Where to Find REAL Info About Sustainability Careers

Sustainability. What is it? Why do you want to do it? How do you get a job doing it?

The majority of people that I talk to for coaching, no matter their background, are looking for a “sustainability” career. The problem they all face is not knowing what that really means for them. It boils down to “I want to do good and I want to fight climate change.”

Sustainability itself is extremely broad. It doesn’t help that the definitions are not universally established as you can see in these different definitions.

“Sustainability has often been defined as how biological systems endure and remain diverse and productive. But, the 21st-century definition of sustainability goes far beyond these narrow parameters. Today, it refers to the need to develop the sustainable models necessary for both the human race and planet Earth to survive.” - Sustainabilitydegrees.com

The most often quoted definition comes from the UN World Commission on Environment and Development: “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” - https://academicimpact.un.org/content/sustainability

I am not going to try to recreate the wheel in this article. There is an abundant amount of information already out there, you just need to know where to look. That said, here are my top 4 sources for sustainable careers information.

• Www.sustainabilitydegrees.com - This site lists all the major career options and has a detailed guide for students. I like this page because it is thorough and well organized.
• Www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/3344 - This page has a great list of careers and resources such as certifications and organization. 
• Www.environmentalscience.org/sustainability - This site is brief and to the point. I like it if you’re looking for a quick read.
• Www.trade-schools.net/articles/environmental-sustaintainability-jobs.asp - This is isn’t the prettiest, but there is a good list of sustainability careers.

The sites listed here were chosen because they have a section that focuses largely on the career options aspect. Hundreds of pages exist for personal sustainability, corporate responsibility best practices, and more. Check out these sites and determine which career paths sound best for you and then decide where to fill the gaps on your resume. 

Next week we'll take a look at some sustainability podcasts that can help you further refine where your interests lie.

You might also be interested in the upcoming career interview series coming up. We're getting started with Madison M. Quinn with NYWEA on May 2nd. Follow the event here.

There is currently space available in group coaching! Learn more HERE.

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Stay gold!
-Laura

The Environmental Career Coach provides group and personal coaching for students, recent grads, and career changers to help them get from where they currently are and onto paths to successful environmental careers.