Achieving Goals but Leaving a Legacy for the Future
Got problem-solving prowess? Check. Project management wizardry? Double-check. Blend that with a dash of environmental or sustainable passion, and voilà ! You’re ready for a career in green finance, climate action, or even eco-friendly marketing.
Careers in sustainability management can be at a local, regional, national, or world level as well as a wide range of sectors and industries. From harnessing wind power to nurturing community gardens or company structures, your options are endless due to the interdisciplinary nature of the roles. Dive into renewable energy, dance with solar panels, or ride the green wave of entrepreneurship.
Picture this: You are on a mission to help businesses minimize their environmental impact through crunching numbers, modifying supply chains, managing protocols and materials used, revamping systems and communications…you are helping to rethink how the company works to better the world, while still being mindful of the bottom line and company purpose.
Remember, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your chance to make a difference
Sustainability is a rapidly growing and evolving field that can make finding roles a bit more difficult. As you enter the fray, make sure that you have a strong idea of what sort of function you want to do (project management, finance/ESG, analyst, communication, waste management, governance, etc.) as that will help you to narrow the field.
Most roles come through just-in-time hiring so setting up job alerts or regularly checking for positions throughout the year is your best bet to find the role you want.
If you are interested in Consulting, Accounting, or Finance roles in sustainability, these companies hire predominately in August and September for internships and jobs that will start a year later (for example, firms will hire in the Fall 2023 for Summer/Fall 2024 positions).
EDICT Internship Program – Empowering Diverse Climate Talent
International Students: Sustainability and conservation are also growing industries in the US. Many jobs in these industries qualify for STEM OPT. Recruitment can vary depending on your function and industry interest, so check out more information on Interstride. Peak recruitment: February – June
Graduate Students: Entry-level positions have the same timeline as above. Internships for graduate students can sometimes be hard to find, so I recommend gaining experience in some non-internship opportunities or else internships that you can develop skills and experiences for your future job.
MBAs: Hiring timeline for full-time start mid-August with postings and offers from internships. MBA internships open in September with conferences and events by employers along with online postings. For jobs or internships openings tend to be by function and industry starting with: human resources, banking, consulting, big tech and healthcare, and the rest of energy, transportation & logistics, entertainment, consumer goods, retail/luxury goods, social impact, manufacturing and agribusiness.
When searching for a job or internship: Sustainability manager, sustainability program management, environmental program specialist, environmental consulting, project manager, and energy development associate. ​​​​​​
Roles in this industry include Sustainability Financing, Sustainability Reporting, Supply Chain Management, Social Sustainability and Social Enterprise.
Taking on leadership or e-board roles in student clubs is a great way of buildings skills and competencies as well as your network!
- Kogod Sustainability Review
- Kogod Women in Business
- Alpha Kappa Psi
Join an organization that fits in your functional area of interest!
Checking out our resources below for more help and dive into the world of Sustainability Management through articles, technology tools and by using the Industry Insights Module below.
