Danielle Bansfield’s journey into sustainability work is anything but typical and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.
Originally from the Caribbean and a native English speaker, Danielle studied biology in the United States and began her career in the biotech industry. Life eventually brought her to Finland, where she has now lived for several years, building both her career and her Finnish language skills along the way.
Her academic path in Finland is impressive: she worked as a research technician in molecular biology at the University of Helsinki while completing a Master’s degree in Environmental Biology. She then went on to earn a PhD in Water and Environmental Engineering from Aalto University, graduating just last year. Over more than a decade, her expertise has grown into a unique combination of natural sciences, molecular biology, and environmental engineering.
But despite her strong research background, Danielle was looking for something more practical.
Bridging the gap between research and business
Danielle applied to SYKLI Environmental College’s Sustainability Management and Reporting training with a clear goal in mind: to apply her research expertise in practice.
“I wanted to move from theory into practice,” she explains.
Having come across Sykli earlier at industry events, she already knew about their training programs. When she later found the course on Työmarkkinatori —just before the application deadline— it felt like the right opportunity at exactly the right time.
The training turned out to be much more than just coursework. The group was made up of experienced and motivated professionals, creating a supportive and collaborative environment from day one. A shared WhatsApp group quickly became an important channel for exchanging ideas, job opportunities, and encouragement.
“The peer support was incredibly valuable, especially in a situation where unemployment can feel lonely,” Danielle says.
The teaching itself was interactive and engaging, combining group work, discussions, and practical exercises instead of relying solely on lectures. Participation was key, and learning happened just as much between students as it did from instructors.
Unexpectedly, the experience also led to meaningful friendships that have lasted beyond the program.
Gaining hands-on experience at EnviPro
Like many participants, Danielle initially found it challenging to secure a work placement. The breakthrough came through a combination of her own network and a timely opportunity: the environmental consulting company EnviPro had reached out to Sykli looking for trainees.
After sending her CV, Danielle was quickly invited to an interview.
“The company felt open, honest, and genuinely interested in my development,” she recalls.
For Danielle, it was also important to find a workplace where she could operate as a non-native Finnish speaker and EnviPro proved to be just that.
From day one, she was welcomed as part of the team. Colleagues across the organization supported her learning and involved her in a wide range of tasks related to sustainability and quality systems, giving her a comprehensive view of the company’s work.
Her main project focused on bringing together the company’s sustainability services into a clear, structured offering. This included integrating carbon footprint calculations, climate reporting, environmental management systems, and sustainability assessments into a cohesive service package.
She also contributed to developing ESG-related due diligence tools and helped communicate these services through the company’s website, LinkedIn, and webinars.
Despite the responsibility, Danielle was trusted to work independently, while always having access to guidance and support when needed.
Building skills that matter
During the training and her placement, Danielle gained practical knowledge of sustainability frameworks, reporting requirements, and environmental legislation in real client work.
She also developed skills beyond her original expertise, particularly in marketing, sales, and communication, all of which played a key role in her project at EnviPro.
Just as importantly, she expanded her professional network and learned how to better leverage both new and existing connections.
A direct path to employment
For Danielle, the outcome was clear: the training led directly to a job in environmental consulting—the very direction she had hoped to move toward after her studies.
Looking back, she emphasizes the importance of being proactive:
“Ask questions, stay curious, and show genuine interest in the day-to-day work. That’s how you get the most out of the experience.”
Danielle’s story highlights something many professionals are searching for: a concrete way to transition into sustainability roles in the business world.
For those with an academic background, or anyone looking to pivot their career, this kind of training can offer exactly that: a bridge from knowledge to action, and from ambition to meaningful work.