WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

I am a senior manager of sustainability and ESG at WWZ Germany (Architecture and Engineering).

WHAT WERE YOU DOING?

I am an 20 year experienced engineer, working in several disciplines and industries, from maintenance, customer service, consulting, project management, supply chain and the last year in corporate health safety, environment and risk management.

WHY DID YOU CHANGE?

I had to quit my job due to reorganizations in my old company.

HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT MAKING THE SHIFT?

After studying BSM at CISL I wanted to start a new job in the sustainability area: my search criteria where Senior Manager, head of or Project sustainability manager. Actually there are so many titles on the job platforms.

I sent many applications, I had only a few interviews, but I was not successful due to too less experience in sustainability. So I started my own business, klimawirkstatt sustainability consulting.

I started working with association/networks to meet more people in this area.
After I put on my cv and LinkedIn that I am entrepreneur in sustainability, it seems that I am an interested person for companies now.

I received a new part-time job offer (next to my startup) as senior manager sustainability and ESG.

Exactly what I was looking for. It was a really challenging journey for me, but really great how it came out.

It was a rollercoaster for me. It was disappointing when you write applications and you get refused all the time.

For me it was a while before I was clear at all what I want to do.
Patience, not getting stressed and always talk to many people and build new networks was essential.

WHAT HELP DID YOU GET?

• Talking to people to share ideas, asking for feedback, building new networks.

• I did a coaching course from a CISL contact (Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership)

• I did a coaching course for entrepreneurs

• I did a vision board

WHAT RESOURCES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

• Linkedin for research AND networking

• Local networks in your area

• Become a member of a relevant association

• Take time to do a study or course

WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING YOU FACED?

Getting clear on what to actually do. Am I the right Person? It is hard to stay self confident.

WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO THOSE LOOKING TO MAKE A TRANSITION THEMSELVES?

Stay self confident
Learn new things
Be patience
Be open and flexible
TRY NEW things out of your comfort zone