Here's how you can navigate the misconceptions of mid-career professionals transitioning into sustainability.

Talk to as many people as you can in the sustainability space. Don't be shy and message them on linkedin and ask for a quick call. Most of us love talking to people who want to make this career change because we know we need as much peoplo working on these challenges as possible! When talking, ask them what they do on a daily basis, how they learned what they do and why they do it. You will obviously need to catch up on the theory but theory and practice are very different!

I have personal experience of transitioning in a ESG and Carbon role after 15 years of work experience. It was a smooth transition for me as I transitioned in this role from a Technology role of Blockchain. I had an Experience of Tokenising intangible assets, and it was easy to transition from Hype to Value. We created NFTs of Movie scenes are artefacts, and moving from NFTs of emotional things to something like Carbon Credits helped my journey in transitioning to ESG and Sustainability role.

While it is true that a degree is not necessary to enter this new field, ,ake sure you can "back up" your claims that you are actually interested in sustainability. This could be volunteering or taking courses. This is especially important if you do not have any sustainability experience yet and want to transition into the field. Sustainability will be needed so many candidates in the coming years that not all of them can have previous sustainability experience. Demonstrating your passion will be crucial.

Navigating misconceptions as a mid-career professional transitioning into sustainability involves educating oneself and others about the field’s diverse opportunities and requirements. Emphasize the transferability of your existing skills and how they apply to sustainability roles. Engage in continuous learning to stay updated with industry standards and innovations. Network actively within the sustainability community to gain insights and demonstrate your commitment. Addressing misconceptions through informed discussions and showing adaptability can position you effectively within this evolving sector.

N?o há experiências ou habilidades que n?o sejam úteis na carreira de sustentabilidade ou ESG. O desafio da sustentabilidade consiste em redefinirmos a maneira como fazermos praticamente tudo. Dos insumos, aos resíduos, do consumo de energia à saúde psicológica, tudo diz respeito ao tema. Algo mergulhar nos temas, normas e orienta??es de sustentabilidade, você trará novas lentes para os seus conhecimentos, e sem dúvida, sua experiência será um diferencial incrível. Isso se dá porque você conhece como mundo funciona na prática, na forma tradicional. Ou seja, você conhece muito bem o problema. Agora se trata de incluir novas variáveis, novas premissas para chegarmos a novas solu??es.

Some considerations about: 1. Always contribute. Whoever transmits knowledge learns in turn. 2. Be generous. 3. Build knowledge with partners. 4. Show genuine interest in transferring what you know.

While there are numerous studies that keep drumming up the fact that the Green skills supply curve is not able to keep pace with the demand curve, it is equally important to note that sustainability is an omnipresent aspect of most jobs today, even if they are not explicitly called out. This is the first realisation one should have while assessing one's own current skills and identifying the right levers to push for the leap into a full sustainability career. From research to social impact, from data analytics to work safety, from people management to regulatory compliance - the list is endless - everything has a relevance in Sustainability careers. It is important to build upon existing skill(s) and expand your profile beyond that.

Find out how your background aligns with skills needed in sustainability. Since sustainability is relatively new field, many sustainability professionals come from other backgrounds. Like communications or finance. I come from a background in IT project management. Your background gives you a unique skillset and perspective relevant to the employers' sustainability efforts. My background in project management gives me an excellent toolbox for facilitating collaboration between stakeholders. This is hugely important in sustainability.

It's all about seeing the value in skills from your past roles and understanding how you can effectively transfer this to your sustainability role. For example I have an academic background in law, and this has equipped me with relevant skills to analyse and advise on the legal implications of sustainability regulations. Similarly, in a past role, I worked on a cross-functional team managing the corporate social responsibility projects of my company and I got hands-on experience on stakeholder engagement/management. This is relevant to my role as a sustainability consultant.

Como coordenador de pós-gradua??o em ESG, entrevisto muitos candidatos ao curso. é comum ouvir pessoas que n?o reconhecem valor na sua experiência para uma transi??o. Já entrevistei uma assistente social que se sentiu desconfortável com isso. Procurei mostrar que na verdade ela já tinha uma base muito importante: a lida profunda com quest?es humanas. Tudo será aproveitado na transi??o.

Há muitos desafios no universo da sustentabilidade que ainda precisam de melhores entendimentos e direcionamentos. Neste sentido, você poderá descobrir, com algum tempo de estudo, que há quest?es sem resposta, mesmo para especialistas. é importante considerar os conhecimentos estabelecidos, e evitar ser superficial. Mas n?o há necessidade de tanta cobran?a consigo mesmo. Estude, busque cursos, se qualifique continuamente. Veja também como você pode aplicar boas práticas de sustentabilidade aos processos que você domina.

Here are some practical suggestions to make a mid-career switch to Sustainability: 1) Ability to learn - This is a life skill but absolutely necessary in making pivotal career switches. Embrace online learning platforms like Coursera or edX or any other reputable e-learning site. 2) Volunteer and participate in actual initiatives related to key themes (E / S / G) of ESG. 3) Have the drive and passion to internalize your learnings and interactions with others while executing Sustainability-driven projects. 4) Be vocal in amplifying your Sustainability achievements and learnings. 5) Gradually get the depth in a key area of Sustainability e.g. GHG Reduction strategies and Net Zero baseline/target setting; or DEI strategies: etc.

Some contributions on: 1. Always notice your movement about learning. 2. Know if you are progressing or stuck in time. 3. Always avoid sudden changes in your learning path. 4. Build two-way roads. Work and study at the same time in a coherent and balanced way.

One of the greatest advantages of this approach is its adaptability to different professional schedules and interests. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to enhance your knowledge or someone new to sustainability, online resources allow you to tailor your learning experience. You can focus on specific areas of interest or explore broader topics, all while managing your existing commitments. Continuous education in sustainability isn't just about acquiring knowledge; it's about adapting to the latest trends and best practices. The field of sustainability is dynamic, influenced by technological advancements, policy changes, and shifting consumer demands.

Networking is key for transitioning into sustainability. Start by connecting with seasoned professionals in this sector to gain insights and guidance. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to join groups dedicated to sustainability, where you can engage in discussions and share knowledge. Attending specific conferences such as the Global Sustainability Conference can provide access to the latest industry trends and potential employers. Additionally, participating in local environmental clean-up events or sustainability workshops can help build community ties and uncover opportunities not typically advertised, potentially leading to direct job offers or valuable partnerships. ????

Any phase of a career requires networking. Therefore, it is important to network with industry experts and professionals, understand the latest trends and processes, and stay updated. This will ultimately help address the misconceptions that are floating around. One is able to work on the facts and data, thus boosting morale and others' confidence.

Professional networks should be leveraged but not with the sole aim of asking only. i) Build your network over time. ii) Use multiple strategies of identifying key companies in the your area of Sustainability interest, their key leaders and follow them on platforms like LinkedIn. Start joining the dots and contribute actively to their conversation threads. iii) Have a POV - point of view. Stand out from the crowd. iv) Additionally, participate in conferences and physical events to network in person. Follow-up on all such connects on regular basis. v) Develop actual experience by first volunteering and contributing pro bono. vi) Initially go for breadth to understand the Sustainability landscape and gradually develop depth.

LinkedIn is a good platform to start your networking journey. You can start by sending connection requests with attached introductory messages or engaging with content of those in your line of sustainability interest. Physical events would also go a long way.

Some considerations about: 1. Make important and productive contacts. 2. Always use Linkedin. 3. Constantly expand your network. 4. Always consider the possibility of face-to-face meetings.

Some considerations about: 1. Remember that impacts must be positive. 2. Maintain the programmed direction. 3. Make sure your target or goal is actually in front of you.

é fundamental ter foco. Quando nos concentramos numa área, tudo que fazemos em termos de estudo e pesquisa é destinado para uma mesma dire??o. Isso n?o nos impede de ter mais de uma área de atua??o, mas é importante n?o confundir seu público-alvo. A constancia na mensagem facilita o processo de comunica??o, e é dessa forma que grandes marcas conseguem construir uma reputa??o consistente ao longo dos anos.

This clarity can be crucial when engaging with potential employers or collaborators who share your vision for a sustainable future. By articulating your passion and the impact you aspire to create, you can attract opportunities that align with your values and contribute meaningfully to the broader sustainability movement. In essence, focusing on the impact you want to make in sustainability is not just about choosing a career path—it's about aligning your professional journey with your values and leveraging your passion to effect positive change in the world. This approach not only keeps you motivated but also empowers you to make a significant difference in the areas that matter most to you.

Profesionales que transicionan a la sostenibilidad a menudo subestiman el impacto que pueden tener en sus nuevas carreras, y es normal. Pero es crucial enfocarse en cómo tus acciones y decisiones contribuyen a objetivos de sostenibilidad sobre todo a largo plazo. Ya sea reduciendo la huella de carbono de una empresa en cualquiera de sus acciones, o implementando prácticas de trabajo éticas. Aquí cada peque?o esfuerzo cuenta y así hay que "celebrarlo". Este enfoque no solo es gratificante personalmente, sino que también demuestra el valor tangible y medible, de tu transición al campo de la sostenibilidad.

It's common to think that meaningful sustainability work only happens on the micro (grassroots) or macro (global policy) levels. However, there are opportunities to make an impact at all levels, including within local communities, specific industries, and corporate settings. Identify where you can make the most impact based on your skills and interests.

Você pode precisar de tempo para ver sua transi??o se consolidar. Prepare-se para o processo e n?o desista. Estou realizando uma transi??o, onde saí de um emprego seguro e com ótimo salário para buscar a transi??o no caminho da sustentabilidade. Ganho menos, mas sou muito mais feliz. Precisamos construir um novo mundo, e isso é inegociável.

By providing workshops and training, misconceptions about sustainability can be addressed while showcasing the applicability of existing expertise in areas like project management. Pairing individuals with mentors, encouraging networking, and offering hands-on experience further support this transition. Celebrating success stories and creating open forums for discussion help address concerns directly. Promoting continuous learning ensures professionals stay engaged and effective in their sustainability roles. Through above efforts, organizations can certainly empower mid-career individuals to make meaningful contributions to sustainability initiatives.

Navigating misconceptions about transitioning to a career in sustainability involves understanding common myths and taking practical steps towards sustainability initiatives. Some prevalent misconceptions include the belief that sustainability is solely about the environment, that it is too expensive to implement, and that it requires lowering one's standard of living. - Embrace sustainability as part of broader ESG efforts, understanding that it goes beyond reducing emissions to encompass various impacts and responsibilities. - Identify Opportunities in a Sustainability-Focused Economy that can lead to new revenue streams and market opportunities as more companies adopt sustainable practices.

The most important fact to consider is that people are animals of habits. Most will always be negative towards change and most companies historically are not built for sustainable business models. It will take a lot of convincing to change minds. So better choose your fights smartly and answer the "what is in it for me" question for each stakeholder. And no, saving the planet is not a good answer.

There's a belief that sustainability roles are not well-compensated compared to other sectors. While this can be true in some cases, there are increasingly more well-paid opportunities as businesses begin to realize the importance of sustainability in long-term profitability and risk management.