Getting Started in Sustainable Business

If you’re interested in a career in sustainability, you’ll need a combination of formal education and real-world experience. Some individuals who are interested in sustainable business have a background in science fields, such as biology or ecology. Others opt for a career in sustainable business because they want to use their business prowess to make a positive impact on the planet's future. Whether you’re a working professional hoping to expand your professional opportunities or a recent graduate seeking a first-time job in sustainable business, a strong understanding of business fundamentals such as project management, economics, and accounting is essential. WGU offers several bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, including a B.S. in Business Administration–Business Management and an M.S. in Management and Leadership, that can teach you the business side of sustainable business. 

Sustainability Career Paths in Business 

Sustainability expertise is increasingly valued in nearly every aspect of a business’s operation, including product development, marketing, finance, and supply chain management. Roles dedicated to sustainability efforts have become integral pillars within sustainable companies. 

• Chief sustainability officer (CSO). A CSO develops, implements, and oversees sustainability initiatives throughout the organization. 
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager. Individuals in this profession act as a company’s moral compass, guiding the company toward environmentally friendly and socially conscious business solutions. 
• Circular economy consultant. A circular economy reduces waste through resource conservation, recycling, and repurposing. Consultants help businesses adopt practices to increase the lifespan of products, reuse materials, and dispose of waste responsibly. 
• Sustainable supply chain analyst. Professionals in this role ensure that a company’s supply chain operates in an environmentally conscious manner. 

Skills Needed for Sustainable Business Careers 

The multifaceted nature of sustainable business careers requires a unique blend of hard and soft skills. While technological proficiency and scientific knowledge are essential, sustainable business jobs also call for imagination, innovation, strong interpersonal communication, and other non-technical capabilities. Additionally, sustainable business professionals must have a passion for environmentalism and a firm commitment to fostering positive change. Given the constantly changing nature of environmental concerns and their mitigation strategies, staying updated on the latest sustainable practices is essential to succeed in this field.

Key Technical Skills 

Although sustainability focuses on protecting the natural world, implementing sustainable business practices can be highly technical. The following hard skills will empower and support you on your sustainable business journey:

• Data analysis and statistical modeling. A deep understanding of data analysis will help you make sound, data-driven decisions as a sustainable business professional. Statistical modeling further enhances data analysis by identifying patterns and predicting future events based on past data. 
• Life cycle assessment and carbon accounting. Life cycle assessments measure how the life cycle of a product impacts the environment, while carbon accounting focuses on greenhouse gas emissions. Both evaluations help sustainable businesses understand the environmental consequences of their business operations. 
• Knowledge of environmental policies and regulations. Sustainable businesses must obey laws regulating air and water quality, waste management, and emissions. A strong understanding of environmental policies will help your business remain compliant. 
• Project management principles. As a sustainable business professional, you’ll juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Budgeting, resource allocation, time management, and other project management skills allow you to execute high-quality projects that meet your employer’s expectations and help the business reach its goals. 
• Software proficiency. Sustainable businesses use a variety of software programs, including Excel, SQL, GIS, CAD, and life cycle assessment tools. These programs streamline project planning, data management, and reporting procedures. 

Important Soft Skills 

Soft skills are nontechnical abilities that enable professionals to interact with others and navigate their work environment. Mastery of the following soft skills will help you thrive in a sustainable business career. 

• Leadership. As a sustainable business professional, your colleagues, customers, suppliers, and community members will look to you for leadership. Effective leaders are decisive, empathetic, flexible, and inspiring.
• Storytelling. Storytelling humanizes sustainability initiatives, increasing engagement and helping stakeholders understand the importance of implementing eco-conscious business practices. 
• Communication and collaboration. Individuals working for sustainable businesses frequently collaborate with environmental experts, government officials, and other sustainability professionals. 
• Critical thinking. Implementing sustainable business approaches while maintaining efficient business operations requires robust problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 
• Creativity. Creativity enables you to look beyond traditional strategies and find innovative solutions to complex challenges. 

Strong Growth Projected for Sustainability Roles 

As concerns about environmental crises grow, the demand for sustainability professionals also rises. Increasingly stringent environmental policies and consumer expectations pressure businesses to reduce their ecological footprint and prioritize sustainability. Consequently, so-called “green jobs” are replacing many of the jobs that existed in the industries of the 20th century. Sustainability-oriented jobs are expected to grow by 8% during the 10 years leading up to 2030. 

Technological advances in artificial intelligence, automation, and the Internet of Things have created a surge of opportunities in the sustainability sector. Smart sensors allow companies to monitor and optimize resource usage in real time. AI and automation have enabled business leaders to streamline supply chains and reduce carbon emissions. The ways in which technology can advance environmental conscientiousness are too great to count. As a result, businesses increasingly seek professionals with IT management expertise and a passion for sustainability.  

Sustainability Careers Can Align to Diverse Interests and Backgrounds 

Some individuals prepare for a career in sustainability by acquiring a sustainability degree or a sustainable business degree. However, sustainability degrees are not the only route to this exciting career field. Sustainability intersects with a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and economics to sales and marketing. This means that professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds and interests can transition into a career in sustainability. Consider the following examples of how professionals can use their existing skill sets to flourish in a sustainability-related profession: 

• Marketing and communications. Increasingly, consumers demand that companies implement sustainability practices and prioritize social responsibility. Marketing professionals can leverage their expertise in storytelling, branding, and consumer insights to build engaging sustainability programs that meet customers’ expectations. 
• Supply chain and logistics. Professionals with a background in supply chain management can use their analytical skills, project management experience, and logistics knowledge to help companies develop supply chain strategies that minimize negative environmental consequences. 
• Finance and accounting. Financial experts who are proficient in data analysis, forecasting, strategic planning, and budgeting can use their talents to help businesses adopt sustainable practices without sacrificing the bottom line. 
• Engineering. Technical skills in design, modeling, and project management are highly relevant for sustainability engineers, energy efficiency experts, and similar professionals. 
• Information technology. Knowledge of IT infrastructure, smart technologies, cloud computing, and data management are essential for monitoring ecological footprints and increasing business sustainability. IT professionals can apply their technical skills and computer knowledge to countless sustainability initiatives. 
• Human resources. Individuals with a background in HR can harness their knowledge and experience in change management, policy development, and employee engagement to lead sustainability teams. 
• Sales and business development. Professionals with sales and business development experience can use skills in relationship-building, customer management, and negotiation to align market demands with eco-friendly business solutions. 

If you’re a working professional interested in transitioning to a sustainable business career, consider earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree from WGU. Our affordable degree programs are 100% online, meaning you can continue working while you earn your degree. Additionally, our competency-based learning model emphasizes mastery of course material instead of time spent in a classroom. You can complete coursework on your schedule, potentially saving time and money. Apply today!