Sustainability jobs are career change of choice and pay well – survey finds

According to a new survey, 90% of those switching to a career in environmental or sustainability sectors is ‘very satisfied’ with the choice , but there is a need for more specialised professional figures as we move towards a more sustainable economy.

The analysis by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) also found that 42% of respondents who have sustainability roles consider themselves “career changers”. Meanwhile, the pay for 75% of those working in the sector has risen in 2014.

Tim Balcon, chief of IEMA, said, “Environment and sustainability roles are rewarding careers – with high job satisfaction levels. The new skills and people that are entering the profession have a vital role to play in enhancing and supporting business action in this area.”

“With growing demands on business due to resource scarcity and climate change, and a career built upon high levels of satisfaction and rewarding pay and training, Environment & Sustainability is clearly the ‘go-to profession”

Despite the data, the survey found that while some businesses recognise the need to integrate sustainability graduates, others still lack dedicated figures. For this reason, UK universities are widening their offer of masters and courses that focus on the environment, resource management and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

For instance, Ashridge Business School in Hertfordshire is going to have a Master in Sustainability and Responsibility Open Day in June to present a programme focused on ecological economics, sustainable development and design and CSR practices.

Also, UK organisation Forum for the Future along with Middlesex University, offers  a Master degree in Leadership for Sustainable Development, to help create ‘sustainability champions’ for the future.

 Photo:  Rob Chan via Flickr

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Further reading:

UK higher education partners with UN to promote global sustainability study

21st century leadership: from business as usual to business as a force for good

Sustainability isn’t about being fluffy; it’s about being strategic

We need more people with complete sustainability literacy

Another year, another Forum for the Future scholar graduation