What studies for a career in sustainable development?

Environmental technology concept. Sustainable development goals. SDGs.
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Nowadays, sustainable development creates numerous sectors, offering a plethora of career opportunities. Discover the various study paths to work in sustainable development and choose the one that suits you best.

Sustainable development is a broad field that intersects with virtually every professional domain. The current environmental and climatic context has led to the emergence of sustainable development-oriented careers, regardless of a company’s activities. What studies are needed to work in sustainable development? Find out everything you need to know in this article.

Summary:

Sustainable development:

  • Is a vast sector connected to many other branches
  • Recruits specialists from various fields
  • Holds significant importance in the majority of present-day companies
  • Is taught notably in international business schools like IUM

What kind of studies are necessary to work in sustainable development?

The principles of sustainable development can be applied across a wide range of activities. It’s a broad sector that encompasses many others.

To work in sustainable development, it’s important that the company you join is concerned about environmental and social issues. It’s also crucial that it considers the well-being of society and future generations.

Thus, you can indeed work in sustainable development by studying technical, scientific, or broader disciplines. You can, among other options, pursue studies in sciences, biology, environment, management, commerce, or communication.

Can you study sustainable development at a business school?

Given the multidisciplinary nature of sustainable development, it’s entirely possible to study in this sector at a business school. There are indeed several aspects that link branches and sectors together. Business schools often offer studies in management applied to sustainable development and the environment.

What level of education do you need to work in sustainable development?

Unless you choose to specialize in sustainable development during your studies, you can pursue studies in this sector by specializing. For this, you can choose to train in commerce or management, for example.

In most institutions, including business schools, specializations are offered in the final year of Bachelor’s or Master’s programs. In a shorter cycle, you generally have to follow a more general common training during the first two post-baccalaureate years. It’s from the third year onwards that you can choose to specialize in sustainable development.

Many sustainable development-related jobs are accessible with a Bachelor’s or a three-year undergraduate degree. However, if you aim to hold a managerial or leadership position, it’s ideal to pursue a five-year Master’s degree. This program also offers a specialization in sustainable development that allows you to steer your professional career towards this sector.

What are the career opportunities after studying sustainable development?

Studying sustainable development can lead to various career opportunities depending on the path you’ve chosen. If you prefer the more technical or scientific aspect of the sector, you can become:

  • Sustainable development manager
  • Biologist
  • Environmentalist
  • Agro-forestry engineer

However, if you are more inclined towards business jobs and have been trained in them, you can become:

  • CSR consultant
  • Sustainability consultant
  • Sustainability manager
  • Sustainability analyst
  • Engagement and impact manager
  • Diversity and inclusion manager

What studies to pursue at IUM to work in sustainable development?

Are you passionate about the field of commerce and its related sectors? Do you wish to focus your studies on sustainable development? IUM can meet your educational needs. Our international business school offers numerous programs, including those focused on sustainable development. Choose our Master’s in Sustainable Development and Innovation Management !

To learn more about this program, visit our website and the FAQ section.

Updated 3 May 2024