Jumpstart Your Sustainability Career: Measure to Improve’s Sustainability Apprenticeship Program
Consumer demand and businesses looking to do better are driving the need for sustainability professionals, making it a high-growth field. If you are passionate about the environment and looking for a job that makes a difference, a career in sustainability might be the perfect fit!
A career in sustainability can begin in many ways. That’s why we asked a few of our team members at Measure to Improve a few questions about how they got started in sustainability and what advice they have for college graduates looking to launch their sustainability career.
If you’re ready to kickstart your sustainability journey, the application period for our Sustainability Apprenticeship Program is open now!
Melissa Wright, Sustainability Program Associate
How did you get started in sustainability?
My sustainability career started right here at Measure to Improve. After graduating with a B.S. in Society and Environment from the University of California Berkeley, I started as an Agriculture Apprentice. I spent my first few months learning about the industry and the company, followed by the next several months working with the team to help clients tackle their sustainability needs. After 8 months as a part-time Apprentice, I was promoted to the full-time position of Sustainability Program Associate.
What drew you to the sustainability field?
I have always been passionate about environmental science, but the intersections between disciplines – people, planet, and profit- specifically drew me to sustainability. Sustainability is the interaction between social, environmental, and economic issues. The betterment of the environment does not have to come at a cost to people and their livelihoods, nor at the cost of profits. In actuality, when you address environmental concerns, it typically results in improved social and economic outcomes. The sustainability industry is vast, diverse, and constantly evolving. And with that, there is a need for many different skills, knowledge, and perspectives. The sustainability industry hinges on collaboration – and I admire that.
What advice do you have for someone graduating and looking to begin a career in sustainability?
Looking back, when I was finishing my undergraduate degree, I was struggling with what I would do next. I knew a career in sustainability was something I wanted to pursue, but after graduating from university with little experience, I felt lost. I spent months scrolling through job postings, applying, and interviewing during my senior year. Being open to different opportunities helped me succeed and eventually led me to Measure to Improve’s Sustainability Apprenticeship program.
Being open to beginning your career in any industry will give you many options when starting out and teach you foundational skills that will help you throughout your career. I advise college graduates to search broadly and be open-minded as they begin a career in sustainability. See what’s out there and apply to whatever piques your interest!
Gabe Worthington, Sustainability Program Manager
How did you get started in sustainability?
My career in sustainability began when I was accepted to CSU Chico for a graduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: Regenerative Agriculture. This degree allowed me to further develop my knowledge of sustainability and its role in our food systems. While in this program, I developed my resume through valuable in-field experiences managing a large-scale research project and working with large datasets. Towards the tail end of my studies at Chico State, I considered where I saw myself fitting into the big picture of sustainable food production and began looking for roles in sustainability. Due to my lack of experience at the time, my applications for full-time sustainability roles were met with silence.
As I continued my search, I was lucky enough to find a part-time Apprenticeship with Measure to Improve. I secured this position and have since transitioned into a full-time Sustainability Program Manager.
What value and experience did you get out of the apprenticeship?
This part-time apprenticeship position allowed me to learn about the industry by being involved in various projects, ranging from data management for buyer survey reporting to an in-field food loss study. This introductory period allowed me to learn more about the industry, where I fit in, leverage my strengths, and bring value to Measure to Improve.
What advice do you have for someone graduating and looking to begin a career in sustainability?
One tip I would give a college graduate to help them get started in sustainability is not to be afraid to make sacrifices early in their career if they are consistent with their long-term goals and to begin looking for positions early.
Sustainability is a rapidly evolving space, and because of this, there is a steep learning curve that may make it challenging to secure entry-level positions. However, many internship or apprenticeship opportunities can allow you to learn about sustainability while showing companies your value as an employee and building your resume.
I suggest that graduates be willing to pursue these kinds of positions to build a foundation of knowledge to bring directly into the industry. Additionally, by looking for these positions a bit earlier in your college career, you may be able to identify a company that you can intern for during a summer while you are still in school and potentially transition directly into a full-time role. If this is not an option, I would say staying informed and being able to speak on some central topics in sustainability is another way to be a stronger candidate.
Start Your Sustainability Career
Starting a sustainability career can feel a little daunting at first, but there are many paths to success. In summary:
Be open to diverse opportunities and don’t limit yourself to traditional sustainability roles. Many industries are incorporating sustainability practices, and your skills can be valuable across sectors.
Valuable experience can be gained through different opportunities like Measure to Improve’s Apprenticeship Program, which offers valuable on-the-job training and can be a great way to break into the field.
Build a strong foundation and continuously learn and stay informed about current sustainability issues.
Ready to take the next step?
The application for Measure to Improve's 2024 Apprenticeship Program is open NOW. This program provides hands-on experience and mentorship to jumpstart your sustainability career. Click the link below to learn more about the position and apply to join the team.
We look forward to starting you on your journey towards a fulfilling and impactful career in sustainability!