(101) How to Build a Career in Sustainability with Madeline Stanton

Introduction

  • Mateline Stanton: Senior Program Manager at Bombart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, Loyola University Chicago.

  • Focus: Bridging business skills with social and environmental impact through education programs like the Bombart School Scholars MBA and Bombart Certificate in ESG.

  • Objective: Share career journey and engage attendees in networking and brainstorming activities.

Session Overview

  • Duration: 75 minutes

  • Key Components:

    • Mateline's career journey and tips.

    • Interactive brainstorm activity focused on career goals for 2025.

    • Networking opportunities in breakout sessions.

    • Collect Q&A through a shared link.

Mateline's Background

  • Passion for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and sustainability reporting.

  • Financial services consulting background from EY (Ernst & Young).

  • Career pivot into corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiated by education at Bombart Center.

Key Takeaways and Tips

Networking

  • Importance of networking: Opens doors to opportunities.

  • Informational interviews are valuable for career exploration and learning from others.

    • Tips for effective informational interviews:

      • Be intentional in outreach.

      • Prepare meaningful questions.

      • Make an ask for opportunities or connections.

      • Maintain relationships over time by sharing updates about your progress.

Professional Development

  • Seek out professional development opportunities:

    • CSR related certifications enhance credibility.

    • Consider leadership development programs.

    • Get involved in side projects that align with sustainability.

Volunteering

  • Volunteering offers invaluable experience and skill development:

    • Can lead to unexpected career opportunities.

    • Enhances leadership skills through practical experience.

Networking at Events

  • Attend industry-related events—virtual or in-person—to grow your network.

  • Suggested resources for networking:

    • Realized Worth: Social impact consultancy with a conference guide.

    • Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals: Offers webinars and events.

    • GreenBiz (Trellis Group): Provides webinars and focuses on sustainable business practices.

Brainstorm Activity

  • Prompts for attendees to reflect on:

    • Identify key LinkedIn connections to follow.

    • Determine a next step in job search.

    • Connect with someone for an informational interview.

    • Identify improvements to make on LinkedIn profile.

    • Explore new learning or volunteering opportunities.

    • Recognize professional strengths and how to leverage them.

Q&A Highlights

  • CSR roles extend beyond sustainability reporting; include roles in corporate philanthropy, communications, and impact investing.

  • Recommendations for managing connections with thought leaders through intentional engagement and selective content focus.

  • Explore foundational knowledge programs in the climate space through Work on Climate and other certifications.

Conclusion

  • Emphasis on continuous personal growth and networking for career advancement.

  • Encouragement to embrace small steps towards achieving career goals.