5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Job In The ESG Field

Are you searching for your next job but having trouble determining which career path is correct? If you’re interested in the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) field, it’s worth finding out what working in this area can involve.

In this blog post, we’ll break down five key aspects prospective ESG employees need to be aware of when considering their options. Whether you’re just starting or looking to make a mid-career change, these five things can help ensure that your move into the ESG space is one set up for success!

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1- Are you passionate about ESG?

When choosing a job in the field of ESG, it’s essential to understand your unique set of skills and passions. This will help you identify potential job opportunities that align with your interests and give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your career.

For example, suppose you have a passion for the environment and a background in finance. In that case, you might consider pursuing a role in sustainable finance where you can integrate your expertise with your values. On the other hand, if you have a talent for research and analysis, you might enjoy working in ESG data management or sustainability reporting.

Whatever your skills and passions may be, take the time to consider them when exploring career paths in the ESG field. Your work will feel more rewarding and fulfilling when aligned with what you care most about.

2- Know The Main Drivers Behind ESG Jobs

If you’re choosing a job in the field of ESG, it’s essential to know the main drivers behind it. One primary factor is the rising trend of corporate social responsibility. In recent years, more and more businesses have been incorporating sustainability practices into their operations.

Additionally, increasing consumer demand for sustainable products and services has led companies to prioritize environmental, social, and governance factors as essential aspects of their business model.

Therefore, knowing these drivers can better understand the ESG field and help you decide if it’s a good fit for your career goals and values. By choosing a job in the ESG sector, you can contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable future through your work.

3- Network With Other Professionals and Consider Career Opportunities for Growth and Development

When choosing a job in the field of ESG, one thing you want to consider is the people you’ll be surrounded by. Connecting with those who understand the industry can be invaluable in gaining knowledge and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.

Talking with those with first-hand experience can help you learn about potential obstacles you could face, like navigating complex regulations, and offer insights into overcoming those challenges. Whether it’s networking events or mentorship programs, reaching out and connecting with others in the industry will undoubtedly enrich your career and give you a better understanding of the field.

When picking a job in the ESG field, there are many things to consider, salary, company culture, and work-life balance, to name a few. But one consideration that should be considered is the opportunity for career advancement.

The ESG sector is increasing, and with that growth comes the chance to take on new challenges, gain new skills, and move up the ladder. Whether you’re interested in becoming a sustainability analyst, a green energy expert, or a responsible investment manager, there are plenty of paths to explore.

Not only will career progression make your job more fulfilling, but it will also increase your earning potential and help you significantly impact the world. So, don’t forget to consider the possibility of upward mobility when weighing your options in the ESG job market.

4- Know ESG jobs Are Not Limited To Specific Industries Or Sectors

When choosing a job in the field of ESG, one thing to remember is that these types of jobs aren’t limited to specific industries or sectors. This means you can have the flexibility to work in an area you’re passionate about, whether it’s finance, healthcare, or technology, while positively impacting the environment and society.

This also means you have many job opportunities, including consulting, research, and sustainability reporting roles. So, don’t limit yourself to specific industries or sectors when pursuing a career in ESG – the possibilities are endless.

5- Be Aware Of Criticisms Of ESG In the Workplace

ESG (environmental, social, and governance) is an increasingly popular field involving investing in companies prioritizing sustainability and ethical practices. However, before diving headfirst into a career in ESG, it’s essential to understand the potential criticisms of this industry.

Some argue that companies may use ESG initiatives to greenwash their reputations without making meaningful changes. Additionally, some companies may prioritize profits over sustainability or ethical practices, which could lead to conflicts of interest for ESG professionals.

It’s crucial to research potential employers thoroughly and ask critical questions to ensure that their ESG strategies align with your values before committing to a job in this field. Considering both the positive and negative aspects of ESG, you can make a more informed decision about pursuing a career in this industry.

5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Job In The Field Of ESG – In Summary

It is essential to consider the points discussed before choosing a job in the field of ESG. As shown, these five issues can potentially shape an experience in this sector significantly.

Regarding compensation and possible advancement opportunities, it is critical for professional growth to choose the correct position that allows for full engagement with all the given tasks.

Being mindful of internal and external dynamics is an invaluable gift to practitioners in this interdisciplinary field. Taking ownership of choices is rewarding and will lead prospective employees to better outcomes. Qualifications also play an essential role in succeeding in such a challenging environment.

Therefore, people should actively consider every possibility they have before choosing a job in the field of ESG because numerous unapparent factors could drastically influence their journey.

Quitting your job for social media

In one of my previous articles, I talked about influencer culture and the growth in the number of influencers in the past decade. One of the things that I mentioned was how some influencers tend to leave their day jobs and possibly even drop out of school to pursue social media. This was perhaps not very normal when influencers were just coming about, but has become extremely normalised in the past year or two. It is also more common amongst those having a big platform on YouTube than it is with any other form of social media. But now the question that arises is, should influencers quit their day jobs or drop out of school to pursue social media?

Up until the late 90s and early 2000s, getting a standard 9-5 job, working your way up the corporate ladder and retiring at 60 was the norm. However, the younger generations are realising from a very early age that they want to break this norm. They want to do something creatively fulfilling and entertaining, which is one of the many reasons why the number of influencers has risen. People as young as 15 have gained fame and are making millions. However, it is very easy for this fame to get to their head and convince them that they are invincible. Their audience keeps praising them which only inflates their ego, and they’re eventually convinced to drop out of school. 

It is understandable why this is so appealing. Who would want to sit in a classroom memorising formulas when you can be making millions from the comfort of your home. Some say that there is no right or wrong path for students to follow in life. However, it should be realised that it is simply not realistic for children to drop out of school. Your knowledge is a weapon no one can take from you. It is a common fact that some of the stuff that school teaches you is nonsensical and you won’t ever need to “solve for x” in real life. But this doesn’t mean that you should call it overrated and drop out. As much as you hate it, it is a crucial part of life. It gives you some important skills needed to be a functioning member of society. We need to stop propagating the idea that school is worthless and kids should drop out, and also better the education system, not dismiss it.

Now, if we talk about adults leaving their day jobs for social media or YouTube, there is a difference. For one, they have already passed from school and are much more independent than a teenager who is considering to drop out. Many people tend to look down on content creating and label it as a “fake job”. I believe that if something supports you economically and helps you earn money, it is a job. Social media is unstable and one isn’t going to be relevant forever. Also, those are more privileged and have more advantages are going to have a much more stable life if they quit their day jobs, so this is something which is not really for everyone. But, since the rules are different for adults and teens, one cannot really decide whether people quitting their day jobs for social media is right or not. 

I believe that if one chooses to pursue social media full time, they should have some other responsibilities or hobbies in their life. Having some other structure in your life can help you to avoid being stuck all day in the toxicity of social media, as it can get extremely negative. It is also important for them to have a backup plan, as internet fame can be fleeting, and while taking advantage of your online platform when it is thriving is great, one shouldn’t expect it to last forever and work on other things on the side.