What do you do if you want to pursue a career in sustainability but don't know where to start?

Instead of addressing the What and Where, maybe start with the Why first. Why are you concerned about sustainability? You must first identify your own reasons to be concerned about the environment, be it personal or for the greater good. There are several reasons why people want to protect the environment. Some do it for the sake of preserving the Earth as home for their children and future generations. Some do it to improve their current environmental or health conditions. Others do it because they respect nature and its biodiversity, which they consider as sacred and that humans have no right to destroy them. The answer to your Why will help to point the direction on which sustainability aspects you are interested in.

Step 1: Materiality Assessment of your interest across the broad spectrum of ESG. Assess your true calling, it can be in the environment or human rights Step 2: Skill mapping, are you interested in visualising sustainability data, are you keen on stakeholder management for data collection, or are you keen to develop case studies Step 3: For Carbon Accounting start with IEMA courses and then membership Step 4: Learn Data analysis skills for sustainability reporting. For instance, SQL, PowerBi or LCA methodology Step 5: Start doing projects, maybe do a human rights supply chain risk analysis for a small company or an environmental risk assessment of one product that you use the most. Develop your portfolio!

Many people want to pursue it because it's a buzzword and talk of the town nowadays. The why curiosity comes at the very later stage for those.

Begin by researching sustainability-related industries, such as renewable energy, green building, or environmental consulting. Network with professionals in the field through online platforms and industry events. Consider pursuing relevant education or certifications to enhance your qualifications. Volunteer or intern with sustainability-focused organizations to gain practical experience. Explore job postings and identify entry-level positions or internships to apply for. Continuously seek learning opportunities and stay updated on industry trends to advance in a career in sustainability.

One unique perspective to consider is exploring interdisciplinary opportunities within sustainability. Often, the field draws from diverse disciplines such as environmental science, policy, business, engineering, and social sciences. Embracing this interdisciplinary nature allows individuals to leverage their unique blend of skills and knowledge to address complex sustainability challenges from multiple angles. By acknowledging the breadth of perspectives within sustainability, aspiring professionals can navigate diverse career paths that resonate with their interests and strengths, ultimately fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines.

To start a career in sustainability: 1. Research: Explore sectors and roles. 2. Education: Seek relevant courses or degrees. 3. Networking: Connect with professionals. 4. Experience: Gain through internships or volunteering. 5. Skill Building: Develop key skills. 6. Stay Updated: Follow industry trends. 7. Mentorship: Seek guidance. 8. Action: Initiate projects to demonstrate commitment.

Wenn man weiß, wo man hin will, dann kommt der Rest von ganz alleine. Nachhaltigkeit ist umfasst so ein breites Spektrum und tangiert quasi alle Arbeitsbereiche.

Certain countries have career frameworks which you can go through to identify key skillsets required by sustainability professionals. Another way to understand market demand in the sustainability profession, would be to search for sustainability roles, perhaps on LinkedIn, to understand the skillsets and experience required by hiring managers. Before taking up a certification, it is a good idea to search for it in job listings. If it is not commonly posted as a requirement, the certification might not be as valuable as it is made out to be.

Netzwerken spielt im Bereich Nachhaltigkeit eine entscheidende Rolle, da es den Austausch von Wissen, Ressourcen und Best Practices ermöglicht und somit die Umsetzung nachhaltiger Lösungen beschleunigt. Durch den Aufbau von Beziehungen zwischen Akteuren aus verschiedenen Sektoren, wie Unternehmen, Politik, Wissenschaft und Zivilgesellschaft, können Synergien geschaffen und innovative Ansätze zur Bewältigung von Umwelt- und Klimaherausforderungen entwickelt werden. Netzwerke fördern zudem die Entwicklung gemeinsamer Standards und Richtlinien, die eine nachhaltige Transformation unterstützen. Darüber hinaus erleichtern sie die Interessenvertretung und die Einflussnahme auf politische Entscheidungsprozesse.

Gain clarity on your current position in your professional journey by assessing your skills and experiences. Develop a structured itinerary to enhance your skill set and learn how to effectively apply them in the context of sustainability. While practical experience is invaluable, remember to supplement it with continuous learning through avid reading and staying updated in the field of sustainability. Skill transfer is required.