Lisa Tomaschek MSc

The course

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?

I chose the University of Edinburgh Business School because it offered the MSc in Climate Change Finance and Investment - a uniquely tailored programme that matched what I was looking for. An added bonus was that I was working for a company headquartered in Edinburgh that collaborates with the University of Edinburgh, making the decision feel even more natural.

What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?

It was the strong quantitative foundation that attracted me to the MSc in Climate Change Finance and Investment. I was working for an infrastructure fund when ESG and sustainability began gaining traction among investors, and I found myself increasingly drawn to understanding these topics - especially in relation to energy transition and climate change.

As someone with a very analytical mindset, I noticed that many programmes in this space leaned heavily on qualitative analysis. While policy and qualitative perspectives are undoubtedly important, I was looking for a course that also emphasised data-driven approaches. What stood out about this programme was its integration of quantitative elements like carbon accounting, pricing mechanisms, and sustainable finance. It offered a compelling balance between establishing the facts through numbers and then using that foundation to advocate for meaningful policy change.

Your career

Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?

I began my career in investment banking at UBS, working in the utilities and infrastructure mergers and acquisitions team in London and Frankfurt. After that, I joined the infrastructure private equity team at Aberdeen Group, where I worked on investing in infrastructure assets across Western Europe - from tank storage and rolling stock to renewable energy. I loved the diversity of the sector and its role in supporting essential services for society. Infrastructure is inherently long-term, so sustainability was always part of the conversation, but as ESG and climate change became central concerns for investors, I felt compelled to deepen my understanding.

After graduating, I returned to my team to lead on ESG and climate topics. Shortly after, I had the opportunity to join the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, in Vienna - my hometown. It had always been a dream of mine to work for the World Bank Group.

As an Associate Investment Officer in the European Infrastructure team, I work on transactions across Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, where sustainability and impact are at the core of every investment decision. I find the work incredibly rewarding, especially in places like Ukraine, where we support critical energy investments and provide technical assistance to develop new projects.

I deliver impactful, sustainable investments in critical infrastructure across Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus.

Masters of Change

What notable changes has your degree enabled you to make in your professional or personal life?

The degree helped me find a professional path that aligns with both my values and long-term career goals. By the time I started my master’s, I had already spent five years working in finance and investment. I enjoyed the analytical nature of the work but I began to feel that something was missing. I wasn’t passionate about investing purely for financial returns.

The MSc programme allowed me to build on everything I had achieved professionally, while adding the nuance that truly excites me - investing in essential infrastructure with sustainability and impact at the core. It gave me the time and space to gain knowledge in a rapidly evolving field. I also gained confidence in my abilities, learned to speak up in discussions, and developed skills needed to lead projects that support development in emerging markets.

On a personal level, starting full-time work at 21 years old, meant I hadn’t had much time to pause and reflect. Doing the master’s after several years of work gave me the chance to take stock - not just professionally, but personally too.

Taking time off work to pursue the degree, leaving London and the life I had built there, gave me the courage to embrace big changes - including moving back to Vienna after ten years abroad and leaving the team I really liked to pursue my dream of working for the World Bank Group.

What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?

Through my Master’s and a number of years of work experience, I am proud of my ability to quickly assess situations and projects, identify where I can lend support, and guide stakeholders toward more sustainable, Paris-aligned and financially viable outcomes.

I’m also proud of contributing to sustainable finance initiatives within my team at IFC, including organising sustainability-themed roundtables and events. These bring together clients from across our region to exchange ideas on how to collectively catalyse the energy transition.

What key things that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

My understanding of carbon accounting and carbon pricing, and ability to assess both the physical and transitional climate risks. These topics are central to my work as myself and my team integrate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessments, carbon pricing and climate risk considerations into our investment analysis. We also support clients in evaluating climate resilience and enabling adaptation-focused investments.

Further, the course gave me a strong understanding of policy-making and the interplay between international organisations, governments, and the private sector - something that I am now constantly exposed to working at the World Bank Group.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

My best memories are those with my classmates. Despite the challenges of studying during the pandemic which limited the experience to some extent, we still managed to organise great outings and study groups, and built a really strong and supportive community. That sense of connection and resilience is what stands out most when I look back on the year.

What one piece of advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?

Have a clear goal and stay focused on getting there - but make sure the path is enjoyable. It’s easy to get caught up in job titles or chasing the highest salary, but what really matters is the kind of work that energises you. Think about what makes you excited to start your day, what tasks make you lose track of time, and what you love sharing with others. That passion is not only key to personal happiness, but also to doing an excellent job.