How to make your career sustainable

Delve into the growing field of sustainable careers, exploring the range of opportunities available, the skills and qualifications required, and the benefits of pursuing a sustainable path

What is sustainability?

The United Nations (UN) defines sustainability as 'meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.'

Sustainable careers are those that connect deeply with the world through a personal sense of meaning and purpose. Therefore, career choices should be informed by being self-aware and by knowing what is going on in the world around us.

How does sustainability relate to my career?

Sustainability is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of organisational success. Investors, consumers, and regulators alike are demanding businesses prioritise environmental and social responsibility.

Deloitte's Gen Z and millennial survey highlights the growing importance of sustainability in attracting top talent. These demographics are increasingly likely to choose employers with strong sustainability commitments, potentially limiting the talent pool for organisations that lag behind.

In today's job market, prioritising sustainability in your career can lead to greater satisfaction, fulfilment, and long-term success. This is because you will have discovered your own sense of purpose and how this relates to the world.

By doing something you love and value, you'll naturally feel more fulfilled and satisfied. It can also bring longevity to your career as both you and your company will be aligned with sustainability as a key goal.

What does a sustainable job look like?

Sustainability in a career context is more than just a company's green initiatives. It encompasses social, ethical, and economic factors.

From a social perspective, if companies are promoting equality and diversity at all levels in their organisations,  there will be a better sense of fairness for opportunities to excel. Similarly, your conscience will feel clear if you work for a business who treats suppliers and their business communities fairly and generates profit by adopting sustainable and ethical practices.

When considering a potential employer, ask yourself the following questions:

• Carbon footprint - is the company genuinely reducing its emissions?
• Decent work - does the company offer fair wages, benefits, and working conditions? What is their stance on employee wellbeing and striking a work/life balance?
• Equality - does the company promote diversity and inclusion?
• Ethical sourcing - are suppliers treated fairly and ethically?
• Social impact - does the company contribute positively to the community and society?
• Long-term sustainability - is the company's business model sustainable for the long term?

By considering these factors, you can choose a career that aligns with your values and contributes to a more sustainable future.

How do I find a sustainable career?

• Look for specific sustainability-focused vacancies - Explore roles directly addressing environmental, social, or economic challenges, although you can be sustainable without having it in your job title. Some examples of popular roles include sustainability consultants, corporate social responsibility managers, environmental officers, renewable energy engineers, and sustainable investment specialists.
• Educate yourself - Understand that environmental issues and sustainable practices can give you a competitive edge in today's job market. For example, you could read the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By demonstrating your knowledge and passion for environmental sustainability, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates. Search for a postgraduate course in sustainability.
• Check sustainability credentials - Research potential employers' commitment to sustainability. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) provide valuable metrics and standards.
• Analyse companies - Review companies' financial and sustainability reports, strategies, and the sustainability of their products and services.

 If you already have a job, you can make it more sustainable by:

• Getting managerial support - Seek your manager's backing for implementing sustainability-oriented changes.
• Developing future job roles in keeping with the UN's SDGs - Ensure your company's recruitment practices and sustainability objectives are aligned with these goals.
• Thinking about everyday actions - Review your own carbon footprint, which you can do at WWF - Footprint calculator. Consider the sustainability implications of your commuting, clothing choices, food consumption, spending habits, interactions with colleagues, policy implementation, and feedback to your manager.
• Considering the collective impact - Initiate or join a sustainability group at work to foster a culture of sustainable practices.

Take a look at how to choose a career and search graduate jobs to see what's available.

Find out more

• Discover how to get a job in sustainability.
• Read all about being an environmental consultant.
• Take a look at renewable energy careers.