Welcome to your guide to Sustainability careers. Here we’ve gathered top resources to support your career journey, including information on career paths Sloanies have pursued, recommended professional development activities, directories, and job boards.
Learn from Sloanies on this Career Path
My Path to Climate Tech by Jayant Wunnava, MBA 26
My Path to Sustainability through a Networked Job Search by Ali Decker, MBA 25
Learn About Sustainability at MIT Sloan
MIT Sloan offers many opportunities for those interested in sustainability to learn about key industry developments and engage with companies engaged in sustainability. The Sustainability Initiative at MIT Sloan is a key resource for activities at MIT Sloan and developments in the industry. They have created these guides to courses, events, and opportunities to help you make an impact in your field of interest.
Sustainability Career Paths + Recruiting
The pathways to Sustainability vary based on the companies and roles you are seeking. Some companies hire for Sustainability roles on-campus recruiting, but the majority of these opportunities will require you to pursue a networked job search, especially if you are targeting smaller organizations.
Program-Specific Resources: MBA – Sustainability + Energy Recruiting Overview Slides
Research and informational interviews are a key part of your jobs search, to help you identify causes, functions, organizations, and roles that are of interest. Use the contact resources below to find contacts and begin networking.
If you are considering what path to take in Sustainability, it may help to get clarity on whether you want to work within a sustainability organization or in a sustainability role – or both. Here are a few examples of options Sloanies have chosen:
Sustainability Company + Sustainability Function
- Convergent Energy + Power – Energy Storage Manager
- Good Jobs Institute – Good Jobs Fellow
- ECMC Group – Impact Fund Investor
- Rewiring America – Community Implementation Manager
Sustainability Company + Traditional Function
- Blackhorn Ventures – Senior Associate
- Enveritas – Data and Insights Manager
- Marathon Capital – Associate
- SeaO2 – Head of Commercialization
Traditional Company + Sustainability Function
- Charles River Associates – Principle, Energy Practice
- Bechtel Enterprises – Renewable Energy Development
- Amazon – Sustainable Strategy Program Manager
- Nike – Traceability Manager
Traditional Company + Traditional Function
- Apple – Global Sourcing and Supply Management
- BCG – Consultant
- EY Parthenon – Director
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Analyst – Evaluates companies based on ESG factors for investment decisions
Impact Investing Associate – Works with funds investing in businesses driving positive social and environmental change
Sustainable Portfolio Manager – Manages investment portfolios with a sustainability focus
Corporate Sustainability Finance Manager – Integrates sustainability into a company’s financial decision-making
Sustainability Strategy Consultant – Advises firms on incorporating sustainability into their business and financial strategies
Venture Capital & Private Equity Role – Invests in early-stage startups or private companies focused on sustainability solutions
Grow Your Experience in Sustainability
MIT Sloan offers many opportunities to learn about sustainable business and connect with companies engaging with MIT Sloan on projects. These are a great way to add or expand real-world sustainability experience on your resume, and discover the path you want to take next.
Sustainability Certificate
- Sustainability Certificate: As a member of the Certificate cohort, you’ll learn from world-renowned sustainability faculty, collaborate with peers, and join a 650+ strong alumni network.
Action Learning Labs
- Sustainable Business Lab (15.878)
- USA Lab: Bridging the American Divides (15.679 & 11.651)
More Activities:
- MIT D-Lab offers opportunities to continue socially and environmentally conscious work that addresses issues of global poverty. View classes.
Sustainability Research Resources
Find Internship and Job Opportunities
MIT Sloan, MIT, and Partner Job Boards
- Career Central (CDO)
- Handshake (CAPD)
- MBA Exchange Job Board
- MBA Exchange – Leadership Development Programs List
(Search corporate sustainability) - Sustainability Initiative: Sustainability Internships
- More MIT/MIT Sloan, Industry, and Regional Job Boards
*Job Search Tip*
Leverage VMock for Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Use the Resume Optimizer to rate your resume against your select job descriptions; and Aspire for your LinkedIn profile to highlight the right skills and make a great impression.
Connect with the Sustainability Community
Resources for Finding Contacts
- Student Employment Directories
- MIT Sloan Industry Advisors – Sustainability/Social Impact
- Alumni Directories
- Career Central (Company contacts)
- More Resources for Finding Contacts
Sustainability Networks
- MIT Sloan Sustainability Students – WhatsApp channel (current students)
- ClimateCap – Network of sustainability center
Talk with Someone About Your Career Plans
- Career Advising + Coaching – Book an appointment: MBA/LGO/MSMS | MFin | MBAn | SFMBA| EMBA
- Sloan Industry Advisors – SIAs with an Expertise in Sustainability/Social Impact
