Career Insights
Welcome to Career Insights, an online resource where you can pick up insights and learn more about the diverse career paths of professionals in our community.
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The corporate sector needs young people who are passionate and want to drive real change!
Name Michelle Munteanu
Role Senior Environmental, Social and Governance Manager at A.P. Moller Capital
Sector International Development
Meet
Michelle Munteanu
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- Michelle has always been driven by wanting to make a tangible impact in her career and to address global inequalities. She began her journey in the non-profit sector but soon transitioned into corporate ESG, recognizing the immense influence that businesses can have on shaping sustainable and equitable development. As an ESG expert, Michelle’s work is influencing large-scale development projects in emerging markets, ensuring accountability for the project’s environmental, social and governance impact.
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- “The corporate sector needs young people who are passionate about making a real impact—ESG is not just a trend, but a responsibility. It’s important that ESG leadership is driven by genuine commitment and expertise, rather than just a shift in branding.”
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- “Don’t let a lack of technical expertise hold you back,” Michelle emphasises with reference to her transition into a finance-oriented role. She attributes her success to transferrable skills, stating that more technical skills can be learned on the job.
Sector
International Development
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- Michelle works as Senior Environmental, Social and Governance Manager.
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- Why This Path? Michelle merges her background in development economics and finance with her passion for impact-driven investment. She specializes in assessing and mitigating ESG risks, working to ensure that businesses align financial returns with sustainable and ethical practices.
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- What’s in the Sector’s Future? “ESG is at a tipping point where more and more companies are taking steps to set up accountability mechanisms and impact assessment safeguards,” so this has never been a more future.
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In any corporate setting, it’s crucial to keep sight of the bigger picture—how decisions impact people, the planet, and future generations.
Skills
Want to find out how Michelle landed the job she’s currently in?
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- Communication and influence – Be able to deliver tough messages to management and teams needing to shift toward more sustainable and equitable processes. Many companies are still evolving in their ESG journeys, often unaware of the full impact of their decisions. Michelle often delivers tough messages to leadership teams, guiding them toward more sustainable and equitable business practices.
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- Adaptability and strategic thinking – In her role, Michelle takes a high-level risk perspective while managing multiple priorities across different projects, industries, and geographies.
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- Empathy – “In any corporate setting, it’s crucial to keep sight of the bigger picture—how decisions impact people, the planet, and future generations.” Part of Michelle’s role is to advocate for interests that often go unheard.
Advice & Tips
What advice would you give to students and young professionals?
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- As a junior, take responsibility for your own growth by actively seeking mentors and maintaining relationships with them throughout your career to learn from their experiences, build a supportive network, and identify opportunities that align with your goals.
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- While staying open to new roles and opportunities, prioritise positions that align with your personal values and professional aspirations, ensuring they contribute to both your growth and your sense of purpose.
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- When interviewing for a new position, do your research and consider reaching out to current colleagues to learn more about the company and their experiences. Be clear about your positionality and ensure the workplace aligns with it.
Curriculum Vitae
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A.P. Moller Capital EMF II Cooperatief
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- Senior Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Manager – leading ESG integration across infrastructure investments in emerging markets. (September 2024 – present)
Triple Jump
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- PESG & Impact Manager – focused on sustainable energy investments in Sub-Saharan Africa and led gender equality efforts. (2023-2024)
Clean Energy and Energy Inclusion for Africa
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- Environmental & Social, Impact and Gender Lead – Developed environmental and social safeguards for clean energy projects. (2022-2024)
FMO – Dutch Entrepreneurial development bank
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- Senior Environmental & Social Associate – Private Equity Environmental & Social Analyst Trainee – Private Equity Development Impact Analyst – held multiple roles in private equity ESG and development impact assessment. (2016-2021)
Municipality of the Hague Directorate of International Affairs
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- Graduate Research Consultant – conducted policy research on migrant labor integration and employment dynamics. (July – December 2015)
The Hague Process on Refugees and Migration
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- Research Assistant (Internship) – assessed the business benefits of hiring migrants and advised on inclusive employment policies. (March – August 2015)
Bonus: Michelle’s Insights into Time in Hague
Through her time studying at ISS (International Institute of Social Studies) Michelle was exposed to critical and diverse economic perspectives, beyond traditional Western frameworks. She emphasises how a dynamic academic and cultural environment can shape your worldview and professional approach.