For those of you wanting to move your career into the sustainability sector, whether internally within your current organisation or to a whole new place of employment, often the most difficult step to overcome can be knowing where to start. With this in mind, we thought we’d give you a few clues as to how to go about the process of transitioning into sustainability.
Stay up to date: With climate change and sustainability being the current hot news topics, they are both featuring prominently in the print and electronic media. Reading the papers on a regular basis can be one way of staying up to date with current sustainability trends, policies and issues at government, corporate and community levels. There are also many web based information updates that you can subscribe to for free that will give you information on all things climate change and sustainability, so happy reading!
Know your passion: Identify what it is about sustainability that is making you want to work in this sector. It could be a desire to help mitigate the effects of climate change or to make a more positive contribution to society. Sustainability is a broad and complex challenge affecting not only the environment but society and the economy as well. Whatever your passion, identifying it will help you to speak to the right people and help put you on the path to finding a job that you are passionate about.
Build relationships: As mentioned in our previous edition this is really important, especially if you’re looking to change employers. It’s the best way to access the ‘hidden job market’, find out what opportunities are out there and meet the people you need to meet.
Volunteer: A great way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability is to volunteer some of your time with a not for profit organisation. Not only are you able to make a positive contribution this way, but these organisations often have great contacts that you can meet and build relationships with. Also the time spent volunteering enhances your experience and looks great on your CV.
Take an intern role: As odd as it may sound, taking an intern role in a company that is already active in sustainability allows you to gain hands on experience, which can then be transferred in the future to a new job.
Show an interest: A subtle but often effective way of demonstrating your capabilities in sustainability, within your own place of work, is to purely show an interest. Staff members at all levels in all sorts of organisations are feeling a little uneasy about what they need to do to make their place of work more sustainable. Employees who have demonstrated an interest or passion in this will often be looked upon as the most ‘qualified’ person, and even though you may not have a wealth of experience, this can position you well for a potential new internal role.
