Go green and pursue a sustainable career!
If you are keen to launch a green career, this post provides you with our advice on how to get started.
As we strive collectively for net zero in St Andrews by 2035, we can also look to make a positive impact on an individual basis, by seeking to make more sustainable choices in our professional lives.
In line with the University’s Green Week, we want to share our top tips and resources to help you find out more about following a sustainable career path.
Carry out some background research
A sustainable job relates to any role that seeks to contribute to the preservation of the environment and works in conjunction with climate change goals. You may want to research the industry first of all, to access further information on the environmental job sector with the UK and find out how you can forge an environmentally friendly career.
Explore different job sectors
Take time to consider which career sector you would like to work in, as you do not necessarily have to find a job in the environmental industry itself. Given that a variety of different sectors, including education and law, now promote roles with a sustainability focus, there are more options than ever when it comes to finding a green career.
Think about what matters most to you
Finding an employer who aligns with your values on sustainability may be an important factor to consider when looking and applying for jobs. This can sometimes be made more difficult, however, due to the PR tactic known as ‘greenwashing‘, so be sure to look for resources that can help you with choosing a sustainable employer.
Get involved in local activities
For many, living and working more sustainably starts at home. There are several ways you can build sustainable skills and look after the environment in the local area, such as getting involved with the work of Transition St Andrews. Transition is a community movement in St Andrews which aims to tackle climate change through their many forward-thinking projects and initiatives and seeks to collaborate with students, staff and local residents alike to carry out their vision.
You could also volunteer with the St Andrews Environmental Network, a Fife charity which strives to promote sustainable living within the community. They run the ‘Eco Hub’, a multi-purpose space which has a refill and reuse shop, hosts monthly exhibitions, and is soon to house a community garden.
For regular updates and news on similar activities within St Andrews, read the University’s sustainability blog.
Gain relevant experience while you study
If you are eager to undertake a green career when you leave university, you could benefit from acquiring relevant work experience while you study. As part of the St Andrews Internship Programme, our new sustainability-themed internships can provide you with a unique opportunity to develop in a sustainability focused role and contribute towards the University’s goals and projects.
These paid opportunities are open to all current undergraduate and postgraduate students and will take place at various times across Semester 2 and the summer vacation period. Current opportunities include roles developing greenspaces for biodiversity, analysing international travel data, and research on the second-hand merchandise market, among several others.
For further information on this programme, and to find out how to apply, please visit our Sustainability Internships page.
Take part in our Green Week events
In line with the University’s Green Week which starts on Monday 30 January, the Careers Centre will run an events programme on Wednesday 1 February which will tackle various aspects of green careers.
The programme will run as follows:
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Made in the Wild: Jack Randall talks Conservation and Media: Wednesday 1 February, 12pm.
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Alumni Careers Panel – Sustainability: Wednesday 1 February, 1pm.
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Careers with Social and Environmental Impact: Wednesday 1 February, 4pm.
These events will be held online and you can book your place via CareerConnect.
For further information, please visit our Events page.