Vienna Waits for You: A Study Trip Experience on Sustainability, Innovation & Culture
In April 2025, HHL’s full-time MBA cohort embarked on a study trip experience to Vienna, exploring the themes of sustainability, innovation, and culture. Navonaya shares her personal experiences from the journey. Discover how this impactful experience shaped her perspective and learning.
Exploring Vienna’s Intersection of Innovation and Culture
From April 9 to April 12, 2025, our batch M25 students embarked on a study trip to Vienna, exploring the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and culture. Starting at Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, our group, led by Professor Vivek and Felix, traveled via high-speed train through Germany and into Austria, engaging in insightful conversations on climate finance and stakeholder management along the way. The first day ended with a pizza party and watching a football match at our hotel.
Academic Insights at Impact Hub Vienna
Our academic program began at Impact Hub Vienna on April 10, a co-working space supporting sustainable business ventures. A highlight was the Teach for Austria workshop, where we tackled real-life educational challenges using creative problem-solving methods. The setting itself was made of recycled materials and wool décor, which echoed Vienna’s deep-rooted sustainability ethos. The group activity empowered us to step into the role of problem solvers in the education sector.
Cultural Exploration and Personal Reflections
Later, we explored cultural landmarks like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera, where some students attended a performance of Salome. These experiences reminded us that sustainability is not only about the environment but also about cultural preservation. On April 11, we dove into climate economics and future job markets during discussions hosted in a historic venue. The centerpiece was our visit to Spittelau, Vienna Energie’s iconic waste-to-energy plant, redesigned by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This facility not only powers thousands of homes but also symbolizes the integration of utility and urban design. My final evening took place in the tranquil Japanese Garden at Setagaya Park. Amid cherry blossoms, I reflected on how sustainability is more than mere policy; it is a mindset that connects people, professions, and purpose.
The study trip experience concluded on April 12, but its impact will resonate far beyond. It offered a rare blend of academic depth, practical exposure, and personal growth – underscoring that learning doesn’t only happen in lecture halls.
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Key Takeaways
- Pre-requisite for impact does not require scale. It starts with imagination.
- Gained insights into sustainable business ecosystems and climate solutions.
- Practiced collaborative innovation and design thinking.
- Experienced cultural richness alongside academic learning
“Vienna waits for you,” sang Billy Joel. For us, it did, and it delivered.
I'm Navonaya Brahmachari, a full-time MBA candidate at HHL, currently based in Leipzig, Germany. I'm a passionate storyteller through data and a self-driven fintech consultant, bringing nearly three years of experience from a U.S.-based unicorn SaaS startup, where I designed financial solutions for global clients. With a background in Computer Science and Communication Engineering, I combine analytical rigor with creative thinking to deliver purpose-driven, strategic outcomes. At HHL, I also serve as the President of the Positive Impact Society, a student ambassador, and the Class Representative for my cohort.
