7 Tips For Your Successful Sustainability Job Switch

Switching to a job in Sustainability can be a rewarding and impactful career move. However, switching from a different field will require a strategic approach for success.

Here’s 7 key tips we recommend that will help you make the change:

1. Research

The sustainability field is diverse, ranging from sustainable business practice, through to renewable energy and more scientific based roles. Therefore take time to research the different routes to pursue and which align best with your own ambitions.

Identify the specific skills required in your area of interest within sustainability.

For example, if you are interested in sustainable business practices, you might need skills in sustainable supply chain management or corporate social responsibility (CSR). If nature is your preferred interest then building skills around ecology and land management are more important.

2. Self-Assessment

Once you know the types of roles you’re targeting, evaluate your transferable skills.

You will have abilities acquired in your current or past roles that can be applied to sustainability roles. These may include communication, project management, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Consider your values and passion for environmental issues. Think about how your current skills can be aligned with sustainability goals. Reading up on job specifications for current available roles will provide you a good baseline to aim towards.

3. Education

At this point you’ll know where the gaps in your knowledge and skills are. Aim to build your understanding to fill these gaps. Potentially this could be to pursue a degree, as well as targeted training courses.

There is also an abundance of free information available through the likes of Youtube, as well as numerous professional bodies able to assist.  Bodies such as IEMA and the IES are good starting points. 

Do not be put off by the educational requirements you see in job descriptions. The skills you already have are valuable. Consider education is a route to adapt and build upon your existing skills, not an area where you are starting from scratch. 

4. Boosting Your Experience

Firstly, consider opportunities within your current role. Are there initiatives you could propose or put yourself forward for that incorporate sustainable practice. This can build your abilities and demonstrate your commitment to make a positive impact for future potential roles.

Ensure you showcase measurable results or improvements resulting from your sustainability initiatives. This can strengthen your case when discussing your contributions during interviews for sustainability focused jobs.

Also consider volunteer opportunities with sustainability focus organizations, or with sustainability projects. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your knowledge but also build connections in the field. 

5. Networking

Networking is a great way to gain insights into the industry, learn about different career paths, and build connections. Consider attending sustainability conferences, seminars, and workshops (many free ones are available with a quick search on Google).

Online platforms, forums, and social media groups dedicated to sustainability also help to connect with professionals and stay updated on industry trends.

6. Continuous Learning

The sustainable field is constantly evolving, as are sustainability job roles. Policy progresses, technology advances and ambitions increase. Staying up to date on current trends and advancements is key. Do so and you will find your capabilities progress rapidly.

Read industry publications, attend webinars and make use of sustainability channels on Youtube/social media. Resources from professional bodies, many of which are free, are also a vital resource. 

Also, don’t forget us here at Greener Insights! We publish plenty of content right here to help you stay up to speed, covering all things sustainability and climate related. Our articles covering the basics of climate change, net zero and key green terms are great starting points. 

7. Patience

Making any change in your career is rarely an immediate action. The preparation outlined in the earlier steps takes time to do right. Following that, if your applying for new roles you have to be prepared for rejection. But if you can remain patience and persistent then success will eventually follow.

Its best to consider making the switch to a sustainability job as a gradual transition.

Becoming more familiar with the industry through research and assessment of your own skills will give you more confidence when considering education and experience. In turn your network will grow and eventually opportunities will come forward.

You Can Make The Switch

Transitioning to a sustainability career involves leveraging your transferable skills, acquiring new knowledge, building a network, and showcasing your commitment through practical experiences.

By strategically aligning your existing skills with the requirements of sustainability roles, you can successfully make the switch and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future.

It is a competitive industry, so patience will be needed. But, if you are committed and persistent, you will make it.