Davis Bookhart, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

1. Aligning student learning
with a sustainability mindset
Davis Bookhart, Head, HKUST Sustainability Unit

2. About Hong Kong

3. About Hong Kong

4. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

6. Sense of Place
Surrounding have strong influence on our
ability to understand sustainability
Surroundings influence behavior
Surroundings influence our social lives
Campuses create experiences for of
learning
Campuses are becoming
essential components to the
learning experience

7. Research Question:
WHAT DO STUDENTS GAIN FROM THE UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE
THAT PREPARES THEM FOR 21ST CENTURY CHALLENGES?

8. Changing landscape
82% of young Millennials*
◦ consider a company’s CSR commitments when
deciding what job to take
74% of Millennials*
◦ say they would volunteer for a cause supported
by a company they trust (vs. 56% U.S. average)
1 of 3 Students today
◦Will be alive in the year 2100
* Source: 2015 Cone Communications Millennial CSR Study

9. How might we categorize
our current students?
Generalists:
Pursue sustainability careers
• Cross-disciplinary training
• Value added on multiple levels
Specialists:
Pursue specialized tracks within
sustainability fields
• Focused-disciplinary training
• Value added in specific areas
Flexitarians:
Pursue traditional careers
• Add broad-based sustainability
knowledge
• Flexible and adaptable
• Value added on multiple levels
Authorities:
Pursue traditional careers
• Add specific sustainability-
related skills
• High level of expertise
• Value added in specific areas
Discipline-
driven career
track
Broad, cross-
disciplinary knowledge
Sustainability-
driven career
track
Specific training /
skills

10. Can We Confirm Any of This?
Current research project
Focus on employers in Hong Kong
1) What advice would you give to a student?
2) What is important to your business?
Sustainability Knowledge and Skills Survey
Soft skills
Hard skills
Specific
knowledge
General
knowledge

11. Evaluation of Knowledge
General Knowledge Specific Knowledge
• Broad familiarity with sustainability principles • Focused familiarity with specific sustainability principles
• Sustainability in global context • Sustainability within local context
• Historical & economic context of
• current environment
• Industry knowledge
• Policy development • Regulatory compliance
• General engineering or technology • Specific engineering or tech
• General business management
• Competency in business discipline (i.e., marketing,
finance)

12. Evaluation of Skills
Hard Skills Soft Skills
• Systems thinking • Communication (written)
• Process management (i.e., 6 sigma) • Communication (presentation/spoken)
• Financial analysis • Networking
• Life cycle analysis • Consensus-building / conflict resolution
• Risk assessment • Strategic thinking / visioning
• Sustainability reporting • Flexibility & adaptability
• Carbon accounting

13. Respondent Profiles
Senior
Executive (C-
Suite or VP)
22%
Director or
Senior
Manager
41%
Professor
2%
Manager,
Coordinator,
or Specialist
31%
Researcher
2% Other
2%
I work primarily on sustainability-
related issues
50%
Sustainability is included as one of
several overall responsibilities
28%
I work occasionally on
sustainability issues, but not as
my primary responsibility
19%
I rarely get involved in
sustainability work
4%

14. 0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8
Skills and Knowledge for Students in the 21st Century
Value to Student
ValuetoOrganization
Low
Low High
High
Taught hard
skills and
training
Learned soft
skills and
experience

15. Important Attributes in Employees
5% 5%
69%
16%
5% Commitment to volunteering and
helping others
Broad and diverse array of
experiences
Inquisitiveness and willingness
to learn new things
Strong sense of ethical and moral
grounding
Sense of humor

16. Important Attributes for Applicants
Overall strong academic record
Academic major in a field that is
relevant to your business
Industry experience (from
internships or other work
activities)
Leadership in groups, student
societies
Strong letters of
recommendation
45%
25%
23%
Overall strong
academic record
3%
Learned soft
skills and
experience

17. Brief Conclusions
Experiences matter
How can we best utilize the campus as a learning lab?
Interpersonal and social skills mean everything
How do we create vibrant spaces that foster interconnections?
Inquisitiveness opens the world
How can we foster a life-long love of learning?

18. Questions?