Here's how you can navigate potential career paths in sustainability as a late-career professional.
Embarking on a new career path in sustainability can be both exciting and daunting, especially for late-career professionals. You might wonder how your years of experience can translate into this dynamic field. The good news is that sustainability benefits from a wealth of knowledge across various sectors, and your expertise is valuable. Whether you're driven by a passion for environmental stewardship or a desire for a meaningful post-retirement role, there are ways to pivot your career effectively.
To start, evaluate your existing skill set and experience. Sustainability is a broad field, encompassing everything from renewable energy to corporate social responsibility. Your background might give you a unique edge in certain areas. For example, if you have experience in project management, you could oversee sustainability initiatives. Understanding your strengths and how they relate to sustainability can guide you to the right niche.
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Jessie Frahm 🌱
Helping sustainability managers create clear plans for positive change | Consultant | Educator | 👉Join the Impact Accelerator 👈
Navigating a career shift into sustainability as a late-career professional is much like repotting an old, beloved plant into new soil. It's about giving new life to your established roots. Begin by assessing your skills—just as you'd check the health of the plant's roots. Your extensive experience can serve as a strong foundation in areas like project management or strategy within sustainability sectors. Learning trends in sustainability is akin to understanding what nutrients the soil needs. Networking is about planting seeds in the right gardens, where you can grow. With each step, you’re cultivating a robust new path in your thriving garden of sustainability.
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Tahmina Day, MBA, CERP
Sustainability Leader | Risk Strategist | Head of ESG
Stop! Before diving into any plans or actions, take a moment to reflect on your motivations for pursuing a career in sustainability. Ask yourself: -Is it because sustainability is currently a trending topic? -Do I “feel like” it’s my true calling? -Have I conducted thorough research and discovered that I possess both the aptitude and attitude for this career? If your answer aligns with the last question, you are on the right path. However, if you struggle to find a clear answer, it might be time for some self-discovery to understand why you want to make this career switch in the first place.
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Magali Anderson
I got into sustainability after 30 years of career because reaching 50, I felt that I needed more purpose in my life. So I first moved to HSE. Coming from the O&G industry, it was an "easy" sell, as this sector is so advanced on the topic. The move to CSO after that, was almost natural. I think organisations start to understand that the best impact comes with changing things from the inside, on the technology but also on the business model. Who better than the professional can do it. However, it can only work if you are truly passionate - Sustainability is not only a job, it is a life. If you continue jumping in a plane for a WE beach break and eat meat everyday, you might question yourself if this is really what you want to do.
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Emilio Planas
Innovation, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Strategic Thinking , Strategic Planning ,Negotiation, Startups , International Trade, Supply Chain, Digital Business, Finance Managment, Business .
As a late-career professional exploring sustainability, start by assessing your current skills and how they can transfer to sustainability roles. Identify gaps and seek targeted education in areas like environmental science or sustainable business practices. Leverage your vast experience by focusing on roles that require complex problem-solving, leadership, and strategic planning. Networking with professionals in the field and attending relevant workshops or conferences can open doors. Remember, your expertise is invaluable in driving sustainable change.
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Subhasis Ray
Professor @ XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, India / Marketing & Sustainability/ National University of Ireland/IIM-Calcutta
Best is to think of your own function in two ways 1. How sustainability helps the function for the next 10 years? 2. How your function helps your organization to achieve net zero?
Staying current with industry trends is crucial in sustainability, which is constantly evolving due to new technologies and regulations. Consider enrolling in workshops or online courses to update your knowledge. This will not only enhance your understanding of the field but also show potential employers or partners that you are committed to keeping pace with the latest developments.
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Madeleine Loveday
Climate Risk at Nationwide Building Society | Unique You Guide
Following top sustainability voices on LinkedIn, and signing up to newsletters (either from individuals or companies) has been an effective way for me to stay updated on specific ESG trends. It is a very fast pace industry and certain areas, such as regulation, are ever-evolving. Following people who are at the heart of the policy-making processes or decision makers is a great way to keep informed and can help you identify ways to upskill, whether that's through enrolling in online courses or pointing you in the direction of useful reports / policy documents to read.
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Bhagyashree Bhansali
Founder at The Disposal Company | Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024 | ESG Consultant
The key is to remain adaptable, embrace lifelong learning, and leverage your wisdom to drive meaningful impact. - Stay curious - constantly learn about emerging trends like circular economy, renewable energy, and sustainable finance. - Leverage your experience - mentor young professionals and startups working on sustainable solutions. - Upskill through online courses, workshops, and certifications in areas like carbon accounting or ESG reporting. - Network actively within the sustainability community to explore new opportunities. - Consider consulting roles that capitalize on your domain expertise while allowing flexibility.
Networking is key in any career change. Reach out to professionals in the sustainability sector to learn about their experiences. Attend industry events and join relevant online forums to connect with like-minded individuals. These connections can lead to job opportunities and partnerships, or simply provide valuable insights into your new career path.
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Seneca Cottom
Head Of Sustainability at Alshaya Group
Networking is key in any career transition. Remember however, that networking isn't about how much you can get, but how much you give. Make sure to come to any networking opportunity as your authentic self. Speak to many people, ask lots of questions about who they are, what they do, the challenges they face and how they tackle those challenges. This is where you learn the most and this is how you make the best impression. Take what you learn and see how it applies to you, your work, or how it connects with others that you've networked with. And remember always to follow up and stay in touch.
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Shelley T.
LinkedIn Branding & Global Strategy Consultant | Expert in Corporate Culture, CSR, Cross-Cultural Leadership
Before diving into networking, take some time to clarify your career goals and interests within the sustainability sector. It's always important to ask yourself: Am I passionate about renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, climate policy, or another area? Understanding your focus will help you target your networking efforts more effectively. Consider joining professional associations or groups dedicated to sustainability, such as the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), or local sustainability networks. These organizations often host networking events, webinars, and workshops specifically tailored to professionals in the field.
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Moshmi Desai
ESG Research & Data Analyst | Proactive Solutionist | Contagious Optimist | Clue Connector
Reaching out to professionals who are within your target market through networking events, LinkedIn messaging, etc.. can lead you to having conversations where you can showcase your value. Through that, there are possibilities for job opportunities.
Gaining practical experience can be a game-changer. Volunteer for environmental projects or internships, even if they're unpaid. This hands-on experience will not only enrich your resume but also give you a clearer idea of what working in sustainability entails. It's an investment in your future role within the field.
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Seneca Cottom
Head Of Sustainability at Alshaya Group
I approach this in another way. Gain experience by using the information that your learning and applying it to what you do currently. Find solutions that can benefit your current role, apply those solutions or present to leadership ways that these solutions can benefit business and then execute.
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Rodney Hupalo LEED AP, SITES AP, ENV SP
Sustainability Project Manager - USGBC California
Join your local USGBC chapter and volunteer for an event. Sign up for a committee that interests you or one where your experience will be an asset. The sustainability community is very welcoming so share what ignited this later-career interest and ask questions. Lots of questions. This will help create a clearer and more targeted path on your sustainability journey!
Your existing expertise can be your biggest asset. Reframe your previous experience in terms of sustainability. For instance, if you've worked in finance, you might focus on sustainable investing or green finance. Tailoring your resume to highlight how your skills contribute to sustainability can make you an attractive candidate to employers.
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Mamta Kalsi
Sustainability Consultant I Passionate about Driving Solutions for a Greener Inclusive World I DEI
Your existing expertise can be your biggest asset. Reframe your previous experience in terms of sustainability. For instance, my background in academia as a biological researcher, working on eco-restoration and biodiversity, and in the nonprofit sector implementing CSR projects, has been invaluable in my current role as a sustainability consultant. Even without direct client experience, these fields provided a strong foundation in understanding sustainability issues.
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Sissel Kastrup
ESG Data Consultant at TDC Net 🌱 Creating sustainability through data automation!
Sustainability is a new field of work. It didn't even exist 5 years ago in many companies. Sustainability is a theme wherein you can use your skills in project management, due diligence, communication, change management... Many professional tool boxes can be very beneficial to the sustainability field. Additionally, the field changes so rapidly that even someone who worked with CSR 5 years ago will have to catch up on the latest legislation, trends and frameworks.
Finally, plan your transition strategically. A career change doesn't happen overnight, especially in a complex field like sustainability. Set realistic goals and timelines for acquiring new skills and gaining experience. Consider part-time work or consulting in sustainability to start building your new career while transitioning from your current role.
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emily porro
senior advisor | climate communication | co-chair Women in Cleantech & Sustainability NYC | advisory board | Climate Positive newsletter | aspiring to be a good ancestor //@ The Bliss Group
Adapting your skills to roles in sustainability involves identifying transferrable skills from your previous career and aligning them with the needs of the sustainability sector. Take advantage of online and free courses to quickly gain knowledge and proficiency in sustainability concepts, such as energy transition, green energy, climate justice, or regenerative farming. Additionally, immerse yourself in relevant articles and resources to deepen your understanding of specific sustainability sectors, allowing you to make informed decisions. Identify companies you'd like to work with and connect with HR teams, and start conversations.
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Rahul Bhatt
Co Founder @ Earth Academy
Gain a clear understanding of your organization's current sustainability landscape and its future trajectory. About 70% of successful transitions into (any)sustainability roles hinge on the maturity and priorities of the organization. Individuals with backgrounds in finance, operations, and marketing tend to have a higher chance of success. Gathering specific knowledge tailored to your organization contributes significantly, accounting for about 20% of success. While motivation is important, comprising 10% of the equation, it's not the sole determining factor. Adopting a strategic mindset and being tactful in navigating your transition to a sustainability role can enhance your prospects