Danielle Jakob - She/they
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Systems Management
Graduation date: Fall 2025
Where are you from? Describe what your hometown and/or family is like?
I'm from a town outside of Albany, New York, and I grew up skiing in the Adirondacks and boating on Lake George. Being surrounded by such incredible natural beauty from a young age taught me to appreciate the environment, not just as something to enjoy, but as something we're responsible for protecting. Those experiences planted the seeds for my career in sustainability.
Why did you choose this major?
I chose SSM because most sustainability programs force you to choose: either technical environmental science or business management. This program gives you both. I knew that to make real impact in corporate sustainability, I'd need to analyze resource use reduction AND build the business case for why it's worth investing in. SSM was the only program that trained me to do both.
What has been a favorite course, project, or experience in the SSM/BBE program so far?
I have two favorites: academically, it was Systems Thinking and Analysis with Tim Smith, where we read Donella Meadows' "Thinking in Systems" and she outlines a framework for identifying leverage points in complex systems, which quickly became the foundation for how I approach sustainability challenges. I read her book three times across different courses and it still reveals new insights. Practically, it was my MnTAP internship conducting a water and energy efficiency assessment at a state correctional facility. Applying systems thinking to identify 4 million gallons of annual water savings, 1.1 million kWh savings, and $200K in cost reductions showed me that this work creates real, measurable impact.
What student groups or extracurricular activities are you involved in and why?
I served as a BBE Ambassador because I think prospective students are searching for what this program offers without realizing it exists—a way to build technical sustainability expertise while developing business acumen for real-world impact. Outside of academics, I served as Program Chair for a 2,600-person international conference, managing a $30,000 budget and coordinating cross-functional teams. That leadership experience reinforced my belief that complex challenges require both systems thinking and strong execution—exactly what SSM teaches.
What are your career goals after graduation?
I'm pursuing roles in corporate sustainability, specifically helping companies integrate water stewardship and carbon accounting into their operations. I'm passionate about water resource protection and want to work at the intersection of environmental impact and business strategy—whether that's on an internal corporate sustainability team or in consulting.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the BBE/SSM community?
A small piece of advice for current students: build relationships with professors early, so they can become mentors, not just instructors. Several of my professors' guidance has extended well beyond class and has been invaluable as I navigate my career launch. Also, don't underestimate the power of SSM's dual focus: when I'm interviewing for sustainability roles, I'm competing against environmental science majors who can't speak business language and business majors who lack technical depth. SSM gives you both, which is rare and valuable.