Three tips to get your new job in sustainability
Even when the economic climate is foggy, there is reason to be hopeful for some sunshine: many trends suggest a bright outlook for green jobs in the years to come. But how can you get one? This article explores three key steps to make your professional career greener.
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What do an Indian PHD student at ETH, a Polish experienced communications professional, and an Italian lawyer working for a pharmaceutical company have in common? There are many answers. Mine is that over the past two weeks each of them asked me “How can I start a new job in sustainability?”. I am not a career advisor (here if interested) but combining a bit of research with my personal experience I defined three tips that could help you get your new green job.
1. Appraise your existing skills
First, try to understand your goal: distinguish between sustainability-oriented organizations and sustainability-oriented roles. Let’s assume you are an accountant: do you want to do the same job for a company that works in sustainability or do you really want to change your day-to-day job? If you pick the first option, you will probably not focus on sustainability as part of the daily job duties. But your work will still contribute to the mission of the organization as a whole.
If you go for the second option, you might need to do a bit of homework. Take a pen, a paper, and try to write down both your strong and soft skills. Going back to the accountant example, strong skills will probably include the capabilities you have developed in quantitative and risk analysis. Soft skills might include efficiently managing your time, successfully working with a team, or smoothly resolving conflict situations. Then consider which ones you would like to use in the new sustainability role and list down some real situations that prove those skills.
2. Familiarize with sustainability job ads and activate your network
At this stage, you don’t want to apply for jobs yet. Instead, you want to collect information about what it’s like to work in that specific role and what qualifications can make you a successful candidate. Look at what the job posts say, what types of education requirements they expect, and what kind of experience they are looking for. Hence, understand how aligned you are with them.
On top of this, activate your network. Job fairs and green conferences are key networking avenues, where you can meet employers and learn more about green jobs. If you want to be more personal, connect with friends of friends (of friends…) working in sustainability and invite them for informational interviews. Don’t be afraid to contact people even if they can’t give you a job — a quick chat with someone from a business or nonprofit could provide valuable hints and contacts. Maybe, the company where the friend of the friend (of the friend…) works is looking for someone like you!
3. Tailor your curriculum for a green career
Shape your curriculum in a way that the person who reads it can only say “This is the one!”. For example, solar firms tend to hire analysts that know financial models very well and have a sound knowledge of the renewable-energy sector, too. You will need to craft your curriculum for one or both areas. It will take some iterations to have a good version but you will get there.
In case you have zero experience in the sustainability field, try to focus on your education. Whether you are new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, certifications and training programs could get your foot in the door toward a green job. You can pursue a certificate program or even complete a master’s degree. In any case, do accurate research beforehand – we are surrounded by scammy educational certifications that are unlikely to lead to employment.
If you have zero sustainability experience and education, you might consider volunteering for a local organization. It will provide you with (at least) a baseline of experience. Additionally, it will show that you are not only talking about sustainability but also kicking your ass by working on the field. Let's be honest: volunteering isn't an option for everyone. But if you are fortunate enough to be in a position where you can help local institutions without compensation, just go for it. And good luck!
