First cohort starts new master’s program at NHH

A composite image showing four students walking together in a bright corridor on the left, and Helsinki Cathedral rising above the waterfront on the right.
From left: Henrik Skorpe Skjolden, Trisha Shenoy, Lena Grimstad, Emilie C. Brennesvik-Jensen. The four NHH students are pioneers in NHH’s newest master’s programme. Photo: Ina-Cristine Helljesen
By Ina-Cristine Helljesen

22 April 2026 13:30

First cohort starts new master’s program at NHH

Lena Grimstad (23) and Emilie Cordelia Brennesvik-Jensen (23) are at the forefront of a new master’s track with an international sustainability focus.

A woman sits in a white spherical chair in a library, surrounded by bookshelves.
Emilie Cordelia Brennesvik-Jensen says that teaching in Finland places a strong focus on personal development, both in sustainability and management, and that smaller classes allow for more one-on-one guidance.

‘I have tickets to the ice hockey game tonight. Want to join?’

NHH student Lena Grimstad, is sitting at a table with her three Norwegian classmates outside the student caferteria at Hanken School of Economics.

“It’s Helsinki’s local team playing against a Finnish rival. Several others from our class are going too. I think it’ll be fun,” Grimstad adds with an enthusiastic smile.

The others exchange glances.

If there are still tickets, we’ll join,’ says Emilie Cordelia Brennesvik-Jensen, followed by a nod of agreement from the others.

A few months ago, this scene would have been unthinkable. However, in Finland, where ice hockey is king, world-class action is never far away.

APPLY TO GSM BEFORE JUNE 1!

A different kind of master’s program

The four NHH students are part of the very first cohort to choose the Global Sustainability Management (GSM) track at master’s level, a program that includes an exchange semester in Helsinki.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE GSM? 

Henrik Skorpe Skjolden (26): With the world heading in this direction, international sustainability is highly relevant. This additional program offers valuable opportunities and has already exceeded my expectations.
Emilie Brennesvik-Jensen (23): The goal is that the combination gives me a unique profile. I have chosen strategy and management as my main specialization, and I get international sustainability as an addition.
Lena Grimstad (23): I wanted to do something that sets me apart. It was also a bonus that the program starts with an exchange, which helps us quickly become a close-knit cohort.
Trisha Shenoy (22): I have always been interested in sustainability and have a strong desire to work with sustainability in developing countries. This opportunity therefore fits very well with my future ambitions.

The program provides a certificate in international sustainability and management and is taken alongside the regular master’s degree.

‘When this opportunity arose, I embraced the chance to do something different and gain something extra without sacrificing anything,’ says Brennesvik-Jensen.

The program is developed through ENGAGE.EU, the European university alliance of which NHH is a member.

The facade of Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki, a white building with large windows, flagpoles, and a green outdoor area.
Hanken School of Economics is ranked among the three best universities in the Nordic region (FT).

‘Through GSM, students get to work on real sustainability challenges in an international context. This provides highly valuable competence,’ says NHH Rector Helge Thorbjørnsen.

‘A great student city’

Although most of the master’s program takes place at NHH, one semester is spent at Hanken School of Economics in the heart of Helsinki. This winter, Lena Grimstad and three fellow students travelled to the Finnish capital.

‘Helsinki is a great student city. The nightlife is great and it’s easy to get around. It’s not that different from Oslo, but it’s cheaper to live here. People also speak da different language and the sauna culture is more social than we’re used to back home,’ says Grimstad.

‘I find that doing a semester at another European university is a nice change of pace,’ adds Brennesvik-Jensen in reference to Hanken which is listed among the top three universities in the Nordic region.
‘New experiences and impressions help recharge your batteries. It’s also reassuring that several of us from NHH are here together,’ she adds.

About the GSM program

  • GSM is short for Global Sustainability Management
  • The program focuses on management, sustainability and international collaboration
  • It is developed by the ten partners in the ENGAGE.EU university alliance
  • It is taken in addition to the regular master’s degree
  • Students receive a separate program certificate alongside their master’s degree
  • Application deadline for GSM for students starting their master’s at NHH in autumn 2026: 1. June
  • Number of spots available to NHH students: 10

Close to real-world challenges

The program strongly emphasizes hands-on work with concrete sustainability challenges, including collaboration with Finnish companies to solve real-life problems.

‘It’s really exciting to work this way and get a taste of real working life,’ says Brennesvik-Jensen.

Over the past week, she has been interviewing laboratory staff about new solutions to reduce unnecessary use and disposal of equipment. Another group is working on sustainability issues in the textile industry, while a third group is focusing on AI in relation to ESG reporting.

‘I’ve scheduled two more interviews this afternoon,’ she says, glancing at the clock. It’s approaching lunchtime. She looks towards the canteen and the growing queue.

‘The student cafeteria prices are much more budget friendly than back home,’ she says pointing to a sign with large black letters reading 1.8 euros.

‘For that price,’ you can fill your plate to the brim, she explains.

‘Shall we get in line before it gets long?’

She looks at the other three before they all get up.

Lena Grimstad checks her phone.

‘There are still tickets available for the ice hockey game. Should I just book them?’