5 tips for working in sustainability and CSR
Are you aware of new environmental issues and want to have a positive impact on the world? Do you want to move towards jobs of the future? Here are 5 tips for working in sustainable development and CSR.
1- Specialize
If you're thinking of becoming a CSR or sustainability generalist, it's not the best thing to do. According to Caroline Renoux, author of the book "How to make a career in the CSR and sustainable development professions" and founder of the recruitment firm Birdeo, "generalists have little chance of seducing recruiters. They much prefer specialists."
First, choose a job or industry that interests you. Then, you can select the positions that integrate sustainable development in this profession or sector of activity. By combining a business skill with a CSR skill, for example, you can find jobs such as:
Responsible Purchasing Officer
Sustainable Development Communication Officer
Project Manager in Green Marketing
Renewable Energy Engineer
2- Take a training course
There are many degree courses, such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees specialising in biodiversity, renewable energy, eco-innovation, environmental law, etc.
There are also professional training courses leading to certification in CSR or sustainable development, which are more or less short. You will acquire the basics to be able to apply for positions that will link your professional experience and sustainable development. There are many training courses available, including MOOCs to be followed directly on the internet. Some MOOCs are already specialized in a sector, for example, there can be a CSR and agri-food MOOC.
3- Multiply experiences
To stand out, you'll need a resume that is catchy enough for recruiters. All these experiences will allow you to acquire a relevant CV, to be able to apply for the type of position you want.
The goal is to integrate sustainable development experiences and complement them with the skills you have acquired during your studies.
Several possibilities are available to you, if you are a student, you will be able to use your end-of-studies internship or do a work-study program. You can also carry out assignments for associations and volunteer.
4- Entrepreneurship
In addition, you can choose the path of entrepreneurship. There are a large number of incubators in sustainable development with social and environmental support programs. If you want to embark on the adventure, think above all about networking. You are immersed in a caring environment, where you can interact with people who tend to the same aspirations as you. This will allow you to get feedback from people who know this sector and to discuss your project in order to make it as relevant as possible.
5- Intrapreneurship
If your current position is right for you, but you want to work in sustainable development, you can use intrapreneurship.
Intrapreneurship is defined as an entrepreneurial approach within an existing company. If you have activities or projects related to sustainable development, do not hesitate to propose them to your management. It is very likely that she will be in favor of it. For example, you can set up an internal innovation structure for sustainable development in the company.
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