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Sustainability is a highly desirable career path - it provides work opportunities on a fascinating subject matter, is increasingly innovative, and allows professionals to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Over the years sustainability has become increasingly embedded in the commercial DNA of business. It is also changing fast – and since Acre began to operate in 2003 the profession has evolved dramatically, and continues to do so.
Sustainability professionals are now more likely to have well developed commercial expertise than a decade ago, with green careers now covering a wide range of issues, from the circular economy to responsible supply chains, climate change, water scarcity and beyond. Key issues that you, as a sustainability practitioner, will look to solve, are well summarised in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This document provides advice on how to get a job in sustainability, giving you a start point on what you may need to build a career in the industry. It is not a definitive guide, and much of the advice is applicable to entering any profession. However, we hope that it supports the start of your journey into an important and satisfying career.
In the document we explore the following topics:
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What job roles are available in sustainability?
We have provided examples of a variety of dark and pale green jobs that can offer a rewarding sustainability career.
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What qualifications do I need to start a career in sustainability?
Find examples of the best-known and well-respected institutions who offer sustainability courses, which will give you a good indication of the qualifications needed for specific sustainability roles.
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What skills and traits are essential to work within sustainability?
We have listed five non-technical skills /traits that we consider to be essential for developing a successful sustainability career.
“The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice”
- Sustainable Development Goals
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What skillset is required to work in sustainability?
Find out examples of well-researched competency frameworks that describe the broad skill sets necessary to be successful in the sustainability sector.
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What sustainability networking events can I attend?
We have gathered a list of networking events and sustainability meet-ups across the UK, Europe and the USA where you can meet like-minded, passionate individuals.
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Where can I apply for voluntary positions within sustainability?
An easy way to learn how to get into sustainability is to find examples of organisations and links to websites that allow you to apply for voluntary positions or work shadowing sustainability professionals to gain on-the-ground experience.
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What is the average salary for a sustainability professional?
Having worked on the CR salary survey for the past 6 years, we have included a link to the latest report that will provide a detailed analysis and insight into the salaries of sustainability roles at different experience levels across the world.
Download for More Information
If you would like to read and access the full document, please fill out the form below to download a copy of our 'Getting into Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability' Pack.
