A unique specialization increasingly gaining traction, Sustainability Management is defined as applying sustainable practices in business and society in a way that is fruitful for both the current generation and the generations to come. A master’s degree in sustainable management allows students to align their goals and values with like-minded individuals and businesses to build a meaningful, purpose-driven career.
One prevalent misunderstanding about sustainability MBAs is that they focus solely on promoting “green” corporate practices. Sustainability in business is about much more, even though sustainability MBAs help educate graduates for careers pushing environmentally sound policies. Certain aspects of the study of sustainability in business are connected to various definitions of sustainability, namely:
- Sustainable businesses maintain a long-term engagement with their stakeholders through corporate social responsibility.
- An environmentally responsible business approach enables sustainable relationships with natural resources and the environment.
- Additionally, by maintaining continuity and being prepared for emergencies, sustainable organizations are also self-sustaining.
Students who are deeply committed to environmental protection are best suited for the Sustainability MBA. However, such graduates are genuinely versed in much more than environmental sustainability. If you are interested in new ways to ensure longevity and sustainability in social, environmental, and disaster-related contexts, then a Sustainability MBA may be for you!
What an MBA in Sustainability Management comprises?
Like most other MBA programs, the core subjects and business skills remain the same in MBA Sustainability Management. In addition, foundational courses such as marketing, human resources, accounting, operations, economics, law, etc., are covered. Students also learn about social responsibility, sustainable investments, social capital, public policy, community building, social research methods, and environmental compliances, which prepare them for executive leadership positions.
An MBA in Sustainability Management helps create products and services that positively impact society and the environment, leveraging and building upon corporate sustainability credibility. To get a glimpse of the program, some of the main courses in Sustainability Management include Corporate Environment Management, Climate Change Law, Policy, Managing Sustainable Operations, etc.
Bright Career Opportunities in the Sustainability field
The Sustainability Management program, a decade ago, was less famous and thought of quickly. Still, over the years, seeing the need of the hour, it has become a hot topic and is now an increasingly sought-after management program. Businesses demand graduates who are well-versed in sustainability management skills to take up challenges and help tackle complex social issues efficiently. Proper strategic integration of sustainability principles can lead to profits for both the business and the stakeholder, and that is precisely the sweet spot businesses today are searching for. As a result, organizations are out hunting for a good talent pool that can swing into action and produce the desired results needed efficiently.
If you are skeptical of the job prospects after MBA in Sustainability Management, here are some reasons that will help you come out of that loop:
- Sustainability Management is the new fad right now. While there can be multiple reasons attributed to this, one primary reason behind the subject gaining attention is the fact that nations worldwide have become conscious of their surroundings, thereby businesses are leveraging on this opportunity and have taken this a step ahead from just being a global humanitarian challenge to being a cutting edge between competitors. Undoubtedly, with such a broad scope available in the global market, businesses all around will scout for experienced candidates chartered to carry out such jobs after MBA in sustainability.
- One can expect to find jobs in rare and innovative fields with lesser competition and better selection chances. Fields open for the job include business analysis, social entrepreneurship, corporate sustainability management, consultancy, and NGOs or public administration enterprises. The position in any organization varies from entry-level to associate, and you can move up to being a sustainability specialist or chief sustainability officer. The roles and departments primarily focus on ethics and governance, marketing and communication, employee engagement and diversity, waste management, and sustainable supply chain. While terminology might be challenging, some companies also look for entry into their organizations through risk management departments and eventually grow their business from there.
- A lot of big organizations across the world have sustainability programs these days. And with this case proliferating, all sectors within a business, such as finance, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing, will need a sustainability manager to untangle day-to-day issues and work for the environment. With technology enhancement and people’s opinions changing, sustainability has become synonymous with efficiency. Whether you want to pursue a career in the private or public sector, you need to dedicate yourself to saving the environment, helping prevent the depletion of natural resources, and helping businesses strive while maintaining the quality of life.
- While any other career choice can be financially rewarding, it also rewards you on an emotional and communal level. Leadership roles are on the rise not only in India but worldwide. Organizations are looking to employ a chief sustainability officer and the marketing, finance, and operations head.
What Skills qualify for a Sustainable Manager
While there is a lot of commonality with other fields, skills required for a bright future in Sustainability Management vary. They require effective communication and leadership skills, data analysis, environmental systems analysis, urban sustainability, report writing, and strong creative thinking abilities. This will enable them to stand out and get the right sustainable roles.
What is the expected MBA Sustainability Salary
In any industry, the salary varies depending upon the job title, job responsibilities, and the level of experience one brings on par with the position to be filled. For example, sustainability managers, specialists, or associates can expect around 7.5-8 Lac per annum, whereas leadership-level senior posts can demand an even higher salary. A higher salary requires a master’s education with practical exposure and experience.
Jobs after MBA in Sustainability
Sustainability offers an exciting career path for dexterous MBA graduates. After completing an MBA in Sustainability Management, covering topics such as climate technology, social impact assessment, climate communications, eco-innovation, investments, leadership, etc., one will have an array of lucrative job options. Some of them are:
- Business Operations Manager: With an MBA in Sustainability Management degree in hand, you can stand out for businesses that have strategic goals to be achieved. You will have more experience dealing with world problems using a holistic approach. A business operations manager oversees activities such as hiring responsible staff and efficiently addressing budget issues and matters.
- Sustainability Consultant: Companies are moving towards a greener and cleaner world, supporting and aligning with government initiatives. They need consultants who can advise them on the best practices and help improve their operations, efficiency, and management culture. This requires strategy experience, preferably in sustainability, and industry experience in Energy and Circularity. This is ideal for MBA graduates with solid experience working on carbon emissions measurement, life cycle analysis, and reduction levers.
- Supply Chain & Logistics Director: While this job option comes in a somewhat different domain, graduates with an MBA in Sustainability Management are often better placed to take care of such endeavors that will help optimize the profits and minimize the environmental effects. This is one of the key areas where sustainability matters the most.
- Financial Advisor: These professionals consider the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges when making investment decisions. With investors increasingly wanting their assets to be invested in a way that positively impacts the environment and does not contribute to social inequalities, financial advocates or advisors must have the know-how to invest sustainably while safeguarding long-term capital growth.
- Environmental Compliance Specialist: These professionals work within a business or local or national government to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and laws compliance. Some positions entail overseeing high-risk materials, environmental testing, and conversation plans, as well as managing staff or departments. Most employers looking to hire in this field prefer that you have professional experience and knowledge related to environmental regulations, management, and the natural sciences.
- Administrative Services Manager: If you are still determining which field to take after completing this degree, an administrative services manager is a profession that can acquaint you with the day-to-day management functions. From making budgetary decisions for the organization and record-keeping as well as training applicants on the latest sustainability practices to setting realistic eco-friendly goals for the organizations etc., all are part of this job option.
- Portfolio Manager: The job of a portfolio manager requires the MBA graduate to be involved with multi-asset investment research, ESG implementation, risk management, reporting, and performance attribution. In addition to hands-on experience in ESG or sustainable investing strategies, graduates are expected to possess experience in tracking sectors and presenting investment theses to portfolio managers.
- Urban and Regional Planner: Urban and regional planners work at every level of government, from districts and cities to the national level. As someone whose job is to develop land, revitalize community living, and plan for environmental and demographic changes, these professionals have an MBA focusing on sustainability.
- Industrial Production Manager: An industrial production manager usually works in manufacturing, in charge of a production facility that can produce anything from computer parts to medicines to automobiles. In this job, you would be responsible for how the manufacturing plant runs, including overseeing and training employees, problem-solving production issues, such as machinery upgrades or overtime, and creating production budgets and goals while adhering to safety requirements.
- Natural Sciences Manager: As a natural sciences manager, you are likely to head a research or science lab, and your possible job responsibilities might entail managing scientific projects, research, budgets, and reports, hiring and overseeing scientists, staff, and a team of technicians, creating lab procedures, proposals, and policies, and presenting findings and reports to management.
Other roles: Apart from the above choices, one can look for career options such as Sustainable Finance Manager, Ecotourism & Environmental Consultant, or Sustainable Supply Chain Manager.
A bright future awaits you with open hands!
The overall employment outlook for those seeking new challenges and wanting to make a career in sustainability looks bright. As stated, this field is garnering attention due to the bent that businesses have now taken toward business strategy and operations. In addition, self-realization and duty towards the nation also play a massive role here. Drivers responsible for this upliftment include increased awareness, climate crisis, societal and governance reporting, and most importantly, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Backed by financial commitments and a strong desire to uphold the organization’s integrity, many big firms are sustainability leaders due to constant innovation, zero waste policy, and following targeted approaches for achieving sustainable development goals and engaging in human rights and health.
Here’s how you can get there!
The 21st century can be renamed as the era of Sustainability Expansion; it isn’t just a responsibility anymore but has become a full-time profession on its own, and the pandemic has brought the importance of this to the limelight. MBA in Sustainability Management from Prestige University covers modeling tools, case studies, ESG reporting, sustainability finance, energy markets, learning to leverage sustainability technologies, policy drafting, etc. The goal is to enable sustainable livelihoods and help lead organizations on the sustainability front. Prestige University helps you build domain expertise and lets you choose from their three specialization tracks, i.e., Energy and Natural Resource Management, Environment and Climate Change, and Sustainable Livelihoods and Society.
An MBA from Prestige University is your ultimate commitment to developing a sustainable society through the power of business. You gain unparalleled knowledge about environmental sustainability and access to a vibrant network of students and industry experts transforming the world in business, government, and non-profits. You will learn from some of the best faculties in courses covering everything from food systems to corporate social responsibility.
Focused academics are just the beginning of your involvement in sustainability. You aspire for a career that creates an impact and satisfies your drive to tackle the environmental, social, and economic issues faced by the world today and change them for the better. Outside of the classroom walls, you will have the opportunity to put learning into practice with real-world sustainability experiences around industries. At Prestige University, the unique master’s degree programs empower students for careers as organizational change-makers emphasizing sustainable solutions.
