Alumni Spotlight: Raphael’s (’20) Journey to the Swiss Cup Final

From discovering a passion for sustainability in ISZL’s classrooms to advising companies on renewable energy solutions across Europe, Eva is turning curiosity into impact.
Written by Eva Berglind Brynjarsdottir
When I started at ISZL in 10th grade I had never gone to school in English, however, the extensive support and attention provided, such as weekly support classes and assistance after school, was extremely helpful. This demonstrates the importance the school puts on excellence and confidence for their students. I have very positive memories from ISZL; one that stands out is the vast choice of extracurricular activities, in which I participated in the Volleyball and Football teams. Another highlight of my time there was CAS, part of the IB Diploma, where teachers were very supportive in finding projects or organizations that aligned with our interests.
After completing the IB Program at ISZL, I began my studies in the Netherlands, well-equipped to take on the BSc in Political Science at Leiden University, with a minor in Business Administration. ISZL effectively set me up for growth, providing me with countless skills, such as adaptability, independence, and eagerness to learn. After my undergraduate, I started working at AFS Energy, a sustainability solution provider in Amsterdam, as administrative and organizational support. After 1 year I have gained the title of Sustainability Advisor, solely responsible for the German and Austrian market; assisting and guiding energy suppliers and corporations in reaching their sustainability targets, specifically concerning renewable energy.
My interest in sustainability was sparked in the Environmental Science class at ISZL taught by Zoe Badcock, which highlighted the importance of our impact on the environment. During my undergraduate, my knowledge was expanded, with a stronger focus on the policy and business side to sustainability. This further developed my interest and curiosity in the topic and more specifically in corporate social responsibility, which led me to my current field of work. To deepen my expertise I plan to continue my studies in Global Business and Sustainability in Rotterdam. Following my studies I am looking forward to continuing my career in sustainability and renewable energy, assisting businesses in realizing their corporate social responsibility and reaching their sustainability targets.