Where a University Degree Does and Doesn’t Prepare You for a Sustainability Career
Our apologies for stating with the conclusion: a university degree will only partially prepare you for a career in sustainability.
So, how prepared are you with a degree? And how can you continue to build your skills and career over time?
The answer to these questions brings us to Gaven Simon. He is a Market Research Analyst with ARC Advisory Group. In an insightful article in GreenBiz, Gaven shares core lessons and reflections from his sustainability career.
The Backbone of a Sustainability Degree
Gaven Simon’s degree in sustainability gave him a solid sustainability foundation. His specialised education allowed him to analyse, evaluate, and convey market intelligence in diverse sectors.
The university education successfully imparted core theories and perspectives. It also emphasised the imperative of systems thinking. Such holistic analysis is crucial in comprehending and tackling multifaceted issues like climate change. The ethos of collective effort also became deeply embedded during Gaven's academic journey. As he underscores, climate change will require collaborative efforts to mitigate.
The Gaps in the Learning Curve
However, no degree is a cure-all. Gaven identified three areas where university programs could strengthen their offerings:
Focus on Solutions, Not Just Problems: Gaven’s program did an excellent job highlighting sustainability problems but often stopped short of delving into practical solutions. Embedding case studies and contemporary solution examples can inspire students. Practical examples can also illuminate the path forward.
Cultivating a Sense of Community: At its core, sustainability is a people-driven field. Universities must create avenues for students to forge connections within the industry. This would pave the way for future collaborations and insights.
Preparing for the Real World: Universities must offer a realistic image of job opportunities post-graduation. Early on, Gaven grappled with heightened expectations, a common pitfall for many graduates. A comprehensive introduction to roles in sustainability can equip students with a clearer career vision and path.
Continuous Learning in Sustainability
To conclude on Gaven’s experiences and insights, a university degree in sustainability lays a robust foundation.
However, as most sustainability professionals will attest, meaningful learning in sustainability often stems from experiences, peers, and the pursuit of knowledge beyond the classroom. Embracing continuous learning and tapping into the sustainability community's collective wisdom can guide you towards a fulfilling career in sustainability.
The ever-evolving nature of sustainability necessitates a commitment to continuous learning. Here are some ways to embed such learning into your career:
Participate in Workshops and Webinars: Keep abreast of current trends, technologies, and methodologies.
Attend Conferences and Symposia: Engage with thought leaders and gain insights into emerging best practices.
Stay Updated with Literature: Regularly peruse journals, articles, and books to deepen and broaden your understanding.
Leveraging Sustainability Peer Networks for Growth
Other sustainability professionals will be one of the absolute best sources of inspiration and insight. They often have experiences and expertise that can transfer directly to your situation and organisation. Ways to foster and leverage connections with peers include:
Join Professional Organisations: This offers networking opportunities, resources, and potential mentorships.
Engage in Collaborative Research: Partner with peers to explore new facets of sustainability.
Mentor and Be Mentored: Sharing experiences and knowledge is mutually beneficial, fostering growth in both parties.
Join Sustainability-focused Education Programmes: Online or in-person education programs are a great place to connect with and learn from peers.
Stay updated on ESG and Sustainability developments via the enteleco blog.
