How to get a job in sustainability

With a global population projected to pass 10 billion by 2050, our current resource consumption habits are pushing Earth to its limits. The shift towards a sustainable future is becoming a major economic driver, creating more green jobs than ever before

The field of sustainability aims to tackle environmental challenges and promote practices that benefit the planet and its inhabitants. This involves safeguarding resources, advocating for social justice, and ensuring economic responsibility.

As the awareness of climate change, resource depletion, and social inequalities increases, the demand for sustainability professionals is also on the rise. According to LinkedIn data, roles such as sustainability analysts, specialists, and managers have been among the fastest growing globally over the past four years.

With approximately 639,400 workers, professionals in this field are involved in various sectors, including:

• renewable energy
• waste management
• sustainable agriculture
• corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• environmental policy

Do I need a related degree?

A degree in sustainability or a related field can be beneficial for a career in the field, but it's not always necessary. Pursuing a degree environmental science, civil engineering, policy, business management, or even social sciences can provide a strong foundation for a career in sustainability.

Courses with specialisations in environmental policy, sustainable business, urban planning, or renewable energy can enhance your expertise and open up career opportunities.

Examples of sustainability degrees include:

• Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc - University of Leeds
• Sustainable Built Environments, Energy and Resources BSc - University College London
• Sustainable Development BSc - University of St Andrews
• Environmental Management and Sustainability BSc - University of Plymouth
• Global Sustainable Development BASc - University of Warwick

Many of these courses explore social sciences such as sociology and anthropology to analyse the social and cultural factors that impact sustainability practices.

Some programmes also integrate management principles to prepare you for roles involving sustainability in business decision-making. This includes modules on sustainable business practices, supply chain management, and economic models considering environmental and social costs.

How do I get sustainability work experience?

Even if you don't have a directly related degree, relevant work experience can be crucial when applying for jobs in the sustainability sector. Volunteering is a fantastic way to get your foot in the door and learn about sustainability initiatives from the ground up. You can look for opportunities with wildlife trusts, or even community gardens. You can also volunteer at conferences or events related to sustainability.

The Woodland Trust has various volunteer opportunities, including an environment monitor, where you'll conduct ecological survey work on-site or online to gather data on plants and habitats. This opportunity is perfect for candidates seeking to gain sustainability technical skills while demonstrating their commitment to the cause.

Keep Britain Tidy also offers opportunities to participate in the Ocean Recovery Project. Volunteers play a key role in promoting a circular economy by assisting in the collection and recycling of mixed plastics from the beach.

Many organisations offer internships in sustainability, even for students without a background in the field. You can search for sustainability internships on environmental job boards such as:

• GreenJobs
• Environmentjob
• GreenBiz - Sustainability jobs
• Sustainability Job
• EcoCareers

PwC offers Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) internships in two areas: risk and deals. If you work in Sustainability Risk, you'll help organisations transform sustainably by building trust in climate transition and reporting. You'll also ensure that clients' transition to net zero is fair. Those working in Deals will be involved with sustainable investing and financing, including real estate projects that support net zero goals.

EY also offer the Climate Change and Sustainability Services Summer Internship, where you'll gain experience with the business impacts of climate change and sustainability, working on real-world projects to help clients become more sustainable. This could involve tasks like ESG assurance, climate change advice, human rights considerations, and circular economy implementation.

Search for sustainability roles.

What skills do employers want?

Employers in the sustainability industry are looking for a blend of technical knowledge and soft skills. Many sustainability roles involve influencing others and getting buy-in for new initiatives, meaning strong leadership and collaboration skills are key. The ability to anticipate future trends and challenges in sustainability is also valuable.

Technical skills include:

• Sustainability literacy - a solid understanding of core sustainability principles, environmental science, and climate change.
• Data analysis - the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data to measure the environmental impact of practices and identify areas for improvement.
• Knowledge of frameworks - familiarity with frameworks like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or certifications like B Corp show an understanding of best practices.

It's essential to be able to clearly explain complex sustainability concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Sustainability challenges are complex, so employers look for people who can analyse situations, identify root causes, and develop creative solutions.

When applying for a job, it's important to emphasise skills and experiences that are relevant to the specific job description. Try to quantify your achievements whenever possible. Also, express your genuine interest in sustainability and the company's efforts.

For more information about landing a sustainability job, see Going green, getting hired: a guide to sustainable careers.

Can I become certified?

There are a few routes you can take to gain extra qualifications in this field:

• Professional certifications - Organisations like the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) offer Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner programmes. They provide training and exams to demonstrate your knowledge for implementing sustainability initiatives.
• General sustainability certifications - Other certifications, like the Sustainability Accounting Professional by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or the Sustainability Excellence Professional from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals, focus on specific areas of sustainability but can still be valuable for consultants.

How do I get into sustainability consulting?

Breaking into the field of sustainability consulting is an exciting opportunity, especially with the increasing demand for these professionals, but it's crucial to be adaptable when starting out. Consider gaining work experience in entry-level positions, whether it's in an environmental department, CSR team, or in sustainability-focused projects within other departments before working your way up.

To secure a role as a consultant, it's worth considering pursuing a Masters degree in sustainability or a related field to deepen your knowledge and gain a competitive advantage.

For instance, the Sustainability and Management MSc from the University of Bath is tailored for graduates from any background who wish to develop managerial skills with a focus on sustainability. Modules include Company Consultancy Project and Sustainable Operations Management, and there are opportunities to network with industry professionals and take part in international business challenges.

Alternatively, the Sustainability and Consultancy MSc from the University of Leeds covers the principles of sustainability, project management, and consultancy skills. Students will also have the chance to work on a real-world consulting project with an industry partner. The programme is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

For more information, see sustainability consultant.

Find out more

• Search for a postgraduate course in sustainability.
• Explore our environmental consultant job profile.
• Read about renewable energy careers.