to other students in the same group about the possibility of pursuing a Master's degree (I'm currently studying for a Diploma) has been important in making this decision. These informal exchanges with students from different parts of the world bring new perspectives and are just as enriching as the structured sessions themselves. It is also at this time that you can see if there are any “fires to put out” at work, which has been left outside the classroom for the time being.
After lunch we…
Return to the classroom re-energised for more interactive sessions - case studies, group exercises, or deep dives into frameworks that help translate sustainability into business strategy. The afternoons often feel like a space where ideas come together and start taking shape.
After sessions finish…
I return to Robinson College and in my room, I reflect on the day, review my notes and deal with a specific piece of work that requires more urgent attention. Most evenings, I grab a sandwich or other quick dinner for convenience and then make a video call with my wife and daughter in Brazil – sharing my day with them and hearing what they have to say helps me stay connected and grounded.
After a day of learning, I feel…
Mentally stimulated and deeply energised, even if physically tired (especially in the first few days, when the time difference takes its toll). There’s a sense of renewal that comes from being in this environment – surrounded by committed professionals and immersed in thoughtful, purpose-driven learning.
I am excited by/inspired to…
I’m inspired to take the insights and tools from Cambridge back into my workplace. The course reinforces my belief that business plays a crucial role in sustainable development, and it gives me the clarity, tools and confidence to continue driving meaningful change within my company and industry. One of the aspects I value most – both in the workshops and throughout the course – is the balance it strikes between high academic rigour and practical application, all grounded in real-world business context and language.