Learn how to use your skills to pursue a sustainability career in this article. Find out how to assess, learn, showcase, network, explore, and take action to make a difference.

CONNECT YOUR UNCOMMON SKILLS It’s expected that you will assess your skills, map them against what is needed, etc. and try to find common points. However, I urge you to think differently. You may none of the above common aspects, yet you can make a career in just about any field. Keep your mind open. Find those connections between uncommon competencies. We do not need specialists as much as we need generalists who come with an expanded mindset and an out-of-the box approach. As long as you are curious and eager to learn, jump into the unknown. You will figure it out.

How can you use your skills to transition into a sustainability career?

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and society, you might be interested in pursuing a sustainability career. But how can you use your existing skills and experience to transition into this field? In this article, we will explore some tips and strategies to help you identify and leverage your strengths, expand your knowledge and network, and find opportunities that align with your goals and values.

1 Assess your skills

The first step to transition into a sustainability career is to assess your current skills and how they relate to the sustainability challenges and opportunities in your industry or sector. You might already have some relevant skills, such as project management, communication, research, data analysis, or stakeholder engagement. You can also think of the transferrable skills that you can apply to different contexts and situations, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, or collaboration. To assess your skills, you can use online tools, self-assessments, feedback from others, or career coaches.

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Noelyne Mumbi, MKISM, SSGB, LGB

End To End Global Supply Chains Management| Operational Excellence| Lean| Six Sigma| Project Management| Coach| Mentor| Change Management| Speaker| Trainer| Opinions Are My Own
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Leveraging Transferrable Skills The uniqueness of being human is the capacity to be agile Once a skill has been learnt, be it stakeholder management, project management, or resource management, the same skill can be morphed to fit different scenarios and solve problems. It can also be merged into existing solutions to improve on gains exponentially Ones imagination is a key tool in bridging the gap and connecting the dots between transferrable skills. In assessing one skills to transition into a sustainability career, the key questions to ask are; what are my skills and strengths? what is needed in a sustainability environment? How can I leverage and adapt by skills to support and enhance sustainability?

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2 Learn new skills

The next step is to learn new skills that can enhance your sustainability profile and prepare you for the roles and responsibilities that you aspire to. You can learn new skills through formal education, such as degrees, diplomas, or certificates, or through informal learning, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, books, or blogs. You can also learn from experts and practitioners in the field, by attending events, joining communities, or following influencers. Some of the skills that are in high demand in the sustainability sector are sustainability reporting, impact measurement, circular economy, climate change, social justice, and ethical leadership.

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Harald Eustachius Tomintz

Building a #BetterWorkingWorld 🌏
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To transition into a career in sustainability, you would need to learn and develop various skills that may overlap with economics, business management, development studies, and environmental science. You can learn these skills through online courses—very popular these days—or more traditional methods such as via workshops, books, networks, and mentorship. You can also apply these skills in your current role, such as by volunteering, joining committees, or proposing initiatives. In fact, it may come as a surprise that sustainable development can be applied concretely in most jobs and industries. One last thing to remember is that sustainability is a lifestyle choice: lifelong learning and self-improvement are thus highly compatible with it.

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3 Showcase your skills

The third step is to showcase your skills and demonstrate your commitment and value to potential employers or clients. You can showcase your skills through your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or online presence. You can also showcase your skills through your actions, such as volunteering, participating in campaigns, initiating projects, or joining boards. You can also showcase your skills through your stories, by highlighting your achievements, challenges, learnings, and motivations in interviews or conversations.

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4 Network with purpose

The fourth step is to network with purpose and build meaningful relationships with people who share your passion and vision for sustainability. You can network with purpose by identifying and reaching out to people who can offer you advice, guidance, support, or opportunities. You can also network with purpose by adding value to others, by sharing your insights, resources, feedback, or referrals. You can network with purpose by using various platforms and channels, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, Eventbrite, or B Corp.

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5 Explore opportunities

The fifth step is to explore opportunities and find the best fit for your skills, interests, and values. You can explore opportunities by researching and following the organizations, sectors, or trends that are leading the way in sustainability. You can also explore opportunities by creating your own, by starting a social enterprise, a consultancy, a blog, a podcast, or a movement. You can also explore opportunities by being flexible and adaptable, by considering different roles, locations, or sectors that can offer you a chance to make a difference.

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6 Take action

The final step is to take action and pursue your sustainability career with confidence and enthusiasm. You can take action by setting realistic and specific goals, by developing a plan and a timeline, and by tracking your progress and achievements. You can also take action by seeking feedback and support, by finding mentors, coaches, or peers who can help you grow and improve. You can also take action by celebrating your successes and learning from your failures, by recognizing your efforts and contributions, and by embracing the challenges and opportunities that come your way.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sarita Bahl

Independent Board Director I ESG & Sustainability I Agriculture & Healthcare Expertise I Stakeholder Advocacy I Storyteller I Brand Management I PCC- ICF Coach I EMCC Sr Practitioner & Mentor
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CONNECT YOUR UNCOMMON SKILLS It’s expected that you will assess your skills, map them against what is needed, etc. and try to find common points. However, I urge you to think differently. You may none of the above common aspects, yet you can make a career in just about any field. Keep your mind open. Find those connections between uncommon competencies. We do not need specialists as much as we need generalists who come with an expanded mindset and an out-of-the box approach. As long as you are curious and eager to learn, jump into the unknown. You will figure it out.

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Praveen Rikhy
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I hope to use my experience and the new certification as independent director and ESG Expert to help Companies at the board level to make the transition as responsible corporate citizens

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How can you use your skills to transition into a sustainability career?

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3

4

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1 Assess your skills

2 Learn new skills

3 Showcase your skills

4 Network with purpose

5 Explore opportunities

6 Take action

7 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

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How can you use your skills to transition into a sustainability career?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your skills

2 Learn new skills

3 Showcase your skills

4 Network with purpose

5 Explore opportunities

6 Take action

7 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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