According to the World Employment and Social Outlook report, the sustainable energy sector will create around 18 million more jobs globally by 2030.
Google Trends shows a significant increase in sustainable job searches in the last five years.
With the growing need for a more sustainable world, the need for professionals who specialize in sustainability is becoming imperative.
Environmental graduates are currently working at all levels in a variety of private, public, and international organizations.
Here is a list of some great career opportunities if you are looking to build your future in sustainability.
1- Green Entrepreneurs/Green MBA
Being a green entrepreneur implies that sustainability will be a driving factor in every element of the business, irrespective of the choice of the business field.
It includes starting a company that markets new green technologies or becoming an executive and shaping the future of a company by developing sustainable technologies.
You can earn a “green” MBA if you are interested in the business end of the green revolution. Green MBA degree focuses on sustainable management, sustainable business, sustainability, or environmental management. It consists of a “triple bottom line” that includes economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
A bachelor’s degree, along with work experience and a green MBA, can lead to a range of compelling employment options.
Leading Business Schools to Pursue a Green MBA: San Francisco’s Presidio School of Management, Stanford School of Business, Leeds School of Business, and the University of Colorado at Boulder.
2- Conservation Scientist and Forester
Conservation scientists and foresters are involved in monitoring and managing the land quality of forests, rangelands, parks, wetlands, and other natural resources.
Innovations in science and the emergence of new problems with invasive species and destructive pests are changing the job landscape for foresters. The crisis stage in countries around the world is leading to the creation of millions of new jobs in government and business.
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the jobs of conservation scientists and foresters are likely to grow at 5% until 2029.
If you want to build your career in forestry, then you can obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in sustainability, environmental science, agriculture, and rangeland management.
Leading Business Schools to Pursue a Degree in Sustainability and Environment Science: Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Maryville University, University of Michigan: School of Natural Resources & Environment, and Duke University: Nicholas School of the Environment.
3- Environmental Lawyer
Environmental lawyers work with a variety of clients, such as individuals, large corporations, and government agencies, and focus on environmental rights and laws. They generally work on projects related to renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change.
An increasing number of organizations are adapting their business to the changing environment, and governments are enacting carbon emissions legislation. Therefore, the demand for environmental lawyers will rise in the future.
As per the Unity College, the demand for environmental lawyers will continue to grow at 6% over the next ten years. There will be around 50,100 environmental lawyer jobs by 2028.
Educational qualifications to become an environmental lawyer include a bachelor’s degree and a law degree. After graduation, you need to complete the bar exam.
Leading Business Schools to Study Environmental Law : American College of Environmental Lawyers, University of California, Berkeley Law, University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, and University College London.
4- Urban and Regional Planner
Urban and regional planners focus on areas including land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities. Strengthening mass transit systems, limiting sprawl, de-emphasizing cars, and encouraging the use of bicycles and are also part of the job.
Contingency planning such as floods, heatwaves, and garbage creep become increasingly common problems for metropolises. Thus, there is a continuous increase in employment in this sector.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, jobs of the urban and the regional planner are likely to grow at 11% until 2029.
Urban and regional planners need a master’s degree from an accredited planning program to qualify for most positions.
Leading Business Schools to Study Urban and Regional Planning: Penn Institute for Urban Research, Portland State University, Nohad A Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, and Harvard, Department of Urban Planning and Design.
5- Sustainability Consultant
Another great career opportunity for sustainability graduates include sustainability planner or consultants.
Sustainability consultants focus on impact measurement, CSR reporting, getting green building certifications, and helping companies comply with ISOs or national legislation.
They also help clients improve their processes by sharing the best market practices and designing action plans.
This role is generally for senior-level careers. People at early-career stages have less working experience and exposure to clients. Thus, a newcomer starts as a sustainability analyst.
Final Thoughts
The world is demanding bright and innovative minds dedicated to solving the world’s ecological problems. Urban growers, clean car engineers, recyclers, natural scientists, green builders, solar cell technicians, and green design professionals are some other fastest-growing green jobs. You can also go for sustainability programs and courses offered by universities and graduate schools.
A blend of a solid education in business and valuable knowledge in environmental science can boost your career in sustainability.
