You’re looking to grow in your sustainability career. What steps should you take to get there?

2 Build your network and reputation

The second step to grow your sustainability career is to build your network and reputation in the field. Networking is not only about exchanging contacts and business cards, but also about building meaningful relationships and trust with other professionals who share your vision and values. You can network online or offline, by joining relevant groups, platforms, events, or associations, by contributing to discussions, blogs, podcasts, or publications, or by offering your expertise or services to others. Networking can help you gain insights, opportunities, feedback, and referrals that can boost your career.

3 Pursue relevant education and training

The third step to grow your sustainability career is to pursue relevant education and training that can enhance your skills and knowledge. Sustainability is a dynamic and evolving field that requires continuous learning and updating. You can choose from a variety of formal or informal learning options, such as degrees, certificates, courses, workshops, webinars, or podcasts, that suit your needs and interests. You can also seek mentorship, coaching, or guidance from more experienced professionals who can help you navigate your career path and challenges.

5 Explore new opportunities and challenges

The fifth step to grow your sustainability career is to explore new opportunities and challenges that can stretch your skills and knowledge. Sustainability is a field that offers a wide range of possibilities and pathways for different roles, sectors, or contexts. You can explore new opportunities and challenges by applying for jobs, projects, or grants that interest you, by volunteering or collaborating with other organizations or initiatives that align with your goals, or by creating your own solutions or innovations that address sustainability issues.

6 Reflect and adapt to feedback and change

The sixth step to grow your sustainability career is to reflect and adapt to feedback and change. Sustainability is a field that requires resilience and adaptability, as you will face complex and uncertain situations, diverse and changing expectations, and constant and rapid feedback and change. You can reflect and adapt to feedback and change by seeking and accepting constructive feedback from others, by evaluating and improving your performance and outcomes, and by embracing and learning from change and failure.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?