It’s exciting that catalysts from our programme last year have already found entry-level roles in their dream green careers. In this blog, you’ll hear from Amelia and Megan who are both working fulltime in jobs they love. Also from Annette, who is working part-time in the renewable energy sector, whilst studying a masters’ in sustainable development.
Amelia is a CRM marketing assistant at Ecotricity and a Business and Digital Marketing graduate.
What are your three top tips for any other young women looking for a similar green career?
- Network and collaborate on projects
- Become open towards going in another direction to get your foot in the door
- Portray your green drivers when applying for a role.
How did the Catalyse Change programme help you?
It enabled me to gain confidence, experience and networking skills with people who are so similar to myself in terms of values and drivers.
Catalyse Change has been one of the first times that I have felt part of a community and never fails to motivate me to go a step further and try to make the largest positive difference possible. It has simply been the foundations of my future.
How has your mentor helped you?
My mentor was/is absolutely incredible. She went above and beyond, providing me experience for my CV, helped whilst searching and applying for jobs and, above all else, has acted as an immense inspiration for me. I always feel totally empowered and excited for my journey after talking with her.
Any other comments you want to share for a young woman considering joining our programme this year?
100% do it. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Megan is a Digital Account Executive at Greenhouse PR.
She develops social media content to communicate the missions of a diverse array of clients who are creating positive change.
What are your three top tips for any other young women looking for a similar green career?
1. Get involved – take up online courses, attend online events, and say yes to opportunities, such as Catalyse Change’s Masterclasses.
2. Build your LinkedIn profile – it is so important to have an online presence. Make sure your profile is up to date. Share information about events that you’ve attended and your achievements.
3. Networking – connect with people within the sustainability industry (on LinkedIn or elsewhere). It doesn’t matter if they’re from the sector you’re interested in, just connect and learn.
How did the Catalyse Change (CC) programme help you?
It helped me to understand the variety of career opportunities within sustainability. I learnt about environmental communications, got an internship with Kind Comms, and I recently landed my first job!
How has your CC mentor helped you?
My mentor has been fantastic at supporting me in achieving my goal of gaining my dream job. She broke down what was a very big goal into manageable steps, and introduced me to some incredible resources. As well as, providing valuable insights into environmental communications – the industry I’m in now!
Any other comments you want to share for a young woman considering joining our programme this year?
Do it! The pandemic has put a spanner in the works, things are on a go-slow so it is important to make the most of the opportunities that are presented to us. I wouldn’t be where I am without Catalyse Change.
Annette is a Part-Time Clean Energy Specialist at Good Energy.
She works alongside doing a part-time masters at UWE in MSc Sustainable Development in Practice.
What are your three top tips for any other young women looking for a similar green career?
There is no one clear path to work in the renewable energy sector, mainly display your passion, try and keep up to date with the latest in the industry and demonstrate your ability to learn things. If you’ve got the passion and transferable skills, you’ll be great!
How did the Catalyse Change programme help you?
It was incredibly comforting to hear from so many women in the sustainability industry and that there wasn’t any clear path to follow. The programme showed me areas of the industry I didn’t know about and helped identify which areas interested me the most. It’s the careers advisor I wished I had at school and equipped me with confidence, tools and direction I was desperately needing.
How has your mentor helped you?
My mentor has been invaluable! Incredibly perceptive on the type of person I am (even over zoom!) and helped me navigate through the many sustainability options available. We’ve collaboratively worked on my goals and she has provided me with endless resources and contacts to check out too. Our meetings have been a lovely constant over the last 6 months and I have very much looked forward to checking in each time. Friendly, encouraging and has provided valuable guidance throughout – thank you!
If you would like to join our 2021 programme email traci@catalysechange for details and also visit Catalyst Summit.
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