Which skills should a Sustainability Manager have?
Successfully enacting eco-friendly changes on a large scale takes both heart and in-depth analysis. As we have seen, each day brings fresh challenges for sustainability managers, and they need a broad skill set to tackle their various responsibilities. If you are looking to start a career in sustainability management, demonstrate your abilities with the following for an eye-catching application.
Depending on the organization, you will likely sit in upper management and will undoubtedly interact with top-tier executives on a regular basis. To win over colleagues at every level, you will need to ensure a high level of accuracy at all times. As sustainability manager, you are the face of the company's eco-efforts. Skeptical team members are unlikely to get on board if you deliver reports riddled with mistakes or arrive late to your meetings.
Sustainability management is a long game. Changes don't happen overnight, especially in large corporations. On days where your suggestions seem to fall on deaf ears, it's crucial not to get disheartened. Staying focused on the task at hand and remaining patient is a key skill for successful sustainability managers.
All jobs have their bad days, but having a genuine passion for your work can help you through. Whether it's handling a particularly tricky stakeholder or managing the stress of such significant responsibilities, knowing that what you do has a real impact on climate change can make it all worthwhile.
What career paths can you take to become a Sustainability Manager?
Because the role of sustainability manager is comparatively new, there is no one path to securing your dream position. While most posts will ask candidates to hold a bachelor's degree, it's not entirely necessary if you have the right experience. So, what routes can you take to become a successful sustainability manager?
As is the case in many roles, it pays to be a member or gain certification from a professional association to further your career as a sustainability manager. The Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) is a fantastic starting place, but other societies might be relevant to your particular field or location. Some certifications or memberships to consider include;