We recently hosted a highly engaging and informative panel discussion which delved into the Evolution of Careers in Sustainability. The panellists highlighted how this field is growing and evolving, offering diverse opportunities across sectors. With sustainability becoming a strategic priority for organisations worldwide, our expert panel shared invaluable insights into how professionals can navigate this dynamic landscape, transition into sustainability roles, and the key skills that will be crucial for success.
The panel included:
- Laura Heuston - Co-Founder of SustainabilityWorks
- Derarca Dennis - Climate Change & Sustainability Services Partner in EY
- Sinéad Hickey - Head of Sustainability in John Sisk & Son
- Leontia Fannin - Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer at PTSB
Here’s a recap of the main themes discussed during the event:
1. Sustainability Careers Are Evolving Across Industries
The event kicked off with a discussion on how sustainability is no longer confined to niche roles but has become an essential part of every department within an organisation. Leontia Fannin from PTSB explained that the skill sets required for sustainability can often be found in traditional roles. Whether you're in marketing, finance, or operations, your current skills can be adapted to contribute to an organisation’s sustainability efforts.
Moreover, Leontia highlighted that AI will play a strategic role in the future of sustainability, driving innovation and enabling businesses to analyse data more efficiently to enhance sustainable practices.
Laura Heuston from Sustainability Works echoed this, noting that sustainability is an evolving field. Professionals should focus on their core skills and consider how these can be applied in sustainability contexts. She also recommended upskilling through targeted courses, such as those from the Institute of Banking and CSRDInstitute.eu, to stay competitive in this rapidly changing landscape.
Derarca Dennis from EY stressed that communication and collaboration are pivotal for those in sustainability roles. Often, sustainability professionals must bridge the gap between technical experts and business leaders, translating complex sustainability concepts into actionable strategies for diverse stakeholders.
Sinéad Hickey of Sisk Construction emphasised that sustainability strategies are constantly evolving. Professionals need to focus on making a tangible impact rather than merely meeting reporting requirements. Success in this area requires agility, enthusiasm, and a commitment to continuous learning.
2. Opportunities for Professional Development
The panel offered practical advice for those looking to explore or transition into sustainability roles:
- Leverage your current skills: No matter your background, from finance to engineering, there is a way to apply your expertise to sustainability initiatives. Look at job descriptions in the field to understand what additional qualifications might be required.
- Upskill strategically: Courses from the Institute of Banking, Chartered Accountants Ireland, and the CSRD Institute were recommended as excellent resources to build your sustainability credentials.
- Take initiative in your current role: You don’t have to wait for a formal job title to contribute to sustainability efforts. Volunteering for sustainability projects or spearheading initiatives within your current role can be a great way to make a mark in this area.
3. The Growing Role of Compliance and Data
A significant theme throughout the discussion was the increasing importance of compliance and data in sustainability roles. With new regulations emerging, compliance has become a central focus, especially for professionals working in risk management and reporting.
- Risk management and data controls are critical areas for sustainability, particularly in ensuring that organisations meet regulatory requirements and report their sustainability efforts accurately.
- Supply chain management was another growing area of focus. With more organisations aiming to make their supply chains sustainable, professionals in procurement or logistics have a unique opportunity to influence positive change.
- Engineers and technical professionals were noted as having an advantage in sustainability roles due to their ability to implement technical solutions for sustainable practices, whether in construction, manufacturing, or energy.
Effective communication across departments was underscored as essential for sustainability professionals, helping them drive collaboration and ensure all parts of the organisation are working towards the same sustainability goals.
4. Essential Soft Skills for Success
The panel repeatedly emphasised the importance of soft skills—what Sinéad Hickey referred to as "essential skills"—for anyone aspiring to succeed in sustainability roles:
- Influence and persuasion: Sustainability initiatives often face resistance, especially in industries unfamiliar with the field’s complexities. Being able to clearly communicate the benefits of sustainability initiatives and influence decision-makers is crucial.
- Adaptability: Given the evolving nature of sustainability strategies, professionals need to remain flexible and open to new ideas. The ability to pivot and embrace change is key to staying relevant in this dynamic field.
- Passion and purpose: Sustainability is more than a job for many professionals. Having a genuine passion for sustainability and understanding the broader purpose behind your work can help drive success and motivation as the field continues to grow.
5. Leadership and C-Suite Opportunities in Sustainability
As the demand for sustainability expertise grows, opportunities for leadership roles in sustainability are also increasing. Laura Heuston and Derarca Dennis both pointed out that sustainability is important at the C-Suite and board levels. It is creating new pathways for senior leadership.
- Purpose-driven leadership is becoming more prominent in many organisations, particularly in sectors focused on sustainability, offering opportunities for professionals to rise to leadership positions.
- Overcoming imposter syndrome is important for professionals as they advance in their careers. The panel advised that imposter syndrome can be a barrier, but recognising your strengths and pushing forward is crucial.
- Networking internally can be a powerful tool for career advancement. Informal meetings and connections with colleagues already involved in sustainability initiatives can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights.
In Conclusion
The panel discussion provided a wealth of practical advice for professionals at every stage of their sustainability journey. The field is expanding rapidly, with opportunities across industries for those with the right skills and passion. Whether you're looking to transition into a sustainability role or advance your career, the key takeaways from this event are clear: upskill, stay adaptable, and remain purpose-driven in your pursuit of making a positive impact.
Click here to explore our current sustainability opportunities.
