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Exploring Sustainable Careers: Things To Consider

beckygrove1
Feb 274 min read

Updated: Mar 3

The conversation around "green," "sustainable" and "regenerative" careers is growing, but with it comes the risk of greenwashing—where terms like these can be used in vague or misleading ways. As rightly suggested by our friends at SOS-UK we can also recognise that all jobs have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable future if we tap into a different mindset, a regenerative one perhaps!


At Emergent Generation we believe that if we are to move beyond sustainability we must focus on doing things that rebuild, enhance, improve and reconnect.  At the same time we must cease activities that extract, deplete and damage.  Only then will we get net regeneration. We focus on farming and food systems primarily, but a regenerative mindset can be applied anywhere really! You can read more about our core principles here.


Having a regenerative mindset follows these principles. Focusing on positive outcomes (rebuild, enhance, improve, reconnect) can apply to all the actors, leaders and entrepreneurs in our food system, not just primary food producers.  For example, regenerative health, finance and tourism are all growing industries.  


Whether you’re looking for a new career or seeking to make your current role greener, here’s a guide to help you explore impactful career paths thoughtfully. Thanks to SOS-UK for pointing us to most of these resources and ideas.


If we've missed something then please tell us and we can add it in!


1. Expand Your Definition of a Green Career

When people think of green jobs, they often picture roles in renewable energy, conservation, or environmental policy. While these are crucial, sustainability is relevant across all industries. Project Drawdown’s Job Function Action Guide highlights how professionals in fields like finance, marketing, and IT can drive positive environmental impact through their work. For example:

  • Supply chain managers can integrate circular economy principles.

  • Marketers can promote truly sustainable products while avoiding greenwashing.

  • Engineers can design energy-efficient systems in any industry.

By shifting the focus from “green jobs” to “greening jobs,” we can encourage sustainability across all sectors.


2. Build Transferable Sustainability Skills

Regardless of your profession, developing sustainability-related skills can make you a more impactful employee. Some key skills to focus on include:

  • Systems Thinking: Understanding the bigger picture and how different factors interact in sustainability challenges.

  • Data Literacy: Using data to track environmental impact, such as carbon footprints and lifecycle assessments.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Engaging stakeholders across sectors to implement sustainable solutions.

  • Policy & Regulation Awareness: Staying informed on environmental policies and corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards.

Resources such as EAUC’s Green Careers Guide and Green Jobs for Nature provide industry-specific insights on these skills.


3. Find Your Entry Point into Sustainability

If you’re early in your career or looking to transition into a more sustainability-focused role, consider:

4. Challenge Greenwashing & Advocate for Genuine Sustainability

Not all roles advertised as “green” are truly sustainable. Companies may exaggerate their environmental impact, so it’s important to:

  • Research company sustainability reports and third-party certifications.

  • Ask potential employers about their environmental policies and measurable commitments.

  • Advocate for sustainability from within, even in companies that aren’t traditionally eco-focused.


5. Make Your Current Role More Sustainable

For those not looking to switch careers but wanting to contribute to sustainability, there are many ways to drive change from within. Some ideas include:

  • Encouraging your workplace to adopt greener procurement policies.

  • Implementing energy-saving measures in your office or production processes.

  • Promoting corporate social responsibility initiatives.


Final Thoughts

Sustainability and regenerative thinking is not confined to specific industries—it’s a mindset that can be applied to any career. By developing the right skills, seeking opportunities to integrate sustainability into your work, and staying critical of greenwashing, you can contribute meaningfully to a greener future. Whether you’re in finance, healthcare, education, or engineering, your job can be a green job if you make it one.


Job boards and recruitment agencies

It’s best to start your search for a green/environmental/sustainability/social justice job from looking at specific, related job boards and recruitment agencies, e.g.:


Civil service, local authorities, and national organisations

There are also many civil service/local authority/national organisation jobs that have a sustainability element. For local authorities, it’s best to look for those directly on the websites of the authorities you’re interested in - these links could be helpful for other organisations:

 
 
 

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