The employment outlook for professionals seeking new and emerging sustainability careers is bright in for profit organizations. This is due to sustainability becoming an increasingly critical part of business strategy and operations. In 2014, 43% of executives said their companies seek to align sustainability with their overall business goals, mission, or values—up from 30% in 2012—according to McKinsey Global Institute. Whatever their trajectory, students benefit from early planning which can involve visiting the Career and Professional Development Center of the Duke University Undergraduate Career Center (DUCC) and taking stock of their skills and experiences in addition to utilizing the resources of the Nicholas School of the Environment Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC).
Recommendations for students interested in sustainability:
Research summer internship options in sustainability
Use Duke resources, such as Bass Connections, Duke Engage, Stanback Fellowship, etc.
Consider the Sustainability Certificate at Duke
Read articles about your area of interest & sustainability and research the organizations mentioned
Get involved in environmental organizations at Duke
Volunteer at environmental organizations
These include, but are not limited to, NGOs, sustainable consulting agencies, and sustainable technology
Attend Duke Fuqua's annual sustainability and energy impact conference in February
Reach out to Sustainable Duke about a part time job or conversation around sustainability
Explore Duke alumni in sustainability careers on LinkedIn & reach out
Find an alumni using Duke's online tools
Complete relevant training such as LEED GA, GRI, SASB
Diverse career pathways in sustainability:
Energy consulting
Sustainability specialist
Solar operations surveyor
Zero-waste program manager
Sustainable design coordinator
Chief sustainability officer
Director of sustainability
Sustainability project manager
Supply chain manager, sustainability and energy
Sustainability coordinator
Here is an additional resource to explore career pathways in sustainability, created by Margaret Overton (T'20)