6 Steps to a Career in Sustainability

“Tu puedes cambiar el mundo” / “You can change the world”

6 Steps to Launching a Career in Sustainability

Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a growing field of purpose-driven work that’s shaping the future of our communities, economies, and planet. Whether you’re looking to pivot into the field or deepen your impact, here’s how to start building a career in sustainability—step by step.

What Is a Sustainability Career?

At its core, sustainability is about meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. That principle touches every part of society—environmental stewardship, economic justice, social equity—and so do careers in this space.

Today’s sustainability roles are diverse and expanding across sectors. You’ll find professionals working in climate policy, green building, ESG reporting, supply chain management, transportation, energy, sustainable food systems, and more.

Step 1: Clarify Your Interests and Transferable Skills

The first step to launching a sustainability career is clarifying what excites you—and where your skills fit in.

Ask yourself:

• What topics or issues do I care most about (e.g. climate change, biodiversity, environmental justice)?

• Which skills do I already use that can apply to sustainability work (e.g. communication, data analysis, program design, public speaking)?

You don’t need to start from scratch. Many people bring valuable experience from fields like operations, education, research, finance, or marketing.

👉 Tip: Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore job descriptions and career paths in environmental and sustainability fields.

Step 2: Learn the Language and Tools of the Field

Whether you pursue a degree, certification, or informal learning path, gaining sector-specific knowledge can strengthen your confidence and credibility.

Popular areas of study include:

• Environmental policy

• Renewable energy

• Sustainable business practices

• Circular economy and systems thinking

• Climate adaptation and resilience

Consider credentials like LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design), ISSP (The International Society of Sustainability Professionals), or ESG-focused programs (Environmental Social Governance), depending on your interests.

📚 Stay up-to-date by reading sustainability reports, following organizations like Trellis, and joining professional communities that share best practices. For example, NESEA (Northeast Sustainable Energy Association) or NEWIEE (New England Women in Energy and the Environment). Conduct some research and discover similar organizations in your area.

Step 3: Get Real-World Experience

Practical experience is where your passion meets action. Start where you are:

• Look for internships or fellowships in sustainability.

• Volunteer with local environmental groups or join a city sustainability committee.

• Explore contract or temporary roles via Climatebase.

A few additional job boards to explore:

• Trellis Jobs (Careers in sustainability, climate tech, renewable energy, net zero, the circular economy, ESG and more)

• Climate Change Jobs

• Greentown Labs Careers (Business Administration, Data, Engineering, Marketing, Operations, Product Managment, Sales, and more)

• Ed’s Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs List

Get involved with organizations in your target industry, such as:

• AASHE (Higher Ed)

• Built Environment Plus

• ISSP (Sustainability Professionals)

• EBC (Environmental Business Council)

• National Conservation Foundation

• TransitMatters

Step 4: Build Your Network

Sustainability is a collaborative field—and relationships matter.

Ways to expand your network:

• Attend sustainability events or virtual conferences

• Join LinkedIn groups or Slack communities like Work on Climate

• Get involved with professional associations such as:

  • AASHE (Higher Ed)

  • ISSP (Sustainability Professionals)

  • EBC (Environmental Business Council)

You can also connect with mission-aligned groups like Net Impact, Climate Action Network, Women Investing in a Sustainable Economy, or regional green business alliances.

Networking isn’t just about job leads—it’s about finding mentors, collaborators, and peers with whom you create value.

Step 5: Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

If you’re coming from a different industry or function, make your sustainability interest clear—and compelling.

✅ Tailor your materials by:

• Highlighting any sustainability-related experience (including from volunteer roles or side projects)

• Naming transferable skills (e.g. project management, stakeholder engagement, research)

• Demonstrating your commitment through certifications, community work, or continuing education

Don’t underestimate the power of a strong cover letter to tell your story. If writing about yourself feels tough, consider working with a professional resume writer to sharpen your materials and save time.

Step 6: Prepare for Sustainability Interviews

Before your interview, do your homework:

• Review the organization’s mission, sustainability goals, and recent initiatives

• Understand the job description and how your background connects

• Prepare examples of how you’ve solved problems, led projects, or contributed to social/environmental impact

If you’re applying to a nonprofit, check out their IRS Form 990 (available through GuideStar) to learn about their structure, revenue, programs, and priorities.

Above all, be ready to communicate your why—what motivates you to contribute to that particular organization through that particular role, and how your skills and qualities will enable you to excel.

My Sustainability Career Journey

My own career in sustainability began with a simple question: why didn’t my graduate school have a recycling program? That led me to the question: what can I do about it?

That question led me to form an intracampus coalition, which eventually led to a part-time role in facilities. After building an award-winning recycling program, my role evolved into a full-time position as a Sustainability Coordinator—the first with that title at the university.

I built programs in conservation, purchasing, energy efficiency, and transportation. I hired and mentored students, collaborated across departments, and helped shape a campus-wide sustainability culture.

Over time, I found myself mentoring others who wanted to make a similar shift. That’s what inspired me to become a career coach, supporting purpose-driven professionals on their paths to sustainability and social impact careers.

Ready to Start Your Own Sustainability Career?

Whether you're pivoting from another field or just getting started in your career, you don't need to navigate this transition alone.

I invite you to explore my career coaching services if you want support clarifying your direction and creating a career rooted in sustainability and impact.

Let’s make your next chapter more aligned with who you are—and what our world needs.