You're starting a career in sustainability. What's the best way to make an impact?

Before you do anything, develop a clear understanding of your "why". What is driving you to work in this space to begin with - beyond just "making a difference." Sustainability work is difficult and often nebulous - you aren't always going to see the direct results of the impact you are trying to make. To stay motivated throughout your career, you must have a clear understanding of what you are trying to achieve.

As the integration of sustainability into business becomes more tangible, building expertise, knowledge, and skills in specific areas of sustainability becomes extremely important. Solving sustainability issues will require expertise not only in strategy and disclosure but also in marketing, communication, supply chain, operations, and most importantly, human resources. So, as you embark on a new career path, consider this perspective and then build your skill set to have a more fulfilling career.

From my personal journey, I've learned that when I listen to my inner calling on how I want to contribute and align it with my skills and interests, I'm able to carve out a meaningful career path. Key is: finding that perfect harmony between passion, purpose, and skill set. ????

Sustainability & ESG domain goes through massive changes / updates depending on regulatory changes or stakeholder expectations. For any sustainability professional the key is to stay abreast with recent global and national updates in area of legislations, market conditions, new technology break throughs etc. Every professional needs to find her / his template to stay on top of the game which could be coming in different forms like news, newsletter subscriptions, following a sustainability voice on social media channels and the most critical is your inner network of experts. Cultivate your network and experiment with different approaches to find what works best. Stay agile and adaptive. #Sustainability #ESG #StayInformed

Defining your personal sustainability goals is crucial before entering the job market. Determine your desired impact areas—whether climate change, biodiversity, waste management, social justice, or others. Consider which sector—public, private, or nonprofit—you wish to work in and what roles—research, policy, education, or innovation—you are passionate about. Clarifying your vision will help you identify opportunities that align with your values and skills, guiding your career path towards meaningful impact.

Please don't opt for sustainability as a career of you aren't willing to make a few lifestyle choices Sustainability is about setting an example. So if you want a career in sustainability you must be the change to make the change. Choice of what you eat, how you move, how much you use and how much you throw away will help make an impact. The rest is easy...getting a course, finding the job, talking about sustainability..information is all out there.

If starting a career in sustainability, first of all- well done! The world needs many more professionals to make a difference . I would be less worried about making an impact,and more about being a curious learner - listen, learn from peers and leaders in other functions, learn what the business imperatives for sustainability are, and what the world is up to. As you learn to have conversations in a language that others understand, you get a seat at the table and that's when you have a shot at making an impact. Many resources on LinkedIn and other learning hubs to equip yourself with the tools. Magic happens when you learn to connect the dots cross-functionally and work at the intersections. And remember it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Strategic learning and staying ahead of the curve are the cornerstones of a fulfilling sustainability career. Before diving in, demonstrate your commitment by the ability to self learn. In the past 2 years we've seen regulations and frameworks such as SEC Climate rules, CSRD, ISSB IFRS 1 and IFRS S2, California Rules, TNFD etc. Prioritize becoming a curious learner who reads, listens, shares and is willing to dive deep to understand the requirements and global macrotrends. Mastering clear communication across teams will be your key to earning a seat at the table and driving real change. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Invest in developing a diverse set of skills and expertise relevant to sustainability. This may include knowledge of environmental science, policy analysis, data analysis, project management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable business practices. Pursue relevant academic coursework, certifications, workshops, and training programs to enhance your skill set and stay competitive in the field.

Sustainability demands a diverse skill set encompassing technical, analytical, and soft skills across various disciplines like ecology, engineering, economics, sociology, and law. You can enhance your skills through formal education, online courses, workshops, or volunteering, while also showcasing your expertise through a portfolio of projects or articles. Prioritize communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, essential for success in the dynamic field of sustainability. This multifaceted approach equips you to make meaningful contributions and thrive in diverse sustainability roles.

Stay true to your principles and beliefs. Working in sustainability is rewarding but can also be frustrating when things don't go the way we want, or we question the impact that we are having. Surround yourself with people that share the same passion and drive for what you believe in. Stay humble and collaborate - there are so many experts around, there will always be a smarter person in the room. Don't forget the big picture - we're all in this together trying to solve really big global challenges. We won't succeed alone but only with our combined expertise and capacity for innovation. And finally, cherish the fact that you are surrounded by people who care and want to make a difference and never take the for granted!

Best piece of advice - contact all your industry hero's. You will be surprised with the number who are willing to help you. Make sure you have specific questions or asks before you contact them as you want to make the process as efficient as possible, as everybody is busy. If you can provide them with value that's a great way to build a two way relationship. I wish I had know this at the start of my career!

Collaboration is absolutely key for a number of reasons: 1. The opportunity to learn from those who are in the space - best practices, avoiding common mistakes etc 2. Others working in the space ‘get it’ in ways that others often don’t - sustainability can feel overwhelming at times, so finding your tribe, mentors and a support network is important 3. There are often synergies you wouldn’t have considered, and meaningful partnerships and opportunities that can emerge from networking Working in sustainability, even in a large organisation can feel isolating, so building a network can be a game changer for resiliency.

Building a human connection with as many people, but particularly those who 'make it happen' will be vital. Often sustainability pros work in silo and will need the buy in, support, drive of colleagues and having a connection and relationship beyond a 'business case' may be vital to you getting the support you need. So grab a coffee, find out what people like to do outside of work, share war stories, lift others up, and get involved!

Networking is essential for building relationships, learning from others, and exploring career opportunities in sustainability. Attend industry conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking events to connect with professionals, practitioners, and thought leaders in the field. Join professional associations, sustainability groups, and online communities to expand your network and stay connected with peers and mentors.

Stay abreast of current trends, research findings, policy developments, and emerging best practices in sustainability. Regularly engage with reputable sources of information, including academic journals, industry publications, online forums, and social media channels. Subscribe to newsletters, podcasts, and webinars to stay informed about the latest advancements and opportunities in the field.

I'd advise aspiring change-makers to start by finding their North Star. What ignites your passion within the vast sustainability landscape? Climate action? Circularity? Social equity? Aligning your purpose with your skills and interests fuels the fire for long-term impact. Next, sharpen your tools. Whether it's data crunching, life cycle analysis, or navigating complex stakeholder dynamics, assess your skillset and identify areas for growth. Certifications, courses, and even volunteering can help you fill the gaps.

In the dynamic field of sustainability, continuous learning and adaptation are essential for making a meaningful impact. Stay informed by reading books, articles, and blogs, and following influential experts and organizations. By staying updated, you gain valuable insights and inspiration to drive positive change in your own work, contributing to the evolution of sustainability practices and solutions.

I think this is key, being able to monitor the sustainability landscape for white papers, policy updates and innovation can be really helpful to show that you are keen to know more. This also helps when new in a business as you can use this as an opportunity to share knowledge with your team and potentially be asked to write an article for company blogs etc. The ability to analysie and pull out key information will help with developing your sustainability skills.

Don't underestimate the power of your current connections. Talk to professors, former colleagues, or even friends in the sustainability field. They might have valuable insights or even introduce you to their own community. Reaching out to people on LinkedIn who I’m inspired by has been a great way for me to build relationships and form collaborations.

You can start today! In your current role, right now! You don't have to be in a sustainability focused role to be able to advocate or champion sustainability, in its many forms. From that, you can progress into a role more sustainability/ ethical trade focused. Sustainability professionals come from many different fields and roles (e.g. procurement, marketing, ops, law). ??Where to start if you're in a non sustainability role: - Adopt sustainability practices in your business as usual - Embed sustainability targets (e.g. from your company's strategy) in your performance targets and KPIs - Become a sustainability champion and join internal initiatives (e.g. committees, become a rep, etc) - Get training - start upskilling yourself!

There are so many fields in sustainability now. Get some experience with as many as you can to establish where you think you would like to specialise. Always be open to supporting a project in a different area of sustainability. You will gain insight and transferrable skills that will benefit you in the long run. Having adaptability when supporting team delivery will provide lots of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Creativity, Methodology and Perseverance Measuring sustainability is an example of a challenge that anyone working in the field comes across at some point of their career. It is due to lack of standardisation, complexity of data, diverse methodologies, there is space for people with creativity in solving problems who are able to create methodologies and break down complexity into manageable pieces. This topped with perseverance in following the path is a great combination of skills to succeed in Sustainability.

The field of sustainability is dynamic and constantly evolving, requiring individuals to be flexible and adaptable to change. Embrace new challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends in sustainability with an open mindset. Cultivate a willingness to learn, experiment, and pivot as needed to navigate evolving sustainability issues and drive positive change in diverse contexts.

Sustainability is an emerging field in constant motion. Be ready to update yourself as we all get Wiser and learn as we roll along. Always strive to build systems and communities rather than tackling the problems head on and alone

Take proactive steps to translate your knowledge and skills into tangible actions and outcomes that contribute to sustainability goals. Identify opportunities to initiate or contribute to sustainability projects, initiatives, or campaigns within your organization or community. Set clear objectives, develop action plans, and establish metrics to measure progress and evaluate the impact of your efforts over time.

Measure results, keep everyone informed and explain how they can contribute to driving results, and plot your progress. Keep your message consistent and make progress is visible. And of course acknowledge when targets are not met, and celebrate success.

In the realm of sustainability, action and measurement are imperative. It's not just about acquiring knowledge and building networks; it's about actively applying expertise to real-world challenges. Whether through individual initiatives, collaborative efforts, or advocacy, taking tangible steps is crucial. Equally important is evaluating these actions through metrics and indicators to gauge effectiveness and drive improvement. This iterative process not only enhances personal growth but also amplifies the broader impact, demonstrating a commitment to meaningful change.

Communicating your sustainability knowledge through writing is an excellent way to make an impact. It is crucial to prioritize your efforts, measure the impact of your actions, and clearly articulate your message to diverse audiences. Using relevant data to quantify environmental and social outcomes can help craft compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders. Tailoring your messaging to engage stakeholders, such as businesses and communities, is essential to foster understanding and support. By transparently articulating the tangible benefits of sustainability efforts, you can drive meaningful change and contribute to a more sustainable future within 100 words.

While individual actions and initiatives are important, they may not be sufficient to create the transformative change needed to achieve sustainability goals. To make a lasting impact, it is essential to identify and challenge the structural issues that contribute to unsustainability and inequality. In the context of emerging economies, this requires an examination of the power dynamics, institutional frameworks, and economic systems that shape the patterns of production, consumption, and resource distribution. By understanding these underlying factors, we can work towards systemic change that addresses not only the symptoms but also the root causes of environmental degradation and social injustice.

Anchoring sustainability initiatives within a Company requires that you understand the business of the Company first, build bridges with stakeholders and decision makers. Learn the language of communication that they understand. Then look at what the Company can impact and what are the drivers and levers for sustainability are. Listen, learn, execute, show impact, adapt , repeat. It's a marathon not a sprint. Ability to connect the dots across sectors helps and always keep an eye on how the space is evolving as it's an ever evolving space.

Passion is the key! Making sustainable change is not easy and it will be particularly difficult at the start of your career but perseverance and passion will get you there. Don't be afraid to speak your mind and push people to do the right thing. Of course, try to understand people, be polite and professional but don't forget why you are here for and make sure to stick to your values.

Always consider how sustainability can be deployed as a value driver that can increase business opportunities whilst decarbonizing. How can you create more value for customers by using fewer resources?

To make a significant impact in a sustainability career, start by gaining a solid foundation through education and staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies. Specialize in areas with high impact potential, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or conservation. Networking with professionals and joining sustainability-focused organizations can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Apply your knowledge in practical settings, advocating for and implementing sustainable practices within organizations or communities. Embrace innovation and continuous learning to adapt to evolving challenges.

ESG has evolved as a business imperative across industries. Conversely though, make sure to embed your ‘green’ strategy well in the organisation’s overall priorities. This way, you’ll create a sustainability agenda which will remain sustainable in itself.