Key Qualifications For A Job In The Sustainability Field

What key qualifications do you need to have when you would to work for a company or organisation that works in the sustainability field? This is a question I get asked very often and this should be the purpose of this blog post.

The answer is: Have a purpose and be yourself.

Here is what I mean with that.
There are a lot of people out there who pretend to be someone they are not. They chase money and a more or less happy to participate in the world famous rat race.
People that usually want to work in the sustainability field mostly do not have that that goal. They are doing their job for the promotion of a wider purpose and what the impact of their work is. And this is the special ingredient that is so important to be able to have a fulfilled job.

So here are my three key qualifications I would identify for any jobseeker or career changer wanting to work in the sustainability field.

Have some experience working the non for profit sector. This can be a charity of any kind, hospital, etc. This shows commitment and social responsibility.
Have some experience working in a normal business environment. This will show the company that you have applied to that you know how business is done outside of the sustainability field
This is not a qualification it itself but your CV and your appearance needs to convey that you are a professional and that you care about the world outside in equal terms.

These are just ideal qualifications in my opinion please do not see this as must haves.

I am always looking for people that have a purpose, know what the world out there is like when you just go hunting for profits and come across as sincere and honest.
If you come across like that, previous qualifications do not really matter that much. Most companies that are looking for sustainability people can in most cases I have found can look beyond the past of an individual which is encouraging to see.

So what are you waiting for? Go out there and let them see what you as a person are about. I can clearly already say that you are a sustainability person. You have read until the end of this post.