Green jobs are red hot right now: the number of ads for green jobs (that is, "a decent job that preserves or restores the environment", according to the UN) doubled between 2021 and 2024 in the UK.
As today's graduates increasingly seek employers and roles that benefit the planet and its people, some of our students had the opportunity to find out about roles that could suit their skills, hear from inspirational speakers and take part in a mini sustainability challenge at the third annual Green Futures event on Thursday, 3 April.
A range of employers, including AECOM, South Downs National Park, Rampion Offshore Wind Farm and Knepp Wildland Foundation, shared insights into their roles and how they recruit green talent, while a panel of recent graduates told the audience of 85 students in the Student Centre how they had found rewarding and purposeful jobs in a variety of sectors after completing their studies.
“My biggest piece of advice is: don’t hesitate to take up any opportunities that come your way!" says Urja Chaudhury, Sustainability Administrator in the University's Sustainability Team. "There’s so much happening on campus, and whether it’s through academic projects, student societies, volunteering, or university initiatives, there’s always something for everyone. The key is to get involved and make the most of what’s available.”
Emily Albon graduated from Sussex two years ago with a BSc in Business and Management Studies and now works as a sustainability analyst for Oliver Bonas. After taking part in the student consultancy programme she secured a 10-week internship with SOENECS, an independent research and innovation practice who then offered her a position following graduation. She told the audience how she made the move to Oliver Bonas: “I applied for the job where I ticked six out of the ten boxes then talked my way into them giving it to me because I was so passionate. I wasn’t as qualified at the time, but I knew that I could do it.”
Click the link for more of the tips the graduates shared in our dedicated gallery, and scroll down to discover the abilities and knowledge that employers are looking for - plus there are lots of photos further down the page.
This work supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth). You can read more about our work on the SDGs here.