Building climate knowledge for job readiness

Want to break into climate? I’ve had over 200 career calls with climate job seekers within the past year. Here are the 4 most commonly asked questions and my best answers: ⭐ How can I get a head start in college?  • Focus your coursework and internships on an expertise/industry pair, like marketing and sustainable fashion, business and regenerative agriculture, or data science and energy. • If you can’t decide on a niche, build versatile skills like finance, engineering, design, and sales. These skills are needed across climate-focused organizations. • Most recommended internship board: EDICT Internship Program by Elemental Excelerator 💫 How can I switch to climate from another industry? • Opportunities can be found in solution-focused organizations (e.g., Pachama, Kevala), sustainability/CSR teams (e.g., Carhartt, Adobe), and governmental offices (e.g., NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)). • Many people try to overhaul their entire career. Instead, try changing only one variable at a time: seek a similar role in a new industry or a new role in a familiar industry (eg; marketing in fashion → marketing at a SaaS company like Recurate). • Mentorship, freelancing, and certificates can bridge the gap in industry experience. • Most recommended mentorship opportunities: Third Derivative and GrowthMentor ✨ How do I choose a niche?  • Standing out in climate requires being a near-perfect fit. Find the intersection of what you're good at, what you love, what you can be paid for, and what's needed across climate efforts. • Hop on career calls with folks across domains and industries to learn more about the day-to-day of their roles. • Most recommended starting points for market research: Climatebase, Work on Climate, CareerOneStop, and Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) 🌎 Do I need to join a program like Terra.do, Work on Climate, or OnePointFive (opf.degree)?  • These programs are helpful but not necessary. Free resources like coaching calls, videos, and podcasts can be valuable too. • Remember that “climate” isn’t really a standalone job! Consider how you can provide value to a climate-focused team and focus on building credibility in your desired solution sector (energy, agriculture, etc.). • Most recommended programs: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Reforge, and Stanford University's certificates. -- Interested in a free careers session? • Check out the Work on Climate Expert Office Hours list and the #OpenDoorClimate list, launched by Daniel Hill. Interested in breaking into climate as a marketer? • Here's a comprehensive guide I put together: https://lnkd.in/gUqyFh_b I did my best to keep this post short. If anybody has more they’d like to add for climate job seekers, please add it to the comments. Thank you! Illustration by @tatooine_girl

If you're applying for climate-related roles and not hearing back, this might help. As someone involved in sustainability and environmental work, I have seen so many qualified professionals get overlooked , not because they lack expertise, but because their resumes or LinkedIn profiles don’t include the exact keywords hiring teams are searching for in areas like climate action, nature-based solutions, or SDG implementation. Here’s why this matters. Recruiters often use Boolean search on platforms like LinkedIn or in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), inputting specific keywords from job descriptions to find the best fit. If your profile doesn’t reflect terms like “climate adaptation,” “ecosystem-based approaches,” “carbon footprint analysis,” or “sustainable development reporting”, you might not even appear , even if your work directly aligns with those goals. Here’s how to fix that: Step 1: Search for 3–5 roles in climate, sustainability, or international development that you’d be excited to apply for. Look at how they describe key responsibilities, frameworks, and tools , like: "Environmental data analysis" "Climate resilience strategies" "Nature-based solutions for urban planning" "UN SDG alignment reporting" Step 2: Write down the most common keywords you see , especially those related to: Climate science & adaptation Biodiversity conservation NbS project implementation ESG, CSR, or sustainability reporting Policy advocacy or multilateral negotiations Step 3: Integrate those terms naturally into your: Resume summary LinkedIn headline and About section Job experience bullets Skills or certifications section For example: Instead of: “Worked on environmental education programs” Say: “Led community-based climate education initiatives aligned with SDG 13 and SDG 4, promoting ecosystem awareness and local adaptation strategies.” 🧠 This isn’t about buzzwords. It’s about speaking the language of impact — and making sure the right people can see your value and commitment to climate action and sustainability. If you’re working at the intersection of climate change, NbS, and the SDGs, you’ve already got the substance. Let your resume and profile reflect that clearly.

Starting a Career in Climate feels like being lost in the desert. To find water, you must first ignore everyone telling you this 👇 → If you try hard enough, it’ll work. → Just apply for more jobs → It’s a numbers game. → Next week is better. Do this instead 👇 1️⃣ Fundamentals First Look at the entire climate economy. Pick two sub-sectors. 2️⃣ Find your Transferable Skills Most people completely underestimate their professional skills. Write down the answer to: “What am I really good at and why?” 3️⃣ Find your Pitch Find somebody doing your “future” job in a climate company. Ask them how they do their job. Learn the language of a climate company in your target sector. And then use that intel to refine your pitch. 4️⃣ Think Skills-Sector Fit. Not Impact. Everyone wants to work on something with a huge CO2 impact. BUT Don’t re-invent yourself so you can work in a “big impact” sector. Go where your skills fit best. Because the best impact is the impact that happens. Not the impact you keep chasing but never materializes. Use this list to find water in the desert. And make yourself successful 🙌 ---- PS. I’m Marco Morawec. I up-skilled 1,000s of people to transition into new careers. I’m doing the same for Climate now. 👉 Follow me ( Marco Morawec) and my company Climate Drift for Stories + Strategies + Resources to launch your Climate Career.

I've heard from thousands of green jobseekers that feel “stuck” in their journey to work on climate, with the four most common barriers being:  🤝 Lack of personal connections in the industry 🛠 Uncertainty on transferring skills 👷♀️ Lacking direct experience in the field 🔍 Challenges finding organizations or roles that align with interests   Last year, I hosted a mini-series of the Degrees Podcast called ‘The Year of the Climate Job.’ Each episode dissects these barriers and shares ways to overcome them. Here is the full series, along with key takeaways: 🤝 Lack of personal connections in the industry Episode: How to network for a green job with purpose-driven LinkedIn expert Nick Martin - https://lnkd.in/eNP6FJ9e Takeaways: - Browse the #OpenDoorClimate Directory to find climate professionals willing to connect and chat https://lnkd.in/gSf727gi - Use LinkedIn to build relationships with people you admire and contribute content yourself 🛠 Uncertainty on transferring skills Episode: Transfer your skills to a green job with Work on Climate’s Eugene Kirpichov - https://lnkd.in/ecjggq_V Takeaways: - Try to connect with people in jobs that you want to understand what skills they use day-to-day - Take stock of your own skills and remember that climate-focused companies need traditional skills 👷♀️ Lacking direct experience in the field Episode: Learn how to build your climate experience with Terra.do founder Anshuman Bapna - https://lnkd.in/e2tKYnTQ Takeaways: - Consider courses or certification programs that incorporate case studies or capstone projects - Try pitching yourself for freelance or project-based work or volunteerism 🔍 Challenges finding organizations or roles that align with interests Episode: Taking the mystery out of finding a green job with Green Jobs Board’s Kristy Drutman - https://lnkd.in/eZbJVPwJ Takeaways: - Pair skills with what you’re passionate about when searching general or climate job boards - Follow industry news and analysis hubs to learn about companies and potential roles 🤷♂️ Unsure how to use current job for climate action Episode: How to green any job with Project Drawdown’s Jamie Beck Alexander - https://lnkd.in/eMKVEFPN Takeaways: - Understand the leverage points of existing job functions have to take climate action - Organize with other interested coworkers to brainstorm and come together on issues and action I also recommend checking out the latest season of Degrees from Yesh Pavlik Slenk featuring some incredible guests, including Katharine Hayhoe, Solitaire Townsend, Drew Wilkinson and Shannon Houde,. https://lnkd.in/eba8GBdF

𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭. I often get asked about how to build a career in climate. And while there’s no single path, there are some key things that can make the journey a whole lot easier. Here are my top five tips: 1️⃣ 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂. Climate careers are vast—from policy to finance, tech to education, and beyond. Take time to figure out what genuinely excites you. Read, listen, talk to people. If you don’t know where to start, start everywhere—your curiosity will guide you. 2️⃣ 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻. And no, that doesn’t just mean full-time jobs. Volunteering, side projects, networking, even engaging in online discussions can build your knowledge and credibility. The climate space values action. 3️⃣ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆. It’s easy to think another degree or certification is the answer. But before you invest time and money, be clear on where it will take you. Will it actually open doors or just feel like progress? 4️⃣ 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻. A “Sustainability Manager” can mean wildly different things depending on the company. Look at job descriptions, not just titles. See what skills are really in demand. 5️⃣ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 (𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱) 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. Climate work can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Connect with people who share your interests, whether online or in person. Community = opportunities, support, and motivation when the work feels heavy. Building a career in climate isn’t about following a single path—it’s about carving your own. 🌍💡 What’s been the most helpful thing for you in navigating purpose-driven work? Let’s swap insights. 👇

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞? Here is the smart way to approach retraining👇👇 Feeling overwhelmed about where to start with your transition into a climate-focused career? You’re not alone. Many mid-career professionals struggle with balancing their desire for impact with the uncertainty of how to pivot. Here’s the good news: you don’t need to invest big money or time upfront. Start small, iterate quickly, and learn as you go. 💡 Here’s a roadmap to get you moving: 1️⃣ Start with Criteria Clarity. Before diving into specific roles, think about what you want in your next chapter. Most jobs in the climate space won’t even be on your radar yet, so focusing on one specific job title is limiting. Instead, get clear on your personal criteria (e.g., values alignment, impact, skills used, sense of self in your new role). 2️⃣ Experiment with Short Courses. Think of this as rapid prototyping for your career. Taking quick, free courses helps you explore what resonates with your interests and meets some of your criteria—without a big time or financial commitment. The goal is to gain insights fast, then decide whether to pivot or persevere. 3️⃣ Combine Learning with Action. Take these courses in parallel to reaching out for informational and exploratory interviews. Platforms like Open Door Climate are full of professionals eager to share their experiences and guide you. To help you get started, I’ve created a carousel with 5 + 10 free, fast, and highly relevant courses to build your climate literacy in less than a week. Each course touches on a critical area, from regenerative agriculture to the circular economy, and gives you a chance to explore potential fits. And they (nearly) all have a cohort associated with them, to help build your network too. Know a course I should add? Comment below—I’d love to hear your recommendations! Remember: Action beats analysis every time. Start small, iterate, and adapt. Your perfect role might be closer than you think—if you take the first step today.

🌍 Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Education and Skills Policies 📚🔧 The OECD Education and Skills 2025 report, "Empowered Citizens, Informed Consumers and Skilled Workers," underscores the urgent need for education and training systems to lead in addressing climate change, fostering sustainability, and equipping individuals for the evolving labor market. https://lnkd.in/dRshqdek 🔑 Main Themes: 🌱 Sustainability Across Lifecycles: The report emphasizes a holistic, lifecycle approach to sustainability education—from schools to adult learning. This ensures that individuals of all ages are equipped to respond to climate challenges. 🤝 Agency for Change: Promoting individual and collective agency, supported by sustainability competencies, is vital to empower people for action. 🛠️ Skills for the Green Transition: Labor market transformations demand both technical and transversal skills for emerging green industries. ⚖️ Equity in the Green Transition: Without targeted policies, the green transition risks deepening inequalities, particularly among low-skilled workers. 🛠️ Key Messages for VET and Skills: ▪️Reskilling and Upskilling: Only 40% of adults in OECD countries engage in learning for job-related purposes. Workers in high-emission sectors face the highest risk of being left behind ▪️Role of VET: Vocational Education and Training (VET) must be at the forefront, offering tailored, high-impact programs that address labor market shifts and skills shortages ▪️Green Guidance: Career guidance systems need to align with sustainability goals, enabling individuals to navigate pathways toward green careers ✅ Actionable Recommendations: 📖 Curriculum Adaptation: Integrate sustainability competencies into all levels of education and align qualifications with the green economy 👩🏫 Educator Training: Upskill teachers and trainers to adopt interdisciplinary approaches that reflect sustainability goals 🌍 Place-Based Learning: Scale up local partnerships and experiential learning opportunities that connect learners with real-world environmental challenges 🔗 Bridging Learning Systems: Strengthen links between formal, non-formal, and informal education to foster lifelong learning opportunities 📈 Anticipate Skills Needs: Develop robust systems for forecasting skills demands and aligning training programs with green transition requirements 🗺️ Green Career Guidance: Empower individuals with tools to pursue sustainable careers and transition from emission-intensive industries 🤝 Inclusive Skills Ecosystems: Build collaboration between VET, higher education, industries, and governments to ensure no one is left behind 🚀 A Call to Action: This report is a roadmap for reimagining education and training systems as catalysts for a sustainable, inclusive future #GreenSkills #EducationForChange EU Employment & Skills Cedefop European Training Foundation Andreas SCHLEICHER