What do you do if you're a mid-career professional in sustainability and want to explore new career paths?

2 Research the market and trends

The next step is to research the market and trends in sustainability. What are the emerging issues, needs, and demands in your field? What are the skills, knowledge, and competencies that employers are looking for? What are the best practices, innovations, and solutions that are shaping the future of sustainability? You can use various sources, such as industry reports, podcasts, webinars, blogs, or newsletters, to stay updated and informed. You can also network with other professionals, experts, or influencers in your field to learn from their insights and experiences.

3 Explore your options and opportunities

The third step is to explore your options and opportunities in sustainability. What are the different career paths, roles, or sectors that interest you? What are the requirements, expectations, and benefits of each option? How do they match your skills, interests, and goals? You can use various methods, such as informational interviews, job shadowing, volunteering, or freelancing, to test and validate your ideas. You can also leverage your existing contacts, or build new ones, to access hidden or niche opportunities in your field.

4 Update your resume and portfolio

The fourth step is to update your resume and portfolio to showcase your skills and achievements in sustainability. How do you demonstrate your value and impact to potential employers or clients? How do you highlight your transferable and relevant skills and competencies? How do you tailor your resume and portfolio to different audiences and contexts? You can use various strategies, such as keywords, metrics, stories, or samples, to make your resume and portfolio stand out. You can also seek feedback from your peers, mentors, or coaches to improve your presentation and communication.

5 Prepare for interviews and negotiations

The final step is to prepare for interviews and negotiations to land your desired career path in sustainability. How do you prepare for common and situational questions? How do you showcase your personality and fit? How do you negotiate your salary and benefits? How do you handle rejection and feedback? You can use various techniques, such as mock interviews, STAR method, or salary calculators, to practice and improve your skills and confidence. You can also follow up with your contacts, thank them, and ask for referrals or recommendations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?