Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation
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SHAPING YOUR CAREER PATH IN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
In an era defined by the importance of sustainability and societal progress, businesses are actively seeking exceptional talent capable of approaching business operations and strategy with a distinct emphasis on environmental dynamics, social complexities and ethical governance. The Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation will give you the opportunity to become an expert in integration, weaving these critical facets into the fabric of corporate strategies. By doing so, you'll not only meet shareholders' demands but also champion meaningful solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.
The sustainability revolution sweeping through the business landscape has created an ideal moment for those actively seeking purpose-driven careers to explore the diverse and rewarding opportunities that are waiting to be uncovered. In fact, according to leading companies, we can expect a boom in job openings and a war for talent in sustainable business. PwC, for example, intends to hire over 100,000 new employees over the next five years.
If shaping regenerative business ecosystems, developing innovative sustainable models and driving change toward practices that not only mitigate environmental impact but also create positive social and economic ripples sounds interesting to you, you've come to the right place!
DEBUNKING MYTHS: UNLOCKING YOUR IMPACTFUL FUTURE IN SUSTAINABILITY AND BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
In a world swiftly moving towards integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of life and work, the Master's in Sustainability and Business Transformation emerges as a key pathway for those seeking not only to effect positive change in society and the environment but also to pursue a meaningful and rewarding career.
The Reality Behind the Myths
Many have heard that careers in sustainability are neither stable nor lucrative, or that incorporating sustainable practices into business processes is just a passing trend. These myths are not only unfounded but also hinder progress and understanding, widening the gap between ambition and action.
Voices from the Field: The Realities and Rewards of Careers in Sustainability
To shed light on the realities of careers in sustainable business, we’ve brought together insights from our IE Business School alumni who are thriving in this dynamic field. Through a series of interviews, they share their experiences, challenges, and the impact they are making.
Join us as we debunk the myths and explore the exciting possibilities that a career in sustainability and business can offer.
Gema Bernabeu
“Everyday more, many companies are introducing sustainability into their operations. For example, as it has been in my case, since I graduated from IE University, I’ve been involved in the renewable energy sector as a Business Developer in the solar industry and software companies."
Christian Barba Rodulfo
International Business Development -EDP Renewables
"In the renewable industry, sustainability drives everything we do, involving specialists in areas like venture capital and innovation. The growth potential is vast; for instance, renewable power purchase agreements are expected to grow 40% annually due to corporate sustainability targets. This underscores the significant opportunities ahead."
Sandra Vidal Sánchez
Lead Sustainability Manager - ABB Motion Southern Europe and Spain
As the Lead Sustainability Manager at AAB Motion Services, Sandra says that a turning point in her career was her involvement in the design of a new business model based on the circular economy. The project opened her eyes to the fact that focusing on sustainability really can benefit a company’s bottom line. “This model demonstrates how improving sustainability and economic profitability can go hand in hand.”
A WAR FOR TALENT IN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESs
The need for talent in sustainable business is intensifying as organizations recognize the importance of integrating sustainability practices into their core operations and there is a heightened demand for professionals who possess the expertise and passion to drive sustainability initiatives.
Companies are vying to attract and retain top talent who can lead the charge in implementing eco-friendly and socially conscious strategies by increasingly offering attractive incentives, career advancement opportunities and purpose-driven work environments to entice individuals with a deep commitment to sustainable practices.
The war for talent in sustainable business is not only reshaping the workforce landscape but also catalyzing positive change, as talented individuals play a crucial role in driving socially, economically and environmentally driven sustainable practices across industries and making a meaningful impact on our planet's future.
THE BLUEPRINT FOR A THRIVING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS CAREER
So, what does it take to be a sustainability business professional? What kind of responsibilities and projects will you be taking on? What will your day to day look like? The projects and initiatives you'll undertake will vary based on your area of focus, but after graduation, you can expect to embrace a wide range of responsibilities, such as:
sustainability strategies and plans
Develop and implement sustainability strategies and plans aligned with the organization's values and goals and industry best practices.
environmental impact assessments
Conduct environmental impact assessments of business operations and products to identify opportunities for improvement and reduce the company's ecological footprint.
internal and external stakeholders
Engage internal and external stakeholders, such as employees, suppliers, customers and communities, to encourage collaboration, foster a culture of sustainability and garner support for sustainable initiatives.
marketing materials and campaigns
Ensure all marketing materials and campaigns align with the company's sustainability values and messaging, fostering a cohesive and authentic brand image.
ethical practices
Promote ethical practices and ensure compliance with environmental regulations and social responsibility standards.
Drive innovation
Drive innovation through solutions and technologies that promote sustainability and integrate them into your organization's practices.
sustainability metrics
Monitor sustainability metrics and provide transparent reporting on the company's progress toward sustainability goals.
sourcing of sustainable materials and products
Encourage the sourcing of sustainable materials and products to foster responsible supply chain practices.
social impact
Advocate for social impact by supporting initiatives that positively contribute to local communities and social well-being.
external partnerships
Value the importance of external partnerships and collaborate with like-minded organizations, NGOs and sustainability-focused groups to drive collective action toward sustainability goals.
sustainability-conscious culture
Promote a sustainability-conscious culture within your organization, inspiring employees to adopt sustainable practices in their daily work and decision-making.
investment opportunities
Conduct impact investment analysis, assessing investment opportunities that align with environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.
design and launch innovative financial products
Develop, design and launch innovative green financial products that encourage sustainable practices.
develop and refine business
Develop and refine innovative business models that address environmental or social challenges while remaining financially sustainable.
EXCITING ROLES IN THE WORLD OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Sustainable business has an incredible variety of roles to dive into, so make sure you take your time finding the ones that really resonate with you and will empower you to make a difference.
SUSTAINABILITY manager
Corporate Social RESPONSIBILITY Manager
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Strategist
Decarbonization Consultant
ESG Supply Chain Strategist
ESG Auditor
Circular Economy Policy Consultant
ESG Product Designer
Sustainability Manager
RENEWABLE Energy Analyst
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
PURPOSE-DRIVEN MARKETING SPECIALIST
Social Impact Analyst
Sustainability Data Analyst
THE IE TALENT & CAREERS TEAM WILL HELP YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY
We want to see you achieve all of your career goals. That’s why the services offered are available from the moment you enroll, throughout the program and even after graduation.
Throughout the program, we offer you impactful advising, learning resources and development tools that will help you manage and reach your professional goals. Our employer relations team works tirelessly to generate recruitment opportunities for our community. We will be here to support every step of your journey toward the next best you.
ADVISING & EDUCATION SERVICES
- One-on-one career coaching to help you navigate your career discovery process, design a solid career strategy and make sure your personal marketing materials (CV, cover letters and LinkedIn) are ready to shine.
- Functional, sectorial and geographical advising to provide you with market expertise and support your go-to-market plan.
- A Career Success Course, integrated into the academic journey, to provide you with the right structure and training on all career-related matters.
- Ad-hoc career training: bootcamps, assessment centers, mock exercises and interview preparation, both for technical and HR interviews.
EMPLOYER RELATIONS
- Regular on-campus and virtual international recruitment opportunities in the shape of career fairs, company presentations, coffee chats, on-campus interviews and workshops.
- Networking opportunities through partnerships with our main employers.
RESOURCES
- Premium AI-powered career resources and tools to help you navigate each step of the application process, from researching to networking, applying to interviewing.
- Lifelong access to our Career Portal.