Chris Selwood, '19
What is your role, and how does sustainability intersect with your work responsibilities?
I spend every day as a sustainability consultant working with clients to help address their sustainability needs. The day-to-day responsibilities have evolved, but each project centers on enhancing transparency as a tool to strengthen trust with stakeholders. One day, my job is helping organizations assess what non-financial metrics are material, and the next, my job involves guiding companies in their data management processes and disclosure strategy.
Did you always plan to work in sustainability? If not, how did you make the jump?
I have been passionate about sustainability since I was a kid playing in the creek and woods at my grandparents' house. However, I started my career in external audit and thought I would eventually do financial accounting work at sustainability-focused companies. Several years into my audit career, an opportunity arose to apply my audit skills to a sustainability project, and I made the jump. I still spend time as a technical accountant and internal controls advisor, but the skills I use there help sharpen my sustainability skills and vice versa.
What are a job incumbent's "must-haves" in a sustainability-focused role or task?
The most important part of sustainability is connecting with folks who are not full-time sustainability professionals. Not everyone you talk to will have a positive view of sustainability going into the conversation, but sustainability does impact every person and every business.
The world of sustainability is evolving rapidly, and a good sustainability professional needs to keep up and adapt. A willingness to learn and a comfort with asking for help go a long way.
What are your thoughts on the future of sustainability work?
The focus on sustainability is increasing despite notable regulatory and political headwinds. My personal view is that sustainability projects will likely involve one or two full-time sustainability experts working with many people whose traditional job descriptions have "nothing" to do with sustainability. In that scenario, many people are involved in sustainability for only a small portion of their day-to-day, and understanding how sustainability interacts with their traditional job role will be paramount.
What advice would you give to current Robins School students interested in pursuing careers in sustainability?
- Get involved early and vocalize your interest. People will help you if they know how!
- Your career involves sustainability in some way.
- Learn to speak the language of sustainability. Understanding the landscape goes a long way.
Are there any books, courses, podcasts, or other resources you recommend to understand the various themes and career options in sustainability?
I love Outrage and Optimism and the old episodes of How to Save a Planet!