Growing up in Sydney and travelling around Australia gave Kyle Kilshaw an appreciation for the country's natural landscapes.
Those experiences shaped his interest in the environment and ultimately led him to the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he's studying a Bachelor of Business (Finance) and Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment.
"These experiences sparked my passion for sustainability and motivated me to pursue studies focused on environmental management and creating a more sustainable future," Kyle says.
Combining business and sustainability was always the goal, and UTS stood out for offering a degree that brought those interests together.
"While many universities offer business degrees or environmental programs, UTS provided an opportunity to study both disciplines in a way that recognised how closely they are connected in addressing real-world challenges.
"What attracted me most was the ability to develop expertise in sustainability while also building a strong understanding of business and finance, rather than treating them as separate fields."
“Studying at UTS has been a genuinely rewarding experience and one I would recommend without hesitation.”
Kyle Kilshaw
Connecting business with sustainability
Studying business and sustainability together has reinforced Kyle's belief that solving environmental challenges requires more than scientific knowledge alone.
"I believe that the most meaningful change in how we treat our planet will come from embedding sustainability into financial and business decision-making, and this degree gives me the tools to be part of that shift."
That perspective has continued to grow throughout his studies.
"Studying at UTS has been a genuinely rewarding experience and one I would recommend without hesitation," he says.
"Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across almost every industry, and the knowledge and perspectives I have gained through my degree have helped me better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with creating a more sustainable future."
Subjects including Planetary Decarbonisation have challenged him to think critically about climate change and the broader systems that influence sustainability outcomes, while learning from passionate academics has been another highlight of his degree.
Learning beyond the classroom
For Kyle, the university experience has extended well beyond lectures and tutorials.
"Beyond academics, UTS has been a place where I have broadened my horizons both intellectually and personally. I have built friendships that I know will last well beyond graduation, and I have found that the collaborative culture across the university has made the experience even more rewarding."
He's also looking forward to completing the internship built into the Sustainability and Environment degree, giving him the opportunity to gain practical experience before graduating.
Kyle hopes to build a career in investment analysis and sustainable investing, combining his knowledge of finance with sustainability and ESG principles to support more informed, long-term decision-making.
I believe that the most meaningful change in how we treat our planet will come from embedding sustainability into financial and business decision-making, and this degree gives me the tools to be part of that shift.
Advice for future students
Choosing a university degree can feel overwhelming, but Kyle encourages future students to focus on their interests and stay open to where their studies might lead.
"My advice for incoming students is to choose something that genuinely interests you but also challenges you to think beyond a single field," he says.
"I've found that studying a double degree has helped me see how different areas of knowledge connect, which has made my learning much more meaningful and given me a broader perspective on the way ideas apply in practice."
He also believes it's important not to expect everything to fall into place immediately.
"University is an evolving process, and over time you naturally refine your direction as you gain more experience and clarity. What matters most is actively engaging with your studies, making use of available support when needed, and allowing your interests and strengths to develop gradually as you progress."
