Q2: I DON'T HAVE AN ENGINEERING SCIENCE BACKGROUND. WHAT KIND OF INDUSTRIES OR OPPORTUNITIES CAN I EXPLORE? WHAT ROUTE INTO THE SECTOR IS THERE FOR SOMEONE WITH A DEGREE IN ENGINEERING OR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Question answered in the webinar:

JOANA CEREJEIRA
Answer:
Some companies offer apprenticeships for people without degrees. If you do have a degree which is in another field, then it’s still worth contacting prospective employers and enquiring about job vacancies, because in the sustainability field we’re always looking for people with a diverse range of skills and experiences, to meet the needs of our diverse range of clients. But, make sure to let them know why you’re looking to change fields, and what relevant experience you have either inside or outside of your degree that you could bring to the role.

ZARA
Answer:
The sustainability sector is so broad that you can have a career in many different elements, for example if you have a chemistry/biochemistry background then you’ve be very valuable in product stewardship and regulatory affairs, which is one of the teams we have at ERM that looks at new products entering the market and whether they’re harming the environment. We also have human rights teams, so if you have a social background then that’s incredibly helpful. Or, if you have a background in international development then that would help with capital project delivery. Most degrees would have a good application for this sector, so it’s all about tailoring your experience outside of your degrees to what you want to pursue.

ROSS GRIFFITHS
Answer:
As the industry changes there's a big blurring of boundaries between what is environmental consulting and what isn't. And that means that more and more specialisms, like data and digital, and software development, are actually now really needed by the environmental consulting industry. If you have a ‘fringe’ knowledge base, you could be really crucial to this sector. Never assume that because you haven't done an environmental degree that there’s no space for you in this industry.

BETH HOLT
Answer:
When I started work I found that what consultancies consider to be environmental isn’t what you necessarily would. For example, we have a huge team of heritage and archaeology consultants in Mott that sit under environmental. Definitely do some research because it might be that the background you’ve got is an environmental team, or works closely with environmental teams, in the industry.