What do you do if you want to pursue a sustainability career but are unsure about the common misconceptions?

1 Misconception 1: Sustainability is only about environmental issues

One of the first things you need to know is that sustainability is not just about saving the planet, although that is certainly an important aspect. Sustainability is also about creating social and economic value, and ensuring that the needs of the present and future generations are met. Therefore, sustainability careers can span across various sectors, such as energy, agriculture, education, health, finance, tourism, and more. You can apply your skills and knowledge to address different dimensions of sustainability, such as climate change, human rights, poverty, biodiversity, innovation, and governance.

3 Misconception 3: Sustainability is a low-paying and low-impact career

Another misconception is that sustainability is a low-paying and low-impact career, and that you have to sacrifice your income and influence to work in this field. In fact, sustainability can be a rewarding and impactful career, both personally and professionally. According to PayScale, the average salary for a sustainability professional in the US is $71,000, and it can vary depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Additionally, sustainability professionals can have a significant impact on their organizations and communities, by driving positive change, innovation, and collaboration. They can also enjoy a high level of satisfaction and fulfillment, by aligning their values and purpose with their work.

4 Misconception 4: Sustainability is a one-size-fits-all career

Another misconception is that sustainability is a one-size-fits-all career, and that you have to follow a predefined or linear path to succeed in this field. In fact, sustainability is a dynamic and flexible career, and you can shape it according to your interests, goals, and opportunities. You can explore different roles and sectors, and switch or pivot as you learn and grow. You can also create your own niche or specialty, by combining your skills and passions. For example, you can be a sustainability consultant, educator, engineer, manager, analyst, marketer, designer, or entrepreneur.

5 Misconception 5: Sustainability is a solo career

Another misconception is that sustainability is a solo career, and that you have to work alone or in isolation to make a difference. In fact, sustainability is a collaborative and networked career, and you need to work with others to achieve your objectives and impact. You can connect and partner with various stakeholders, such as colleagues, clients, customers, suppliers, regulators, NGOs, communities, and media. You can also join and contribute to various platforms and networks, such as associations, forums, events, groups, and online communities. You can also mentor and support other aspiring or emerging sustainability professionals, and learn from their experiences and insights.

6 How to pursue a sustainability career

If you're interested in pursuing a sustainability career, it's important to assess your skills and interests, and identify your strengths and gaps. You can use tools such as the Sustainability Skills Map or the Sustainability Career Quiz to help. It's also important to research the sustainability landscape, including trends, opportunities, and challenges in different sectors and roles. You can use resources such as the GreenBiz State of the Profession Report or the Green Jobs Network to help. Additionally, define your goals and vision, and decide what kind of impact and value you want to create and deliver. Frameworks such as SMART or OKR can be useful for this. You'll also need to build your portfolio and profile, showcasing your skills and achievements on platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, or YouTube. Additionally, expand your network by connecting with relevant people and organizations on channels like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Seek feedback and guidance from experts and peers through sources like podcasts, blogs, or books. Finally, apply for opportunities and projects to demonstrate your value and potential through sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or Idealist. Keep learning and improving by taking courses, webinars, or workshops too. Pursuing a sustainability career is a unique journey that requires dedication but can be incredibly rewarding with the right resources!

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?