From Management Consultant to Carbon Emissions Specialist : A Career Transition Case Study
Greg Barrett orchestrated his transition from a generalist management consultant to working at a carbon reduction company.
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
Senior Project Manager for a Digital Transformation program at South Pole, a emission reduction company
WHAT WERE YOU DOING?
At a mid-size Management Consultancy, as a Digital Transformation Consultant.
WHY DID YOU CHANGE?
I decided to seek an opportunity where i could make more of a direct impact, the company ownership changed and the new values did not align well with me
HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT MAKING THE SHIFT?
I volunteered to establish and manage our Internal Sustainability Network. The main aim was to promote more sustainable work practices for our consultants and support staff. I also began using free online courses that complimented and grew on my existing skills of Project Management and Digital Transformation (for example - Sustainable Digital Innovation via Coursea)
“There is an incredible network of people out there that are willing to spend time helping you, and you should not be afraid to ask”
WHAT HELP DID YOU GET?
None directly, but I did get a lot of advice from my LinkedIn network.
WHAT RESOURCES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
LinkedIn Learning and LinkedIn Groups - there are plenty of sustainability related groups, go ask questions!
Coursea
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) - Business Sustainability Management course.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING YOU FACED?
Probably the uncertainty of not knowing how to make the jump, so resources like this are invaluable
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT IN THE PROCESS
I have learnt that you need to have patience when making the move. You may need to play a long game and build up to the move. I've learnt that if you want to make the move you need to have passion and determination.
But I have also learnt there is an incredible network of people out there that are willing to spend time helping you, and you should not be afraid to ask
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO THOSE LOOKING TO MAKE A TRANSITION THEMSELVES?
1) Look at your current company - is there an opportunity to join or set up a sustainability network (this is a safe place to learn and practice ideas)
2) See how you can use your current skillset to bridge into sustainability roles - you don't necessarily have to reinvent yourself or learn a whole new role.
3) Use online learning resources to build up your knowledge and, if you are able to, invest in certified courses.
4) Find out who the thought leaders are in the area you want to move in to and follow them on LinkedIn.
