How to Upskill for a Career in Sustainability and Environmental Roles

Sustainability has become a huge role in business in the 21st century. As more people become aware of the issue, there is a steady need for experts who can make a difference, lower carbon footprints, and help businesses be more environmentally friendly. It has made a lot of new jobs available for people with a wide range of abilities.

The good news is that whether you are just starting out, changing careers, or wanting to move up in your existing job, there is a place for you in this area. With the correct training and some help, you can easily get a job in sustainability or environmental work.

How to get started

There are a lot of jobs that fall within the categories of sustainability and environmental duties. You can work in technical fields like clean energy engineering or environmental science, or you can work in more strategic or consulting roles in ESG, corporate sustainability, or policy.

Before you start learning new skills, it's a good idea to think about what kind of job you want. Think:

Do I like dealing with data and systems?
Am I more focused on people?
Would I rather work in an office or out in the field?

You can start building the necessary talents after you identify your interests.

Degrees That Help You Get Jobs in Clean Energy and Sustainability

Certain degrees can help you get a job in clean energy or environmental science, especially if you want to work in a technical field.

Here are a few that are really important:

Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering
Systems for using renewable energy
Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering (with a concentration on green technology)
Studies in geosciences, ecology, or climate
Environmental Law or Energy Policy

Do you already have a degree in something else? Don't worry. You can still have a career in sustainability if you take specific courses and obtain hands-on experience. Professional certificates might show employers that you are serious and capable if you aren't ready to commit to a full degree or are changing fields.

These are some good choices:

Training in Carbon Literacy: basic and easy to get to
The CFA Institute ESG Investing Certificate
GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) Certificate
LEED or BREEAM Accreditation for structures and construction that are good for the environment
IEMA Qualifications: well-respected in jobs related to the environment and sustainability
CIBSE Energy & Sustainability Pathways for Engineers

Coursera, FutureLearn, and edX are examples of online learning systems that provide shorter, cheaper courses offered by major universities.

Experience Is Very Important

You don't need years of expertise to start working in sustainability, but you do need to take the lead.

Here are some suggestions:

Join an environmental group or an NGO that works for sustainability.
Help the green teams in your current job.
Be in charge of eco audits or sustainability reports.
Work as a freelancer or consultant on ways to cut down on carbon emissions, set up recycling programs, or get B Corp certifications.

Examples from the real world say a lot. Whether you helped cut down on rubbish at work or took part in a neighbourhood clean-up project, it all shows employers that you care about making a difference and are prepared to do something about it.

Show Off Your Skills That Can Be Used Elsewhere

People who work in sustainability don't have to be scientists or engineers. You already have useful talents that you can use in other jobs if you've worked in project management, compliance, logistics, finance, or even marketing.

Some of the most sought-after soft and hard skills are:

Data analysis
Communication with stakeholders
Problem-solving
Understanding the rules and regulations that apply to ESG, emissions, or environmental law
Adaptability

Stay interested and in touch

Sustainability changes quickly, so it's important to stay up to date. Follow people who are thought leaders, sign up for industry news, and join LinkedIn groups that are related to your field.

GreenBiz
ESG Today
Recharge

You might want to think about joining professional groups like the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) or The Energy Institute and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

These memberships can help you meet people, go to training events, and stay up to date on what's happening in your field.

This is where your career in sustainability starts

No matter what your experience is, there is a way in. The demand for green occupations around the world is only going up, so now is the best time to start.

We help people of all levels find jobs in sustainability, environmental roles, and the renewable energy sector. Get in touch if you're looking to turn your love for the earth into a job that matters.