I’ve been working in financial services and have a process improvement, process management skill set.  I know that sustainability is my field of interest.  I have the skills, but not the background.  How do I make the switch?
- Ann

This question is close to my heart since I worked in sustainability over a decade ago and remain up to date on developments.

The important thing to know about green jobs is that they’re not necessarily “a green job”.  Instead they are the jobs you’ve been doing with a green mindset.

Ann, your skills and are experience are both great.  There’s a lot going on in green finance.  Process improvement and process management are at it the heart of implementing sustainability initiatives.

You may need to build your experience a bit more to be able to make the switch, credibly.  Take some classes or participate in some way that helps you understand your skills through the lens of sustainability: i.e. life cycle analysis, or triple bottom line reporting.

Green jobs aren’t necessarily different jobs. They are engage a different mindset, but the jobs remain largely the same.

I had a question regarding the “green jobs”… I share that passion as well but is it enough to GET a job into that sector as some specific skills (plus general ones) might be required… I can understand that  a recruiter does not want to waste his time. I will be glad to hear your opinion about it. Many thanks in advance and once again, congratulations, the job you are doing here is very helpful.

A question from Laura at our webinar: “Discover Your Ideal Job and How to Get It”

First off you’re very welcome.  It’s a pleasure and an honor to be able to support people who are willing to go about making their ideal job into their real job!

About green jobs.  No, passion alone won’t do it anymore outside of the rare exception.  The field has grown and A LOT of people are interested in finding a job that aligns with their environmental values.

I think that getting a green job is a matter of passion + relevant skills + a solid understanding of systems thinking and relevant environmental issues + opportunity

My hope is that is inspiring, rather than tiring (wow, I’m on a rhyme kick tonite.)  When you look at the equation, assess what you already have and what areas to build on.  There may be jobs that build a bridge to your dream green job by building your skills and experience.

And building a bridge requires a fair understanding of your destination.  Make the effort to narrow down what kind of green job you most desire.  And if you’re interested, Job-Right is a great tool for that.

Rooting for your success!

Michelle Randall

I saw your offer on the 09 grads group for some advice which is really kind of you. I’ve also seen on your profile that you were head of sustainability at Hayward, so I think you could really help me.

I’m looking to for a career in Corporate Responsibility / Sustainability. I did a BSc Social Science for my first degree and have just finished doing my MSc Sustainability, Planning and Environmental Policy. I’ve been having a look to see what internships are around but few of them pay and most jobs in the sector look for a few years experience. I was wondering if you could suggest the best way to get into this Sustainability/CSR careers. I have joined linkedin groups and yahoo groups too but its proving difficult to get started.

Any help would be great, many thanks

Great question! I did work as Director of Sustainability about a decade ago – so it was really cutting edge – and as a coach I’ve been able to help a fair number to find work in the area of sustainability.

Here’s what I recommend:
1. Chase opportunities not dollars.
At this point that may mean developing your experience, exposure and relationships through volunteering, unpaid internships, and informational interviews – lots of them. For my clients this has often been a bitter pill and has always produced great results.

2. Embody and express what’s special about you.
There’s a lot of competition for every job out there these days, and it’s only more intense for the type of job you want. Develop your key messages to help yourself and others describe what’s important to know about the value you can provide an organization.

3. Create a vision for your future.
In reading your message I’m not clear what you’re looking for and the type of organization you’re looking to do it with – and I’m not sure you are either. Get specific. This may seem like it limits opportunities, but it doesn’t.
When you can articulate the characteristics of your ideal position and ideal employer you up your game considerably. You then know who to target for informational interviews; how to package your experience; and if there’s additional development for you to pursue to be better qualified. Additionally, then people, like me, who want to help you out, will immediately be able to make associations in their own networks to help you more effectively.

If you’re interested, my Job-Right program is very comprehensive and helps people get very clear on their vision, package themselves effectively for a tough job market, and take the actions needed to turn their ideal job into a reality. You can find out more at job-right.com

Rooting for your success!
Michelle

Ask Michelle your burning career questions by sending them to michelle@juncturecompany.com