What are the best ways to gain ESG experience as a new Sustainability professional?
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If you are interested in pursuing a career in sustainability, you might have heard of the term ESG, which stands for environmental, social, and governance. ESG is a framework that measures the performance and impact of organizations on various aspects of sustainability, such as climate change, human rights, diversity, ethics, and more. ESG is becoming increasingly important for investors, customers, employees, and regulators, who demand more transparency and accountability from businesses. Therefore, having ESG experience can give you an edge as a sustainability professional, as you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in assessing and improving the sustainability performance of organizations. But how can you gain ESG experience as a new sustainability professional, especially if you don't have a formal background or education in sustainability? Here are some of the best ways to gain ESG experience as a new sustainability professional.
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to gain ESG experience is to volunteer for ESG projects in your community, industry, or organization. Volunteering can help you learn from others, network with like-minded people, and showcase your passion and commitment to sustainability. You can look for opportunities to volunteer for ESG projects on platforms like Idealist, VolunteerMatch, or LinkedIn, or reach out to local nonprofits, social enterprises, or industry associations that work on sustainability issues. You can also propose your own ESG project to your employer, such as conducting a sustainability audit, developing a sustainability report, or organizing a sustainability event.
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Gin Keat Ong
Massively Regenerating Resources. Beyond Wastes. Envcares Pte Ltd. Uniflow Power Singapore. BioEnergy, Sustainability. Zero Waste Singapore-Chair
As a newly minted Sustainability professional with some academic qualifications, one way to move forward quickly is to seek out more experienced people/organizations with good ground track records as mentors. You gain insights beyond text books, widen contacts and learn to see/understand complex issues. ESG actual experiences are invaluable and coupled with hands on project work will help you to gain traction and stand out above the growing crowd of sustainability professionals.
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Vajk Barabas
Sustainability Reporting | 🌱 ESG | CSRD | EHS
Volunteering for ESG projects is a fantastic way to gain practical experience and make a positive impact. It's a win-win: you contribute to sustainability efforts while building valuable skills and expanding your network. Don't hesitate to take the initiative, whether through existing opportunities or by proposing your own projects – your ESG journey starts with action.
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Andi Cross
Growth Strategist, Expedition Lead, Writer & Divemaster
To effectively gain ESG experience, it's crucial to immerse yourself in the field and learn from seasoned professionals. Early in my career, I collaborated with various ocean-focused nonprofits and NGOs. This direct engagement allowed me to grasp the intricacies of the sector, identify the major contributors, and refine my focus—tailoring my expertise to fit my goals. Through this hands-on approach, I navigated the complexities of ESG, gaining insights into its challenges and potentials, and shaping my own professional path within the sustainability landscape. I highly recommend spending some time with NGOs and nonprofits that are mission and vision aligned, acting as a sponge, absorbing as much as you can!
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Another way to gain ESG experience is to take online ESG courses that can teach you the fundamentals and best practices of ESG. Online ESG courses can help you understand the concepts, frameworks, standards, and tools of ESG, as well as the trends, challenges, and opportunities of ESG in different sectors and regions. You can find online ESG courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy, or look for specialized ESG courses offered by reputable institutions like Harvard, Yale, or MIT. Online ESG courses can also help you earn certifications or credentials that can boost your resume and credibility as a sustainability professional.
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Vajk Barabas
Sustainability Reporting | 🌱 ESG | CSRD | EHS
Online ESG courses are a convenient and effective way to build a strong foundation in sustainability. They offer flexibility and access to top-notch instructors and resources. Earning certifications from reputable institutions can signal your commitment and expertise in the ESG field, enhancing your career prospects and making a positive impact on the world.
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A third way to gain ESG experience is to join ESG networks and communities that can provide you with access to resources, events, and mentors. ESG networks and communities can help you stay updated on the latest ESG news, research, and best practices, as well as connect you with other sustainability professionals who can share their insights and advice. You can join ESG networks and communities on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, or look for local or global ESG networks and communities that focus on specific topics, sectors, or regions. For example, you can join the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), or the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
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Vajk Barabas
Sustainability Reporting | 🌱 ESG | CSRD | EHS
Joining ESG networks and communities is a smart move for anyone looking to advance in the sustainability field. These platforms offer a wealth of resources and connections that can keep you informed, inspired, and engaged. You'll have the chance to collaborate with like-minded professionals, learn from experts, and contribute to the collective effort to drive positive change in the world. It's a win-win for both personal growth and making a meaningful impact.
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A fourth way to gain ESG experience is to apply for ESG internships or fellowships that can offer you hands-on experience and exposure to ESG in action. ESG internships or fellowships can help you learn from experts, work on real-world ESG projects, and build your portfolio and network. You can look for ESG internships or fellowships on platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn, or reach out to ESG-related organizations, such as ESG consulting firms, ESG rating agencies, or ESG-focused funds. You can also look for ESG internships or fellowships that are tailored for new or emerging sustainability professionals, such as the ESG Analyst Internship Program by ESG Intelligence, the ESG Fellowship Program by ESG Global Advisors, or the ESG Leadership Program by ESG Nexus.
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Vajk Barabas
Sustainability Reporting | 🌱 ESG | CSRD | EHS
Participating in ESG internships or fellowships is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience in the dynamic field of sustainability. It's a win-win situation: you get hands-on knowledge and skills while contributing to meaningful ESG initiatives. These programs can be stepping stones to a rewarding career in sustainability, helping you make a real difference in the world. Don't miss the chance to learn, grow, and create a positive impact.
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A fifth way to gain ESG experience is to start your own ESG blog or podcast that can showcase your ESG knowledge and skills, as well as your personal brand and voice. Starting your own ESG blog or podcast can help you research, analyze, and communicate ESG topics, issues, and trends, as well as engage with your audience and peers. You can start your own ESG blog or podcast on platforms like WordPress, Medium, or Anchor, or use social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok to create and share your ESG content. You can also collaborate with other ESG bloggers or podcasters to create and promote your ESG content.
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Vajk Barabas
Sustainability Reporting | 🌱 ESG | CSRD | EHS
Starting an ESG blog or podcast is a dynamic way to share your passion for sustainability and contribute to the ESG conversation. It allows you to express your unique perspective and insights, connect with a global audience, and learn continuously. In the process, you'll not only build your expertise but also make a valuable impact on the broader sustainability community. It's a fulfilling endeavor for anyone committed to making the world a better place.
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Bhavani Prakash
Sustainability Professional | I help organisations achieve their ESG goals and go beyond | TEDx Speaker |
I strongly think that 'teaching' is the best way to 'learn'. When I started out in the field of sustainability about 15 years ago, much of my research and reflections came out as blogposts, talks, trainings as well as articles for established magazines. It was and continues to be one of the best ways to develop and hone one's expertise, while sharing one's genuine passion to make a difference.
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Vajk Barabas
Sustainability Reporting | 🌱 ESG | CSRD | EHS
I'd like to emphasize that gaining ESG experience is not only professionally rewarding but also contributes to addressing pressing global challenges. As sustainability becomes increasingly important across industries, your expertise can drive positive change and help shape a more environmentally and socially responsible future. Keep learning, stay engaged, and take proactive steps to make a meaningful impact on ESG issues.
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Sumathy Krishnan
Social sector & Sustainability Professional / Writer
ESG is a tool to assess, track and importantly work towards improving sustainability. It should not be seen just in the context of reporting. It's also important to know about the limitations of the ESG frameworks and gain a holistic understanding rather than a compliance led mindset.
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Meena Raghunathan
CSR| ESG| Social Audit|Skills| Education| Livelihoods| Prevention Sexual Harassment| Independent Director Amrutanjan HealthC Ltd| Nonprofit boards| New book: DOING GOOD:NAVIGATING THE CSR MAZE IN INDIA. Harper Collins.
ESG is based on minimizing risk to businesses. But don't be limited by this perspective! Lets shift the perspective and look at it from a normative angle--we have to take into account environmental, social and ethical/governance dimensions becuase it is the RIGHT thing to do, not just because it reduces risk! ESG professionals must wear this cap and bring this dimension into corporate thinking.