Next steps and advice from Sustainability Careers Week 2023

11 April 2023

Whether you joined Sustainability Careers Week (SCW) in Hilary term 2023 or not, the Oxford University Careers Service wants to help you build on what we learned during the week and follow up on your sustainability careers plans. As a reminder, we are including the full list below of the different sector events we organised across ‘sustainability’ with a wide range of industry professionals, Oxford student societies and key Oxford staff.

What is the point of looking at speakers retrospectively, especially if you did not attend the talk? The point is 1) to grow your network and 2) to build your knowledge. Many of these speakers are connected to Oxford in some way and were keen to join our panel event to share their experiences with Oxford students, researchers and alumni. So these are some ways to follow up:

  • Add speakers on LinkedIn
  • Thank them for their insights if you attended (what did you learn?)
  • Apologise for missing it if you weren’t able to join
  • Ask specific questions to gain insight and advice (more likely to receive a response if you’re thought of something they can easily respond to in a short amount of time)
  • Use their profile as a means to research ‘the breadcrumbs’ – where did they work before? Are there other suggested contacts who work at similar organisations?
  • Read their organisation’s profiles on LinkedIn for a quick overview
  • Are they active on LinkedIn? Do they share interesting articles and relevant industry information which could help you?
  • Reach out via internal email or research contact details on their organisation’s website.
  • Look at their organisations’ career pages for possible internships or volunteering opportunities (as well as full time roles!).
  • Are they active on twitter? Are you? This is another resource for free and easy access to hidden jobs and opportunities so consider using Twitter if you haven’t already (more relevant to less corporate roles usually but not always).
  • Ask for an ‘information interview’ or ‘speculatively approach’ them to improve your sector knowledge and opportunities for experience.

Tips from the sessions 

Here’s some takeaways from most of the events we hosted, including specific resources and more general advice too. We also recorded the Exploring Conservation Careers: Panel Discussion and the Careers in Environmental and Sustainability Consultancy: Panel Discussion. Unfortunately, we can’t record all of our talks as we need approval from speakers and in many cases the panel events are based on Q&A with students which does not always make for a good recording. However, if you want to follow up with a Careers Adviser about any of these talks please do book an advice appointment with the adviser who chaired or supported the session if possible.

You can also read our sector specific guidance available on our Sectors and Occupations pages and our sustainability advice on the Sustainability and the Environment briefing.

Jump to the sessions: 

 

Monday 6 February 2023 

Navigating Careers in Sustainability; What Credentials Should We Be Expecting Employers to Have?  

Online information session, 13:15 - 14:30

How can you be sure the organisation you join is truly ‘green’ or really working towards net zero targets? How do you compare organisations and make the right decision? We were joined by experts from the sector to review company data available and to ask these crucial questions. There was also a demonstration of the Windo CSR platform, which provides access tocompany information and reports.

Anna-Tina Jashapara (VP for Charities & Communities for Oxford SU) co-hosted with Julia Hilton (Careers Service). Speakers:

  • Oli Coles, Founder & CEO, Windo CSR
  • Luke Hatton, previous President of Oxford Climate Society, now Consultant at Element Energy (ERM Group)

Tips: 

Exploring Conservation Careers 

Online information session, 15:15 - 16:15

There is a wide range of roles within conservation. A panel of speakers working across a variety of roles shared their career journeys and provided insights into what their work is like and provide tips and advice on getting into this sector. Dr Chris Jeffs chaired, and Careers Adviser Claire Chesworth supported. Speakers:

  • Alegria Olmedo - Technical Specialist, Wildlife Trade (Africa). Alegria did a DPhil Zoology at Oxford and also has a MSc Conservation Science and BA Environmental Humanities.
  • Nick Harvey Sky - Policy Officer, British Ecological Society. Nick studied a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences (Zoology), and an MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Management at Oxford.
  • Emma Hickson – Ecologist, The Environment Partnership. Emma completed a BSc in Zoology and Masters in Zoo Conservation Biology.

Watch the session:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/8UphoGV2QEI

Tips: 

  • Useful website for checking out the green credentials of an organisation SBTi is https://sciencebasedtargets.org (Companies taking action > progress reports)
  • Tip for finding internships overseas: I would recommend looking at NGO's/agencies' websites and just applying. Even in local NGOs there is a need for English speakers to work with people in other countries, donors, write grants, proof read newsletters, etc. I found these jobs applying to international NGOs where a lot of the work is conducted in English. Looking at NGOs websites, writing to them even if there aren't internships advertised.
  • Tips for building relevant experience: Volunteering with your local wildlife trust is a great way to build up experience too. Also look at joining learned societies as members often have access to volunteering and networking opportunities as well as training. And it's great to look at LinkedIn profiles of people working in conservation and see what sorts of activities they did as students and who they volunteered with. 
  • Paid internships? Learned societies such as the British Ecological Society do paid internships that relate to publishing, events and education. If you are looking for more practical conservation then I think the RSPB and similar NGOs do some.
  • Jobs websites mentioned by speakers were: www.environmentjob.co.uk/jobs and www.conservation-careers.com

Tuesday 7 February 2023 

Sustainability Careers Routes for Humanities and Arts Students 

Online information session, 13:15 - 14:30

Is there a place for arts and humanities students to work in environmental organisations and sustainability roles? Do you want to make a different to the planet but not sure which routes to take and what you’re eligible for? This panel of arts and humanities graduates working in sustainability and environmental related roles aimed to inspire and inform you of potential routes from your degree path. Careers Advisers Julia Hilton chaired, and Callum Buchanan supported. Speakers:

  • Amy Crosweller, Director of Fundraising & Communications, Earthwatch - Classics degree
  • Georgia Trapp, Commercial Sustainability Manager, ClimatePartner (previously P&G) - Modern Languages degree
  • Waco Yokoyama, Low Carbon Policy Analyst, Gemserv - Philosophy & Film degree
  • Oliver Cook, Programme Manager of the University of Oxford SDG Impact Lab (previously an Olympic Athlete) – History degree

Tips:

  • Read up on public engagement and the environment if you’re interested in environment roles connected with marketing, communications and outreach. You don’t need to do further study immediately (if at all) but you do need to show genuine interest. Good examples of resources on this topic include: Britain Talks Climate, news and resources platform edie and Carbon Brief (shared by Amy Crosweller at Earthwatch and Georgia Trapp at ClimatePartner).
  • Learn more about the Oxford SDG Impact Lab and how you can be involved in the programme to work on real world sustainability projects as well as join relevant talks in this sector (Oliver Cook, SDG Lab)
  • Your path is unlikely to be clear, it might feel messy at first but build on your skills and experience as someone who can tell stories, synthesise lots of information and communicate clearly to audiences. Revisit further study later on, if needed, but consider short courses and diplomas as well as traditional master’s degrees. Georgia Trapp, from ClimatePartner and previously at P&G, under took her short course online with the Institute for Sustainability Leadership, for example.
  • You don’t need to have quantitative experience – you can learn! Wako Yokoyama, Low Carbon Policy Analyst at Gemserv, developed her own Excel skills and realised she loved this type of work during an internship with non-profit Six Degrees (environmental consultancy & think tank) before choosing to undertake further study in this area to improve her knowledge and expertise. She undertook her MSc in Environmental Change and Management at Oxford.

Exploring Sustainability Careers: Can a Corporate Career Ever Be Sustainable?

In person plenary session and networking at the Oxford Martin School, 16:15 - 18:30

 

This in-person plenary event took place at the Oxford Martin School. Jonathan Black, Director of the Oxford Careers Service chaired the session with:

  •  
  • Professor Myles Allen (Heather Waller PA is our contact), Professor of Geosystem Science and Director of the Oxford Net Zero initiative
  • Mia Clement, President of the Oxford Climate Society
  • Networking: Myles Allen, Oxford SU, OSBE, Ox Climate Society, Oxford Energy Society, Oxford Climate Justice Campaign, Green Action Week, Careers Service & Internship Office.

Wednesday 8 February 2023 

Careers Sustainability & Environmental Policy 

Online panel discussion, 13:15 - 14:30

Policy professionals working in sustainability roles across different sectors shared insights into the routes available in this popular career area. Julia Hilton chaired, Hugh Lailey and Blavatnik School of Government James Arvidson supported. Speakers:

  • Emmanuelle Dot, Senior Policy Advisor - Climate and Sustainability at UK Export Finance (gov dept) – BA Liberal Arts, King’s College London
  • David Morrow, Energy Policy Analyst, Energia (supplier of 100% Green Electricity in Ireland) – MPP graduate
  • Toni Pearce, special Advisor in the Advocacy & Campaigns team at WWF (previously Oxfam)

Tips:

  • Staying on top of current news and policy is really important, but this field is also fast moving. Sources of information to stay informed include:
  • Develop your expertise and demonstrate your interests in climate and environmental work…Read this fantastic guide to things you can be doing and getting involved with at Oxford and beyond to find out more: Sustainability Action Guide Essentials (PDF) from the Oxford Climate Society.
  • Get involved in your students' union…it's a great place to learn negotiation, influencing, policy skills etc.
  • Having a masters doesn't necessarily make you stand out in an application process vs volunteering or other activities but do your research and consider the best route for you to grow your skills and expertise.

Careers in Environmental Law 

Online panel discussion, 15:15 - 16:15

Pannelists shared details about how they carved their career paths along with useful tips to find a legal role in this area. Julia Sadler & Juliet Tomlinson chaired the session with:

  • Helena Gauterin, Head of Environmental Law at the Office for Environmental Protection ( Oxford alum biological sciences)
  • Alex Lombos, lawyer at ClientEarth
  • Duncan Mitchell, senior managing lawyer in the national legal team at the Environment Agency, based in Bristol.

Tips:

  • Ultilise the many environmental law networks – many have student memberships – to explore this area further. E.g. The UK Environmental Law Association, Legal Voices for the Future or the Environmental Law Foundation  These will help you to meet and talk with environmental lawyers so that you can learn about their work and build your knowledge of the growing opportunities in this area of law. 
  • As your first steps into this area as a professional are likely to be qualification as a solicitor or barrister (England & Wales) have a read of our briefings on these roles so that you can be well informed about the process and know where and how to get started.
  • The legal market is very fluid so advise students ‘to just get in somehow’ and they can move between private/ public later
  • Watching Environment Agency prosecutions. Oxford is in the Thames region but, more to the point, they take cases at courts all over the place, including Oxford Magistrates’ court, St Albans Crown Court etc. Students can observe these trials and attend court in many instances to learn and find out more! Environment Agency Prosecutions - data.gov.uk

Women in Climate Careers: Panel Discussion 

Online panel discussion, 17:15-18:15

The Oxford Climate Society worked with the Oxford Careers Service to represent women working in climate across different industries and roles. Session chaired by Mia Clement, President of Oxford Climate, Julia Hilton supported. Speakers:

  • Kaya Axellson, Net Zero Policy Engagement Fellow at University of Oxford; Strategic Advisor to the Race to Zero Campaign
  • Wini Rizkiningayu, Field Strategy Consultant, Just Energy Transition, Fellow at ThinkPolicy, a mentor at Young Women For Sustainability (YWES), and a Woman In the Geothermal future leader's cohort
  • Rachael A.O Antwi, Head Group Sustainability and Environmental Risk at Ecobank Transnational International (ETI). Antwi has over 12 years of experience of which 10 years were spent in the financial sector in SA and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from Absa Capital (formerly Barclays Africa Group) and Standard Bank Investment Banking, where she assumed many roles.

Tips: 

  • Identify potential female ‘mentors’ in this space to support you and bring specific ideas to support them too.
  • Use the Oxford network – there are so many internal opportunities to find your tribe in this space.
  • Join relevant societies like the Oxford Climate Society and make things happen / contribute.
  • Learn to ‘tell your story’ to connect with others and find your purpose.
  • The women (above) who joined our session are willing to help.

Thursday 9 February 2023 

Careers Service Finding Green Internships 

In-person event, 13:15 - 14:30

  • Internship Office hosted and Julia Hilton supported
  • George (current student) Biology, University of Oxford (Micro-Internship Programme)
  • Eleanor (current student), Engineering, Global Centre on Healthcare and Urbanisation, Kellogg College, University of Oxford (Micro-Internship Programme)

Tips:

  • The first part of the session showcased existing opportunities available through the Summer and Micro-Internship Programme, while the second part focused on how students can approach organisations directly to find exciting opportunities in the field. Previous interns, Eleanor Cosford and George Rabin, shared their experiences: Eleanor completed a micro-internship with the Global Centre on Healthcare and Urbanisation in 2022, while George completed a micro-internship with Conservation Optimism and a summer internship with Muncaster Castle in 2022.
  • For those who missed the session or wish to revisit the information covered, you can access the slides.
  • Green internships continue to be advertised on CareerConnect through the Summer Internship Programme. Examples include a sustainability themed internship with Synergy Global Consulting and one with the weADAPT platform (deadline 10 April) but more being added.
  • This academic year, the Crankstart Programme has already advertised over 40 internships related to sustainability, with more to come on a rolling basis until mid-May. The latest is an opportunity with Wildman Environmental Learning, closing on 24 April.

Careers in Energy 

Online panel discussion, 15:15 - 16:15

Are you considering a career in energy but want to ensure you make a sustainable impact on the planet? Do you have questions about alternative energy providers and potential routes into these? The panel of experts in energy and nuclear energy joined the conversation about career options and experiences across the energy sector. Hugh Lailey chaired the session, Julia Hilton supported, Oxford Energy Society joined.

  • Nina Möger Bengtsson, Global Supply Chain Development Specialist, Octopus Energy
  • Edwin Lloyd, Head of Investor Relations, Sizewell Nuclear power plant
  • Matthew Billson, Policy & Market Strategy Director  (cleantech company Piclo & 20 years as a senior policymaker in the UK civil service, most recently as co-lead of the government's £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio)

Tips:

  • Nina Bengtsson (Octopus Energy) suggested three main tips for accessing this area
    • Look for organisations where the bottom line is aligned with your values (if you do well, will you reduce emissions?).
    • Get to know the nitty gritty. We don’t all have to be engineers but we do need to understand what the green transition *actually* means and how difficult it is to execute it on the ground. Look for jobs that will allow you to learn the details.
    • Swing the bat! If you know what you are optimising for (for me: CO2 reductions before 2030) and you look for organisations that will allow you to fill your skills gap (for me: industry), all that is left to do is *swing the bat*. There are so many cool orgs and companies out there building solutions, don’t obsess about finding the perfect fit. Clean energy technologies will be worth around $650 billion a year by 2030 (3x today) - opportunities abound. 
  • Great place to go looking for companies that are doing cool solutions: B Corp and Breakthrough Energy www.bcorporation.net/ and breakthroughenergy.org/
  • Every sector offers a huge variety of roles and opportunities. They need designers, planners, builders, project managers, finance, legal, HR, general managers and supply chain as well as technical specialists, investors, innovators, visionaries and negotiators, lobbyists, reporters and...
  • Current changes in political and economic landscape makes ESG an area where there will be massive growth in monitoring, reporting, accountability and this = JOBS.
  • Energy is heavily regulated, so the political and economic landscape is important. Stay up to date with current affairs and consider where and how the regulatory and political environment will drive change. E.g. electricity generation and distribution needs to grow significantly by 2030.

Careers in Environmental & Sustainability Consultancy 

Online panel discussion, 15:15 - 16:15

Want to work in consultancy and make a positive impact on the environment and sustainability? Not sure how to navigate the different consultancies out there and which ones fit your own objectives and profile? The diverse panel of speakers shared how to navigate the various types of environmental and sustainability consultancies out there and how to be competitive. Session run by Emmy Powell from the Oxford Sustainable Business and Entrepreneurship Society and Julia Hilton, supported by Claire Chesworth. 

  • Bethany Hunt, Ecologist / Health & Safety Officer, Ecology Resources (ecological consultancy focused on wildlife legislation), MSc Biodiversity Conservation PT, Environmental Science, Nottingham Trent University
  • Katie Fensome, Sustainable Value Chains Lead at The Biodiversity Consultancy, MSc Environmental Change and Management, Oxford
  • Ben Pullan, Commodities Markets - Senior Associate, EY, MSc Climate Change Science & Policy, Bristol (previously Energy Analyst at eEnergy Group)
  • Mapem Lanigan, Thought Leadership Assistant, Futerra (based in New York) – ‘mission to make the Anthropocene awesome’, B.A. in Geography with a specialization in Environment and Sustainability from the University of British Columbia.

Watch the session:

Friday 10 February 2023 

Careers in Sustainable Food & Agriculture 

Online panel discussion, 13:15-14:30

Oxford alumni who are already using their diverse skills and abilities to drive change for a more sustainable Food and Agriculture sector shred details about both the huge variety of roles that contribute to this effort and how you might build your own career, whether in policy, business leadership, science, engineering or environmental stewardship. Hugh Lailey chaired & Madalena Fonseca supported the session.

  • Sam Coxlee-Gammage, Group Ethics & Sustainability Manager, John Lewis Partnership
  • Maddy Diment, Researcher, Tortoise Media
  • George Bennett, Sandy Lane Farm, organic producer, veg-box retailer

Tips:

  • It’s OK not to have all the skills already when you enter the sector. Be curious and willing to lean, it’s a journey and you learn as you go along.
  • Practical experience and enthusiasm are often more important than further study. A Master’s can be a good stepping stone sometimes, but only do it if you really feel confident it is right thing for you.
  • Gaining experience (useful tips and resources): WWoofing; ask a local grower if you can volunteer; Landworkers Alliance; Soil Association listings; Escape the City job board.
  • On the hunt: Starting a career in sustainability - IEMA - Maddy Diment summarises her advice on finding work within the sustainability industry.

Careers in Sustainable Engineering & Urban Development

Online panel discussion, 15:15 - 16:15

A panel of alumni working in sustainable engineering and urban development discussed what it is like to enter and work in this sector. Mike Moss chaired and Damilola Odimayo supported the session. Speakers:

  • Victoria Lee (MSc Sust Urb Dev 2018) Lead Urban Designer HS2 (also 7 years at the Design Council)
  • Chloe Tartan (DPhil Eng Sci 2017) Accenture - Advanced App Engineering Manager - Circular Supply Chain Lead
  • Vendella Gambill (MSc Sust Urb Dev 2019) Deloitte - Manager (Urban Planning)
  • Igloo Regeneration

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