ESG jobs: how to break into the booming sustainability industry (2024)

The growing recognition of the importance of sustainable business practices has increased the demand for ESG professionals across industries. As a result, the ESG labor market is becoming more diverse with the emergence of new roles and job titles and a growing emphasis on sustainable finance.

Let's say you want to get into this field or advance your ESG career. If so, this article will provide valuable information on the qualifications, experience and skills required, the best companies hiring for ESG roles, salary range, current trends and how to progress in an ESG career.

This article is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the opportunities and challenges of an ESG career, whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or a seasoned professional.

What is an ESG job and what roles are available?

ESG jobs are positions in a company or organization that focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility. These positions are found in private and public organizations and span a range of industries and sectors.

One of the main objectives of ESG jobs is to promote environmental sustainability, for example by reducing a company's carbon footprint, and through social and governance practices that benefit society and stakeholders.

Here are some examples of specific ESG job titles:

Head of Sustainability:The Chief Sustainability Officer is responsible for developing and implementing a company's sustainability strategy, including reducing the organization's environmental impact, promoting social responsibility and ensuring ethical management.

Environmental engineer:Environmental engineers design, develop and implement solutions to environmental problems such as pollution control and waste management.

Social impact analyst:This position is responsible for assessing a company's social impact and recommending ways to improve it.

Corporate Social Responsibility Employee:This position ensures that a company complies with sustainability and corporate social responsibility laws and regulations, and develops and implements policies and programs to promote responsible business practices.

ESG jobs can also be found in the finance, marketing, human resources and operations sectors. For example, a financial analyst in a company can analyze the impact of sustainability on investment decisions, while a marketing professional can promote a company's sustainability efforts to customers.

As more companies recognize the value of sustainability and corporate responsibility, the demand for ESG jobs increases.

Overall, ESG jobs play an important role in promoting sustainable and responsible business practices, allowing individuals to make a significant impact in their careers.

How do I get a job in the ESG field?

The ESG field is a fast-growing sector with numerous employment opportunities for those who want to make a difference. There are several steps you can take to increase your chances of landing an ESG job if you enter this field.

Improve your understanding of ESG principles and practices:Before you can land an ESG job, you must first understand the principles and practices that underpin this field. Knowledge of environmental sustainability, social responsibility and ethical management are all required. This knowledge can be obtained through classes, workshops and research.

Create a relevant skillset:Many ESG jobs require specialized knowledge, such as environmental science, sustainability, corporate social responsibility or social impact. If you still need these skills, consider taking classes or becoming certified to expand your knowledge and skills.

Connect with industry professionals:When looking for a job in any industry, networking is essential, and the ESG field is no exception. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and network on LinkedIn to learn more about the field and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

Search for internships and volunteer work:Gaining experience in the ESG field is crucial to finding a job. Consider interning or volunteering at organizations that match your interests and career goals. This work will give you practical experience and insight into the industry.

Make your CV and motivation letter specific to the ESG field:When applying for ESG roles, ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant skills, experience and sector knowledge. Additionally, use keywords and phrases that are commonly used in the ESG field to increase the likelihood that recruiters will notice your application.

Be open to different roles and sectors:ESG jobs are not limited to specific functions or sectors. There may be opportunities in consulting, finance, marketing, business operations and other areas. Be open to different roles and industries, and don't limit your job search to a single area.

The ESG field is expanding and offers a number of opportunities for those who want to make a difference. You can increase your chances of getting an ESG job by developing an understanding of ESG principles, building relevant skills, networking, gaining experience and tailoring your application materials.

What qualifications or experience are required for an ESG job?

The qualifications and experience required for an ESG job can vary depending on the role and organization. However, in the ESG field, some important qualifications and experience are often required.

Education:Entry-level ESG positions often require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as environmental science, sustainability, social impact or business administration. Some higher-level positions may require a degree, such as an MBA or a master's degree in environmental science or sustainability.

Technical skills:Depending on the role, many ESG jobs require specific technical skills. For example, an environmental engineer may need knowledge of environmental regulations and experience in pollution control and waste management. Knowledge of sustainability metrics and experience with data analysis may be necessary for an ESG analyst.

Knowledge of ESG principles:Many ESG roles require an understanding of ESG principles and practices. Knowledge of environmental sustainability, social responsibility and ethical management are all required.

Professional Certifications:Certain ESG roles may require certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for sustainability professionals or GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) certification for sustainability reporting.

Relevant experience:Many organizations are looking for candidates with relevant ESG experience. Internships, volunteer work or previous work experience in a related field are examples of this.

Strong communication and problem-solving skills:Many ESG jobs require strong communication and problem-solving skills, as you may need to explain complex environmental, social and governance issues to non-technical stakeholders and come up with creative solutions to sustainability challenges.

In short, the qualifications and experience required for an ESG job can vary. However, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, knowledge of ESG principles and relevant experience are often preferred. Additionally, strong problem-solving and communication skills are highly valued in the field.

What are the best companies hiring for ESG jobs?

As the importance of ESG issues increases, many companies are investing in sustainable business practices and hiring for ESG-related roles.

Here are some of the top companies currently hiring for ESG jobs:

Amazonhas pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and is investing in renewable energy, electric vehicles and eco-friendly packaging. As a result, they have more vacancies in the areas of sustainability, energy and environmental law.

Googlehas committed to sourcing 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and has a lofty goal of being carbon-free by that date. They have achieved that goal and are working to maintain that situation. As a result, they have several vacancies in energy and sustainability.

Patagonia:Patagonia is a pioneer in sustainable business practices, promising to use only organic and sustainable materials in its products. They have a wide range of vacancies in the field of environmental and social responsibility.

Unileverhas set high goals to reduce environmental impact and promote a sustainable lifestyle. As a result, they have several vacancies in the areas of sustainability, responsible purchasing and circular economy.

Goldman Sachs:By 2025, Goldman Sachs wants to invest $150 billion in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure. They have several vacancies in sustainable finance, ESG research and impact investing.

Sales teamhas pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and is actively investing in renewable energy. As a result, they have more vacancies in sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Allianz:Allianz is one of the world's largest financial services companies committed to long-term investments. They have various vacancies in the field of sustainability, responsible investing and risk management.

Ecolabis a global leader in the development of water, hygiene and energy technologies and services. They have many vacancies in the areas of sustainability, environmental compliance and energy management.

These are just a few examples of companies that are actively recruiting for ESG-related positions. Many more companies across industries are prioritizing sustainability and recruiting for ESG jobs. As the demand for ESG professionals grows, more companies are likely to invest in sustainable business practices and hire for ESG-related roles.

What is the salary range for ESG positions?

Salaries for ESG roles can vary widely depending on factors such as the candidate's specific role, industry, location and experience level, but in general ESG jobs pay well, such as:

Entry level ESG roller:Entry-level ESG positions, such as sustainability coordinators or environmental consultants, typically pay between $40,000 and $60,000 per year.

Mid-level ESG roles:Mid-level ESG positions, such as sustainability managers or environmental engineers, typically pay between $70,000 and $110,000 per year.

Senior level ESG positions:Senior-level ESG positions, such as Chief Sustainability Officers or heads of ESG, typically pay between $120,000 and $200,000 per year.

ESG roller and financing:ESG roles in the financial sector, such as ESG analysts and sustainability investment analysts, pay between $70,000 and $150,000 per year.

ESG roles in the energy and utilities sector:Renewable energy project managers, energy and sustainability analysts and other ESG positions in the energy and utilities sector earn $80,000 to $150,000 per year.

It's important to note that this broad scope may not apply to all locations or businesses. Additionally, location, experience and qualifications can significantly influence salary levels.

ESG jobs pay well and the salary range is comparable to other fields. As the demand for ESG professionals grows, we can foresee more opportunities for high-paying jobs in this field.

Are there specific job titles or roles associated with ESG?

Here are some job titles and roles often associated with ESG:

Head of Sustainability:The Chief Sustainability Officer is responsible for developing and implementing a company's sustainability strategy, including reducing the organization's environmental impact, promoting social responsibility and ensuring ethical management.

Environmental engineer:Environmental engineers design, develop and implement solutions to environmental problems such as pollution control and waste management.

Social impact analyst:This position is responsible for assessing a company's social impact and recommending ways to improve it.

Corporate Social Responsibility Employee:This position ensures that a company complies with laws and regulations regarding sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and develops and implements policies and programs to promote responsible business practices.

ESG-analist/specialist:This role analyzes a company's or industrial sector's environmental, social and governance portfolio and makes recommendations to improve it.

Sustainability Advisor:This feature helps organizations identify and address sustainability issues, which often span multiple areas such as energy, water, waste and carbon management.

Sustainable energy project manager:This position oversees the development and implementation of sustainable energy projects such as solar or wind energy.

Energy and sustainability analyst:This position analyzes energy use and identifies opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Supply chain sustainability manager:This function manages the sustainability of an organization's supply chain, including assessing and managing suppliers' environmental and social impacts.

Carbon and Emissions Analyst:This function measures and analyzes an organization's CO2 emissions to identify reduction opportunities.

ESG roles can also be found in finance, marketing, human resources, operations and other areas. As the demand for sustainable and responsible business practices grows, more companies are likely to invest in ESG-related functions and job titles.

What are the trends in the ESG labor market?

The ESG labor market is expanding and changing rapidly, with new trends emerging as more companies prioritize sustainability and corporate responsibility. Here are some of the key trends currently shaping the ESG labor market:

Growing demand for ESG professionals:As more companies recognize the value of sustainable business practices, the need for ESG professionals increases.

ESG job opportunities are expanding across several sectors:ESG job opportunities are not limited to specific industries or sectors. Instead, ESG-related jobs can be found in a variety of sectors, including finance, energy, technology and retail.

New ESG-related roles are emerging:As the ESG field grows and evolves, new roles and job titles are emerging. Positions such as sustainability data analyst, ESG analyst and social impact analyst are examples of this.

Increasing emphasis on sustainable finance:As investors and companies become more aware of the long-term risks and opportunities associated with climate change and other ESG issues, sustainable finance is becoming increasingly important in the ESG labor market. For example, ESG analysts, sustainable investment analysts and impact investment analysts are in high demand.

Greater emphasis on data and analytics:With the growing amount of data related to ESG issues, companies are looking for professionals with data analytics and visualization skills to help them understand and communicate the impact of their sustainability initiatives.

Distance work:Due to the ongoing pandemic, remote working has become a trend in most sectors, including ESG. This fact makes ESG roles more accessible to people who may not have previously been able to work in this field due to geographic limitations.

Overall, the ESG labor market is rapidly expanding and diversifying, creating opportunities across industries and roles. Furthermore, the growth trend in the ESG job market is likely to continue in the coming years as awareness of the importance of corporate sustainability grows.

How do I progress in an ESG career?

A career in ESG can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it can also be challenging to navigate, especially when it comes to advancement.

Here are some things you can do to promote your ESG features:

Gain experience:Gaining experience in the ESG field is crucial for advancing your career. Look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions that can give you hands-on experience.

Network:Networking is critical to advancing your career in any field, and the ESG field is no exception. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and network on LinkedIn to learn more about the field and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.

Keep learning:Because the field of ESG is constantly evolving, it is crucial to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies and best practices. To keep your knowledge and skills up to date, take courses, obtain certifications and read industry publications.

Create a strong personal brand:A strong personal brand can help you stand out in the ESG space. Share your knowledge and insights on social media and professional networking sites and connect with other professionals in your field.

Join the community:Volunteer or participate in local sustainability initiatives to get involved in the community. This involvement will help you build a reputation as a responsible and committed professional, which can lead to new opportunities.

Develop a specialized skill set:If you have expertise in sustainability metrics, renewable energy or sustainable finance, you can differentiate yourself in the ESG space and open up new opportunities for progress.

Consider a master's degree:A master's degree in a relevant field, such as environmental science, sustainability, social impact or business administration, can help you open new doors and advance your ESG career.

It takes time, effort and dedication to progress in an ESG career. However, you can increase your chances of advancement in this rewarding and impactful field by gaining experience, networking, continuing to learn, building your brand, getting involved in the community, developing specialized skills, and considering an advanced degree .

ESG-taak: a conclusion

In conclusion, the ESG sector is a fast-growing sector that offers a wide range of employment opportunities for those interested in making a positive impact on the world.

The demand for ESG professionals is increasing as more companies recognize the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship. With the emergence of new roles, job titles and a growing focus on sustainable finance, the ESG labor market is becoming increasingly diverse.

The field requires a combination of education, technical skills, knowledge of ESG principles, professional certifications, relevant experience and strong communication and problem-solving skills. With the right preparation, you can increase your chances of landing an ESG job or advancing your ESG career.

To help you on your journey, we offer consultancies and courses that can give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this rewarding and impactful field. Whether you're just getting started or want to take your career to the next level, we invite you to explore our resources and start your journey to an ESG career today.

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