What are the most effective ways to build a successful ESG career?

Approach this methodically. ESG covers many topics and, as important as it is to have a general overview, it is also crucial to find your specific area. You cannot be an expert in everything. You may know about the general issues and trends, but you need to specialize in what is most suitable for you. Maybe very specific GHG calculations? Human rights? Maybe controlling? Or maybe strategic aspects and integrating sustainability into the business model? You may also become an expert in given sectors. ESG is very becoming crucial in finance. Maybe fashion is your business. Maybe production and there are ways to introduce more circularity. If you think “business,” sustainability can be part of it.

Be strategic about it. Ask yourself what part of the sector/ topic you enjoy exploring. Develop your knowledge in that area by reading, and connecting with like-minded people. Ask questions and develop your own voice. Remember ESG isn't viewed the same way by all stakeholders. Identify the stakeholders' perspective so you understand better. Delve deep into it and understand the nitty-gritty involved.

Specialization is key in an ESG career. As a sustainable finance lawyer, I chose to focus on governance and ethical investment. This specificity allowed me to become an expert in navigating legal intricacies of sustainable finance. Similarly, selecting a niche, be it carbon accounting or corporate governance, and pairing it with a sector aligns your skills with specific industry needs. This targeted approach not only enhances your expertise but also positions you as a sought-after professional in a specific ESG domain.

Embarking on a successful ESG career starts with understanding your strengths and how they fit into the vast ESG landscape. Think about what truly fires you up – whether it's crunching numbers, driving social impact, or ensuring ethical governance. If you're the data whiz, dive into carbon accounting; a finance expert might find fulfillment in social impact investing. ESG is like a bustling city with roles for researchers, financial professionals, lawyers, communicators techies, etc. spanning consulting, finance, non-profits, government, and academia. The magic lies in recognizing your strengths, finding your ESG sweet spot, and dedicating yourself to making a positive impact.

Finding you niche is crucial as the interdisciplinary nature of ESG can be overwhelming. I focus on the 'S' of ESG with my background in Fortune 500 Recruiting & Staffing company, R&D and the third sector. I specialize in workforce diversity, human rights, community engagement, profitable social venture building, labour standards, impact of social factors on corporate performance and sustainability & future of work/education. Identifying personal interests and strengths is a great starting point (e.g., human rights advocacy, diversity and inclusion), aligning with industry sectors that heavily rely on strong social policies is key (e.g., manufacturing, technology, finance).

ESG as a domain has only hit the mainstream in recent years. This means there was (and currently is) a lot of on-the-job learning. In my experience, sustainability professionals are very open to sharing their insights with peers. Hence one of the best ways in which you can develop your competencies is by joining a network of likeminded professionals and sharing knowledge (not just one-way traffic). I have found attending practitioner focused conferences also insightful.

Once you know what you want your field of specialization to be, be diligent in checking what is required for your dream job. You can check LinkedIn job openings to write down a list of competencies, knowledge and experience that is required. Check where you qualify and what areas you need to develop. Once you have a list, plan what are the best means to get the skills you lack. It could be seminars and workshops or formal education, or maybe even some volunteer work. Check if and how you could gain experience in your current job. If it requires some extra hours, treat it as an investment in your future. Look for people who do what you want to be doing and connect with them. Ask as many questions as you can.

Recognize that ESG is a swiftly changing realm, and self-education is your compass. Forge connections – join groups, hit events, and reach out to mentors. In this dynamic space, staying informed is your ticket to credibility and seizing opportunities.

Building a successful career in (ESG) within the manufacturing sector requires a combination of education, skills, networking, and dedication to sustainability principles. Some effective ways to establish a successful ESG career in the manufacturing sector: 1.Acquire Relevant Education&Certification 2.Develop Key Skills:Sustainability Knowledge,Analytical Skills,Communication ,Project Management,Familiarize with sustainability reporting frameworks,SCM 3.Gain Practical Experience 4.Networking:Join Professional Organizations, Online Networking 5.Continuous Learning 6.Build a Portfolio:Case Studies&Projects 7.Seek Mentorship 8.Demonstrate Leadership 9.Stay Committed 10.Consider volunteering for sustainability-related initiatives

Start well and from the bottom. Make sure you understand the meaning of ESG : it is about nature, people and leadership. If you understand what nature, people and leadership means, then you have all it takes to become an ESG expert.

Creating opportunities is the best thing you can do for your career. Does your current company have an ESG department? If yes, see how you can get involved in their projects or be transferred there. If not, maybe it is great time to sell the idea of sustainability to your bosses and take the lead on that? If this does not seem like a feasible option, come up with projects that will help you gain experience. If you feel like searching for a new job, use your network and social media platforms. Get involved in sustainability initiatives, let people see how you work, and acknowledge the fact that you want a career in sustainability. You may meet somebody who is searching for someone just like you, so let the world know your aspirations.

When looking for the next step in your career, it's helpful to reach out to people beyond your immediate friends and colleagues. According to Stanford University's Erik Brynjolfsson: “People with whom you have weaker ties are more likely to have information or connections that are useful and relevant.” Use the "strength of weak ties" to ask a senior executive at your dream company for a referral, an introduction or a chat and you'll be surprised by how many will gladly oblige!

Creo, sinceramente, que existe muchísimo trabajo al respecto de #ESG. Se requieren posiciones de consultoría a todos los niveles. Es imposible que en organizaciones de todos los sectores exista uno o dos profesionales de #ESG bien formados. Establecerse como profesional independiente, que ha construido su conocimiento con base a un nicho de conocimiento es asegurarse una gran carrera profesional para (mínimo) los próximos 10 o 15 a?os.

I agree and I would stress hte second part. Use your entrepreneurial skills to create opportunities within your company. Support process and be on top. Many people may be busy with their daily duties and you may find an aoportunity there. As well I would suggest to create your own opportunities, via networking, vouluteering and even organize events!

Start where you are and try different sustainability topics to see which one speaks to you the most. For example, if your company has a mentorship program, consider aligning with someone from the ESG department for valuable guidance and insights. Involvement in Employee Resource Groups focused on sustainability aspects like diversity and inclusion provides a platform for impactful contributions. Be proactive in identifying your niche within the sustainability landscape. Once your interest is defined, educate yourself extensively and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with like-minded individuals. Engage in industry conversations, share your perspective, and contribute to the discourse.

Look at the experience that you already have. ESG is a broad field, and you can easily benefit from the skills and competencies you have developed so far. Think of what interests you, what makes you “tick.” At the end of the day, this is something that you may – at least for some time if not forever! – be doing on a daily basis. Gather as much information as you can. You may also have to dig a little bit deeper to understand where your future may lie. Don’t get overwhelmed. Treat it as a process and adventure at the same time. Go to conferences, find mentors, talk with people who are already working in sustainability. If they know you well, they may have some hints for you. If they don’t, just learn about their experience.

Building a career in ESG space includes passion to steer ESG and a mindset to think long term. Other aspects can be - ? Familiarizing with sector specific challenges to tailor ESG solutions that are relevant to specific sectors. ? Building a Strong Online Presence by showcasing intent on ESG through articles, participation in discussions and establishing as a thought leader in the ESG space. ? Stakeholders value individuals who can demonstrate tangible positive impacts of ESG initiatives. Highlighting successful projects and outcomes in the career can showcase the ability to drive positive change. ESG space is dynamic, and success often comes from a combination of knowledge, experience, and a proactive approach to continuous learning.

Burnout in the sustainability field is so real. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, staying active, and nurturing your mental health. Spending time in nature, whether that’s swimming, hiking, or rock climbing, and hanging out with friends always brings me joy!

Considering a career in sustainability? It’s a decision that aligns not just with personal growth but also with a global need. To effectively pursue this path, engaging in career development activities tailored to sustainability is key. It contain a lot of information could help you get a overall review to reach a new career, especially in sustainability.

Starting out in the ESG field can be overwhelming due to the vast amount of information about different sectors. To navigate this effectively, I recommend focusing on acquiring essential skills and knowledge first, such as carbon accounting, supply chain management, ESG disclosure framework... Once you gain practical experience through job involvement in sustainability programs and networking, you can then identify your preferred niche or sector.