The year 2025 marks Catalyse Change’s 10th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by reconnecting with our alumni? Through our green careers and mentoring programme, we’ve directly supported over 400 young women and non-binary changemakers in their journey towards impactful, purpose-driven careers.
To reflect on our achievements and shape our future offerings, we contacted them for feedback. The responses have given us invaluable insights into the impact of our programmes – and plenty of reasons to celebrate! Here are some of the key findings.
What jobs do they do now?
The results show that our alumni are pursuing an incredible range of roles within the sustainability sector. Some of the positions they currently hold include:
- Head of Projects & Partnerships – Earth Minutes
- Green Skills Lead – Business West
- Project Coordinator – Edinburgh Climate Change Institute
- Marketing & Communications Director – Force of Nature
- Seasonal Ecologist – EPR
- Freelance Events & Marketing Coordinator – Future Leap Hub
- Climate Client Services Administrator – Eco-Charity
- Project Manager – Earthwatch Europe.
This is just a snapshot of our alumni’s diverse career paths, spanning everything from ecology and climate policy to marketing and project coordination in the green sector.
How long did it take to secure a job in sustainability?
Transitioning into the sustainability sector can take time, but our survey revealed some encouraging statistics:
40% of alumni secured a sustainability-related job within six months of starting their job search.
However…..
- 5.7% took 1-2 years to secure a job in sustainability.
- 20% are still actively looking for roles in the sector.
- 20% don’t work in sustainability-related roles.
This highlights the importance of continued support, networking opportunities, and career development resources, which we are committed to strengthening in the future.
Alumni impact & career progression
Many alumni have had other jobs in the space, before they secured their current roles, these include:
- Sustainability Officer – Edinburgh College Students’ Union
- Community Engagement & Development Officer – Local Council
- Community Renewables Engagement Lead – Younity
- Project Coordinator – Charity Sector
- ESG Research & Data Consultant (Intern)
- Net Zero Intern – Business West.
Beyond their jobs, many alumni have taken on inspiring projects such as curating SDG exhibitions, delivering talks on sustainability podcasts, and writing articles on climate action. Their work is a testament to the passion and commitment that fuels the Catalyse Change community.
The transformative impact of Catalyse Change
We were delighted to see how much of a difference our programme has made in our alumni’s lives:
- 14.3% described the experience as life-changing.
- 42.9% found it very impactful.
- 38.7% said it was impactful.
- An incredible 97.1 % would recommend Catalyse Change to a friend! (The other 2.9% said they maybe would).
These statistics affirm that the programme is not just about career-building – it also fosters confidence, networks, and personal growth.
What do they want next?
Looking ahead, our alumni have shared ideas on how we can further support them and future participants:
- 68.6% want annual or biannual alumni meet-ups – something we will make happen very soon!
- 51.4% are interested in community-building activities.
- 40% would like ambassador roles.
- 37.1% would like to be Catalyse Change mentors.
There is also a strong demand for continued mentoring, coaching, and training:
- 57.1% want an active community space for idea-sharing and support.
- Over 50% would have liked further mentoring or coaching.
- One-third highlighted the need for green skills, technical training, well-being, and mindset coaching.
These insights will help shape the next phase of Catalyse Change, ensuring we continue to provide the right support for those forging careers in sustainability.
What do our Alumni Say?
Hearing directly from our alumni is always inspiring. Here are just a few of the powerful testimonials they shared:
“Catalyse Change has been so impactful in kickstarting my career. The confidence and skill set I gained after participating were immeasurable.”
“The programme was truly awesome and expanded my horizons. It made me feel that attaining a green career was possible.”
“My mentor was one of the best things to come out of the programme. She has been a source of inspiration, emotional support, and consistency in the years since I participated.”
“Taking part in the Catalyst Summit connected me with a network of women at similar life stages, facing the same challenges and joys. That sense of community bolstered my drive to pursue a green career.”
“The programme helped me reflect on my values and skills, empowering me to transition into the sector—something that can be tricky as a young person.”
“Catalyse Change is changing women’s lives by educating them in sustainability and green careers. The future is in the hands of conscious, self-confident women!”
A decade of impact – the future ahead
2025 Graduation
This feedback is a testament to the hard work of our alumni, mentors, speakers, facilitators, volunteers, Board, Advisory Board and staff who have made Catalyse Change what it is today. Over the past ten years, we have built a thriving community dedicated to empowering young women to lead the green transition.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to expanding our impact, deepening our alumni engagement, and creating even more opportunities for young changemakers to thrive.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the survey—and to all who participated in the Catalyse Change journey. Here’s to another decade of making a difference!
Stay connected!
We’d love to hear from you if you’re a past participant and would like to get more involved, whether as a mentor, ambassador, or part of our alumni network. Let’s keep growing this movement together!
Partner with us?
Want to work with us to inspire, empower and upskill even more young sustainability leaders and changemakers this year? We are looking for partners to help us run our 2025 sustainability empowerment and green careers programme. Contact Traci Lewis, co-founder & director, traci@catalysehange.com for our partnership slide deck and to book an online chat.
