Emily George, '22

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

My 5+ year career-to-date has been focused on helping companies use sustainable principles to drive real business value. Oftentimes, business growth and positive sustainability impact are considered opposites - I have worked for companies that allow their clients to leverage sustainability initiatives (from recycling to responsible sourcing and supply chain management) to hit business KPIs like corporate differentiation, customer retention, and acquisition, and beyond. I am technically in a sales role, which requires a lot of education and consultative advising skills beyond just bringing in new partners to the company I work for.

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

Yes! While I always knew I wanted to work in something related to water, the environment, and sustainability, it wasn't always clear how it would manifest. I started my education at UR with plans to be a biochem major - Patagonia had just launched their line of Yulex, plant-based wetsuits to reduce the need for neoprene, keeping their brand quality and bottom line supported while reducing their environmental footprint, and I was enthralled. I realized halfway through sophomore year that I didn't actually love biology or chemistry, so I cut to the chase and declared my major in Environmental Studies and added a minor in Business Administration. I've been obsessed since then with helping people connect the dots between their company's ESG impact and their business goals, how to do well by doing good. My first job at TerraCycle set me up well to discuss the business value of sustainable operations, which I've carried with me into my 2+ years with EcoVadis. I'm grateful to work in a job I love and be able to make an impact through my day-to-day.

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

I have three criteria that need to be true for me to be happy in my work: 1) work-life equilibrium. It's rarely going to be 50/50, so I prefer the word equilibrium, making sure I'm not working more than I live while ensuring I am dedicated to my work and doing a great job; 2) making a positive impact - for me this is sustainability; and 3) continuous learning/growth - I need to be engaged, working toward the next step, challenged to master a new tool the company is offering or updated ESG regulations, for example.

What are your thoughts on the future of sustainability work?

Sustainability is not going anywhere - it will evolve, as every industry does, and I believe it will evolve to be stronger and become less of a specialty and integrate more deeply across various types of roles and disciplines. Sustainability is extremely broad and interdisciplinary, and can take many different forms. There are going to be challenges, but at the end of the da,y the recognition of the importance of the work being done and the requirement of collaboration, globally and locally, to make impactful and positive progress will outweigh the challenges. I think "sustainability" and the principles it encompasses are going through a bit of a reset right now - keeping the end-goal in mind, a planet and population setting us up for long-term wellbeing for Earth's inhabitants, while supporting where we are today will be key to driving forward progress.

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

First - you are more qualified than you might think! I remember graduating feeling like I had so much knowledge but limited "know-how" to do a job. You will find a job and learn how to complete the required tasks. UR teaches you how to learn, problem-solve, and advocate for the resources you need to be successful. With your education + experience, think about what you want your day-to-day to look like and how this first job will set you up for your second, third, etc. Every experience is valuable, even learning what you don't want to do! And have conversations, learn from those in the industry, and be open to hearing what sustainability looks like in different ways (bring lots of questions to those conversations!). Sustainability is collaborative. Be open-minded, but make sure you're staying true to your values for the job and career you're looking for.

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

Bloomberg Green and the ESG Dive are great resources! And then start following the companies that interest you on LinkedIn - they often post whitepapers, news, articles, perspectives, webinars, etc. that can help you hear about what's going on outside the academic sphere.