Blog by Ruihan Zhu: “There has never been a better time to work in sustainability.”
Yet, embarking on a sustainability career can be a thrilling yet daunting journey, especially for young women and non-binary individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact through their work. Your Green Career is an empowering course and community that recognises the need for guidance and support in this niche. Held over a month in November with sessions every Wednesday and Friday, this course aims to equip participants with the tools, insights, and connections needed to navigate the diverse landscape of green careers. Invited speakers bring rich experience in sustainability, spanning public, private, and third sectors.
Getting to know yourself
The foundation of a successful green career starts with self-awareness. The course integrates C-me profiling, a psychometrics test that delves into individual personalities. C-me identifies and categorizes distinct personality traits, assigning them vibrant colours—such as red, yellow, green, and blue—each representing unique aspects of an individual’s approach to work, communication, and problem-solving. In the course, participants are encouraged to explore the spectrum of differences, gaining valuable insights to appreciate diversity, resolve conflicts efficiently, and collaborate effectively to achieve shared goals. This self-discovery journey sets the stage for personal and professional growth.
Understanding Green Careers
The course highlights that the green job market is not a monolith; it spans a spectrum from “dark green” to “light green” opportunities. Recognizing this diversity is crucial for participants as they navigate through various sectors and roles. The course provides a comprehensive overview, ensuring that participants are well-versed in the array of possibilities within the sustainability domain.
Practical Tips for Success
- Building a strong online presence is paramount in today’s digital age. One of the speakers from the course introduced a user-friendly website that helps participants construct a compelling online portfolio or virtual CV. This includes showcasing past works and linking to impactful social media content.
- Interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when discussing challenges faced in previous roles. The course imparts valuable advice on framing a “good negative” – turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.
- Participants are also introduced to the Women in Sustainability Network, providing a platform to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and foster mentorship.
- The course also facilitates Q&A sessions, allowing participants to glean insights from the experiences of other women and non-binary individuals who have successfully navigated their green careers. These shared stories provide inspiration, practical advice, and a sense of community, reinforcing the idea that they are not alone in their journey.
- Building a professional network is a cornerstone of career development. Participants are encouraged to connect on LinkedIn with speakers, fostering relationships beyond the course. These connections are valuable resources for mentorship, collaboration, and future opportunities within the sustainability sector.
Cultivating confidence and wellbeing
The course has played a huge role in soothing anxiety. Every session commences on a calming note through a brief meditation guided by the course host and coordinator, Traci Lewis. This practice not only serves to reduce anxiety but also fosters a conducive learning environment. Participants are encouraged to embrace mindfulness as a tool for resilience in the face of challenges.
The course speakers also play a pivotal role in creating a supportive and caring environment. They stress the importance of personal well-being and mental health to avoid burnout. Participants are encouraged to be brave even when faced with uncertainty. The course emphasizes the importance of authenticity, urging participants to be their true selves.
“Be bold, even if it’s scary.”
“Be yourself all the time, and it will work out!”
Final reflection
To conclude, the Your Green Career Course serves as a transformative journey for young women and non-binary individuals aspiring to make a positive impact in the world of sustainability. By understanding themselves, exploring the diversity of green careers, and gaining practical tips for success, participants emerge with a clearer vision of their professional paths and a supportive network to guide them along the way. As they navigate the challenges of sustainability job hunting, they are equipped with the tools and confidence to catalyse change in green careers.
If you want to be on our mailing list for our future Your Green Career courses, email info@catalysechange.com
