What do you do if you're a mid-career professional seeking career development in sustainability?

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

The first step is to identify your current skills and competencies in sustainability, and how they align with your career goals and aspirations. You can use self-assessment tools, such as the Sustainability Skills Map from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), to evaluate your proficiency in various domains of sustainability practice, such as systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, strategy, and innovation. You can also seek feedback from your peers, mentors, or managers to gain insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.

2 Explore your options and interests

The next step is to explore the different options and interests that are available to you as a mid-career professional in sustainability. You can research the trends, challenges, and opportunities in various sectors, industries, and regions that are relevant to your field of expertise and passion. You can also browse the job boards, blogs, podcasts, and newsletters of sustainability organizations, networks, and platforms, such as GreenBiz, Net Impact, B Lab, and Future Earth, to learn about the latest developments, best practices, and career paths in sustainability.

3 Pursue relevant learning opportunities

The third step is to pursue relevant learning opportunities that can help you enhance your skills and knowledge in sustainability. You can enroll in online courses, webinars, workshops, or certificate programs that cover topics such as sustainability management, reporting, leadership, ethics, and innovation. You can also join professional associations, such as the ISSP, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), or the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), to access their resources, events, and certification programs.

4 Expand your network and visibility

The fourth step is to expand your network and visibility as a mid-career professional in sustainability. You can attend conferences, seminars, meetups, or hackathons that bring together sustainability practitioners, experts, and leaders from different sectors and backgrounds. You can also participate in online communities, forums, or groups that focus on sustainability issues, challenges, and solutions, such as the Sustainability Professionals Network on LinkedIn, the Sustainability Action Network on Facebook, or the Reddit Sustainability Community.

5 Showcase your achievements and impact

The fifth step is to showcase your achievements and impact as a mid-career professional in sustainability. You can create a portfolio, a resume, or a personal website that highlights your skills, projects, and accomplishments in sustainability. You can also share your insights, opinions, or stories on social media, blogs, podcasts, or publications that reach a wider audience of sustainability stakeholders, influencers, and decision-makers. You can also apply for awards, grants, or fellowships that recognize and support your work in sustainability.