Sustainability and your career

Why develop a sustainable career?

Sustainability encompasses not just a company’s climate change initiatives but also takes into consideration other social, ethical and economic factors. Finding a sustainable job could mean looking for work within Environment & Sustainability; however, you can also find a sustainable job and build a sustainable career within any sector. At Surrey, we’ve worked with partners such as IBM, RHS Wisley, Frazer Nash, SC Johnsons Lifestyle, and PWC who all have very clear sustainability standards for their business. 

Everyone can play a part in supporting sustainable and ethical practices in the workplace as a way of doing what’s right now and for future generations. As part of this, many companies have laid out what they will do to tackle climate change. The government’s ‘Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener’ strategy sets out policies and proposals that aim to help decarbonise all areas of the UK economy, with a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Employers in the UK have a responsibility to support this, and employees are encouraged to work towards this goal with their employer. You can demonstrate your commitment to supporting a company’s sustainability goals during your internship, placement year, or graduate role.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility or ‘CSR’ is the responsibility of employers in acknowledging their impact on all aspects of society, including on the environment. Many employers have CSR policies in which they publicly commit to a number of actions that they will take at all levels of the business in order to positively impact the environment and promote future sustainability. 

What does this mean?

• Expansion of skills and expertise within sustainability roles
• Increased knowledge of sustainability within the existing workforce
• Transition of industries out of unsustainable sectors and practices
• Demand for ‘green skills' in new roles that are being created within sustainability

'Green skills' is an umbrella term for the knowledge, behaviours, capabilities and technical skills required to tackle the environmental challenges we face. As part of this, many jobs will need to go greener. You can get ahead and prepare for this demand by developing green skills relevant to your career pathway and personal interests.

How you can get involved with sustainability activities during your placement, internship, or graduate job?

• Join pre-existing groups or committees. There may be initiatives that you can participate in that help to support sustainability within the company.
• Suggest small climate-friendly changes. Perhaps you could start a monthly sustainability newsletter or suggest a team volunteering day where you help with a litter-pick.
• Look out for conferences or webinars that you can get involved with around sustainability.

Find out more on how to make your career sustainable

Social enterprise

You can also develop a sustainable career outside of a corporate work environment, for example, by looking for job opportunities in charities, social enterprises, or NGOs, or even starting your own business. Non-profits and social enterprises have sustainable objectives at the heart of the company ethos, so if you’re interested in working in these sectors it’s even more important for you to develop sustainable thinking and practices whilst at university.

Explore student resources for social enterprise and starting your own business and make the most of student organisations such as Enactus UK.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and give back to society through charities and voluntary organisations. You can develop skills, gain experience, and acquire insight to reach your full potential. Volunteering can also be a great experience to enhance your CV and boost your overall employability, as it demonstrates to employers that you are willing to dedicate your time to good causes.

You can discover local volunteering opportunities and also log your volunteering hours on our Students' Union Volunteering page and log your volunteering hours to appear on your HEAR report. 

Read our guidance about Student Jobs and Volunteering to learn more about volunteering.