Why did you choose that particular degree course?

I was not entirely certain about my career path when I chose my degree, but I have always been interested in business management because I enjoy 'selling things and ideas'. While I did not have a very specific career path in mind, I thought I might work in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry as I find retail fascinating and have a strong interest in marketing. Additionally, I enjoy public speaking, so I believed studying business management would allow me to leverage my strengths and explore diverse opportunities in the field.

However, half way through my degree I realised the environmental and social impact of human activities such as FMCG industry, and I have decided that I would like to work in the Sustainability area.

Tell us about your employer

I work at the Energy and Sustainability team at the University of Warwick, a leading University known for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

Our team focuses on sustainability initiatives. While our primary 'customers' are students, our key stakeholders include university staff, students, and the local community, as we aim to foster sustainable practices and create a positive environmental impact within and beyond the University.

What was the position you were recruited for. Please briefly outline the position you were recruited to within your organisation and summarise the business needs and role you fulfil

I was recruited as a Sustainability Co-ordinator at the University of Warwick.

My primary role is to facilitate behaviour change on campus by encouraging students and staff to adopt more sustainable practices. In this position, I 'sell' ideas and initiatives, working to increase engagement in sustainability programmes and foster a culture of environmental and social responsibility within the university community. This role addresses the organisation's need to drive meaningful action on sustainability and align campus operations with broader environmental goals.

What attracted you to this position?

I was attracted to this position because I was previously working in a similar role with a smaller scope, and I was looking for an opportunity to take on broader responsibilities. I wanted a role where I could work on a variety of projects to further develop my professional skills and make a greater personal contribution to the sustainability field.

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

So far, my greatest career challenge has been switching from business management and marketing into sustainability. On top of that, as a former international student, I had to navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and other adjustments.

I overcame the first challenge by identifying overlaps between my studies and sustainability, which allowed me to apply my skills in a new context. For example, I secured internships in relevant fields, including working on electric vehicle (EV) projects where I interviewed EV owners to gather insights, and contributing to socially-focused initiatives like designing programmes for children. I also chose Social Entrepreneurship as the topic for my dissertation. These experiences helped me bridge the gap between my academic background and my passion for sustainability, while also building the confidence to succeed in this field.

Throughout this process, I gained a deeper understanding of workplace culture in the UK and significantly improved my language skills. I also actively networked with others through online and in-person events, which provided me with valuable insights into various industries and helped me navigate more effectively within a new cultural environment.

What top tips would you give to students looking for a career in your market sector?

Keep your passion – Working in sustainability is not easy, there are many challenges that need to be addressed, but these challenges also bring countless opportunities. Stay motivated by focusing on the positive impact you can create. Reflect on your transferable skills, as they can be incredibly valuable and make a significant difference in this field.

Stay informed – Follow the latest trends across various industries, as sustainability touches almost every sector now. Additionally, you can adapt strategies from other industries to your sustainability initiatives. For instance, companies that are good in marketing or customer acquisition may offer ideas that can be applied to your sustainability campaigns.

Never stop learning – Sustainability requires constant learning and improvement. Stay curious, keep updating your knowledge, and develop new skills.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

What I know now that I wish I had known when applying for jobs is that I am far more capable than I initially believed. I used to feel insecure because I didn’t study Geography or other Natural Sciences-related subjects. However, I’ve since realised that sustainability is a multidisciplinary field requiring a wide range of skills, and there is room for everyone to contribute. The key is to identify your 'personal brand' and strengths, and focus on how your unique skills can make a meaningful impact.