Over the past several years, ESG and sustainability issues have increasingly permeated the public consciousness as businesses, consumers, investors, and regulators have considered their impact on society and the environment more than ever before. It’s no surprise then, that ESG roles are one of the fastest growing career choices. In fact, according to Sustainability Magazine, LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise list reveals sustainability to dominate amongst the 25 fastest growing roles in both Europe and the US.

This article will help you think through the steps to take if you are looking to build a career in ESG and sustainability in 2025, and how to set yourself up for success.

It might sound obvious, but before searching for a job in ESG and sustainability, it’s essential to gain a good understanding of the industry. From the current regulatory environment to industry trends and rapidly evolving roles, it’s important to be clued up about the industry and what a career in ESG and sustainability might involve in 2025.

Scott Lane, CEO of Speeki explains that the ESG and sustainability is much broader than many people think and as such, ESG professionals need to know ‘a little about a lot.’ While lots of people think ESG tends to focus mostly on environmental and specifically, net zero emissions targets, there is much more than this to consider.

Some key areas to brush up on might include:

A range of university degrees can help you gain academic skills that will prepare you for a career in ESG and sustainability. Pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in environmental science, civil engineering, sustainable development, policy, business management or a social science could provide good foundations for a career in ESG and sustainability. It may even be worth considering studying a degree related to data science, AI or sustainability analytics which are all becoming increasingly relevant for jobs in ESG and sustainability.

While formal education helps, certifications can be a great option for those considering a career change who don’t want to re-enter full-time education.

Some valuable credentials include:

Short courses like this one offered by the University of Cambridge Judge Business School in Environmental, Social and Governance Leadership also offer a great route into ESG and Sustainability.

It’s all well and good having the right accreditations and skills, but employers will often prioritise candidates with hands-on, practical experience. This can be challenging to find, but it is essential in getting your foot in the door with that first ESG or sustainability role.

Here are some ways to build the required experience that may be worth considering:

Secure an internship – many companies offer internships for ESG and sustainability roles. Make sure you are regularly checking job boards. You can also look on LinkedIn for opportunities.

Apply for voluntary work – you could support a charity or startup with its sustainability initiatives. If you impress them, this could even lead to some paid work or a permanent job!

Find some freelance work – Companies dipping their toes into ESG and sustainability may post work on sites like Upwork or Fiver which you can pick up. Small companies with tight budgets may be willing to take a punt on someone starting out in the field.

As with any career, getting your foot in the door can often be a matter of who you know as well as what you know. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a family member or friend who works in the industry, but there are plenty of other ways to meet professionals in the field. Sometimes, all it takes is striking up a conversation with the right person to lead to the next big opportunity.

Some great ways of networking include:

Attending ESG and sustainability conferences or summits can be a great way to gain up-to-date industry knowledge and meet people who are active in the industry. Push yourself to start conversations with as many people as possible.

Reach out on social media: LinkedIn enables you to connect and interact with industry experts and thought leaders. Try reaching out to them or commenting on their content to get their attention. You can also join ESG discussion groups and share insights yourself to showcase your knowledge.

As roles in ESG and sustainability become increasingly sought-after career choices, these also become more challenging to secure. The HR Director reports that as many as 26% of professionals would take a pay cut to enter into an ESG role. With growing competition for these jobs, gaining the appropriate accreditations, skills, practical experience and connections is essential to give yourself the best chance at securing your first role.