Climate jobs are on the rise and in high demand. Yet, thousands of people are struggling to find and secure those climate jobs.
Since starting the #OpenDoorClimate movement, where climate professionals make time to speak with people interested in climate work, I’ve heard from roughly 3,000 green jobseekers. And I’ve heard their biggest pain points when trying to transition into or start a climate career.
To help overcome these barriers, I’ve spoken to some top climate career experts in the field. And although there are always barriers outside of a jobseeker’s control, there are tangible ways to overcome some personal pain points.
Lack of personal connections in the industry
With 80 percent of jobs filled through personal and professional connections, networking is a critical piece to any job search. And for many green jobseekers transitioning from another industry, it might feel like starting from zero.
Fortunately, there are some incredible climate-specific networking communities such as Work on Climate, Climatebase and MCJ Collective that can provide instant networks. Many of these communities host online forums, events, job fairs and office hours as a way for people to build their network and learn from experts.
Traditional networking platforms such as LinkedIn can also be hugely valuable, if used correctly. Beyond trying to connect and direct message people, LinkedIn expert Nick Martin suggests following climate professionals you admire, comment on their posts and focus on building a relationship. He also suggests creating your own posts to signal your interest, something as simple as sharing your thoughts on a sustainability article you’ve read.
Uncertainty about how to map skills to roles
A common misconception about climate jobs is that they all require technical, climate-specific skills. The reality is that a lot of climate jobs consist of traditional job functions, such as marketing, sales, HR and project management, being applied to climate issues or solutions. Taking stock of the skills you’ve already gained and using those in job searches on climate-specific job boards is a great way to see how your skills can translate.
Another way to demystify what skills are needed is to talk with people who have already landed jobs in the climate space. Ask them what their day-to-day looks like and which skills they transferred from past jobs. The communities mentioned above are a great place to find those people. Or you can check out the #DayInTheLife database where climate professionals share what skills they use in a typical day on the job.
For those with the financial means, a career coach or self-directed course that focuses on climate jobs — such as Walk of Life Coaching, The Environmental Career Coach or Careers for Social Impact — can help you learn more about the job landscape and where your skills best fit.
Concerns about being overlooked due to lack of direct experience
Many employers are demanding unrealistic experience and credentials in climate job postings. But in this evolving industry and workforce, these job descriptions should be viewed more as suggestions than needs. Meaning that you should apply for jobs that you believe you can do, regardless of whether you check every box on a job posting.
If you do feel that you need more experience in the field, try to pitch yourself as a freelancer to companies you’re interested in. Offer to help with specific projects based on their existing work or job postings. Or if you’re earlier in your career, try finding a sustainability fellowship or internship. These short-term projects are great ways to build your experience, credibility and network, even if they don’t lead to full-time offers.
Beyond finding a new climate job, let’s not forget the path of greening existing jobs. We need traditional roles that are applying a climate lens and pushing action from inside existing companies.
Another great way to gain experience is by taking climate-focused courses such as the ones on Terra.do or UN’s SDG:Learn platform or through a certification program. Even if you don’t learn every skill you need to function perfectly on day one at a job, taking classes can count towards experience and it shows employers you’re interested and willing to learn.
Challenges in finding organizations that align with interest areas
Sometimes the biggest challenge is not knowing where to look for potential jobs. If you’re new to the climate sector, learning the companies and roles can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some great climate-specific job boards such as Green Jobs Board, Climate People and GreenBiz’s Sustainability Jobs board. These job boards allow you to narrow your search to browse only organizations and roles within the sustainability space.
If you’re not sure what to search for on these job boards, start with some simple self-reflection. Kristy Drutman of Green Jobs Board suggests pairing your skill with what you’re passionate about. For example, maybe pair your skill in data analysis and your interest in solar energy.
And if you’re not ready to start browsing job boards, following sector-specific news and analysis hubs can help you learn more about the industry and companies. For example, if you’re interested in climate tech, you might want to start following Climate Tech VC’s newsletter.
Consider greening your existing job
Beyond finding a new climate job, let’s not forget the path of greening existing jobs. Yes, we need climate-specific roles and companies. But, we also need traditional roles that are applying a climate lens and pushing action from inside existing companies. In many ways, this will lead to the greatest impact for the planet and for gaining professional climate experience.
Jamie Beck Alexander of Project Drawdown likes to say, “Every job is a climate job.” Her team has put together Job Function Action Guides that details tangible actions you can take to make any job function a climate job.
Regardless of the barrier or path chosen, don’t go it alone. Find support, connections and opportunities with like-minded people going through a similar journey by joining some communities mentioned in this article.