Cameron Gould, '21

What is your role, and how does sustainability intersect with your work responsibilities?

I am currently working with two leaders in the clean energy/tech space, Jonathan Silver and Jigar Shah, at Multiplier, their new advisory firm. Multiplier exists to help create better outcomes for founders and companies in the climate space. In my Fellowship, I helped develop the firm's backend record-keeping and intake process. I also lead our diligence efforts, researching potential clients to assess their fit within our broader client portfolio. Climate and sustainability are central to our work. We are only working with companies in the climate space, across a range of subsectors from battery storage to desalinization.

Did you always plan to work in sustainability? If not, how did you make the jump?

I always knew I wanted to work in sustainability in some capacity, though I did not have a specific sector in mind. While finishing up at UR, I focused my job search on the sustainability and climate spaces. My first job out of college was at a startup focused on residential electrification. After two years at that company, I decided to go back to school for my MBA, which focused on Sustainable Innovation.

What are a job incumbent's "must-haves" in a sustainability-focused role or task?

One of the most important values I look for in a job is authentic motivation. I do my best work when I genuinely care about the company's larger mission, not just the day-to-day tasks. That's why sustainability interests me so much‚ the field naturally attracts people who are driven by a deeper purpose, such as protecting the environment. That built-in passion becomes a source of motivation, fueling daily work and helping people stay productive, engaged, and invested.

What are your thoughts on the future of sustainability work?

In the future, I think sustainability work will become more mainstream. I think sustainably-minded companies with viable, economic business models will continue to develop and grow. As regulations, both domestic and international, continue to develop, we will see sustainability professionals leading at the operational level and being more purposefully integrated into daily corporate operations. Additionally, technology will play a significant role in shaping sustainability careers. As companies leverage tools like AI and lifecycle tracking systems, sustainability professionals will increasingly act as strategic partners who guide innovation and help organizations build smarter, more resource-efficient products and operations.

What advice would you give to current Robins School students interested in pursuing careers in sustainability?

My biggest piece of advice is to focus on experiences rather than job titles. Go join the organization that excites you in whatever capacity you can. Early career jobs are fantastic because they allow you to experiment, to explore, and to figure out what actually interests you. Most importantly, your first few roles will also teach you what you don’t like and what doesn’t interest you. Pay attention to that last piece.

Are there any books, courses, podcasts, or other resources you recommend to understand the various themes and career options in sustainability? 

Podcasts: Open Circuit, Watt It Takes, Inevitable (MCJ), The S2G Podcast
Material to read: Project Drawdown, Bloomberg Green, Climatebase Weekly, CTVC