TIPS & RESOURCES

Building a successful impact-led career

Navigating the impact career landscape can be challenging, so we’ve put together this resource page to help. It includes job search tips, links to sustainability trainings and credentials, and success stories from our members and volunteers.

Hear from the hiring experts


The ESG career boom

Presented by Lotti Hawkens of Farrell Associates

As ESG investing accelerates, the financial sector is fighting for talent to fill ESG-related positions. It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation, but the problem is that there simply aren’t enough skilled hands. Lotti shares insights into the ESG career boom through her experience as a dedicated ESG & Sustainable Finance head hunter, having worked on global ESG mandates for clients across the investment arena.

Preparing for a career in sustainability

Presented by Shannon Houde of Walk of Life Coaching

Insights from a specialist impact career coach, Shannon Houde of Walk of Life Coaching. Whether you are new to sustainability, are looking to make a career change, or are looking to advance your current career in sustainability, this is for you.

Trends in impact hiring

Presented by Harco Leertrower and Caitlin Murrell of Acre

Insights from specialist sustainability recruitment firm, Acre, on how young professionals can effectively position themselves for success in impact-related roles across various sectors. What skill areas should you give more attention to and how is the landscape evolving?

9 Tips for Building a Career in Sustainability

Blog by Cathy Sorbara, PhD, Vice President of Net Impact Amsterdam

Follow our impact career navigator


A career is like any other journey, it goes more smoothly with a map.

Get clear

Understand your unique skillset and aptitudes and how these can add value to a company or sector that generates the impact you want to see. Senior managers and recruiters won’t dig to find answers, you need to be explicit.

Explore Impact Profiles

Get connected

Build a solid network of like-minded professionals who can help you develop solutions to sustainability challenges, identify opportunities, and introduce you to other new people for deeper collaboration potential.

Join Net Impact

Get hired

Impact roles need raw talent and leadership potential. Find a function or company where you can prioritise sustainability and hold yourself and others accountable for the impact that is generated on your watch.

Explore Vacancies

Courses, trainings, and formal credentials


We’ve summarised some of our favorite training courses, learning platforms, and other curriculum sources to get you up-to-speed on the latest in impact. Some are self-study, while others offer formal credentials or cohort-based study.

Certified Impact Analyst Online Trainings and Designation
Gain critical knowledge on how businesses impact the planet and society, how to measure environmental and social impact, the current sustainability landscape, and how we all can play a part in driving a positive transformation through this free online training programme. Successful participants will earn the Certified Impact Analyst designation. Learn more.

ESG Competent Boards Certificate Programme and Designation
Offers an online training focused on bringing ESG, climate and sustainability insight to boards, investors and executives globally, delivered by over 95 of the world’s leading board members, C-suite executives, investors and experts. Participants who successfully complete the course earn the Global Competent Board Designation (GCB.D). More information.

Impact Investing Institute Learning Hub Modules
The Learning Hub is designed to help you learn more about impact investing either to meet your personal interest or to support your work with clients if you are a professional organisation looking to make impact part of your training courses and materials. Explore learning modules.

Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential
The FSA credential is led by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and is earned by successfully passing two exams (Level I and Level II). The FSA tests an individual’s expertise on how material sustainability factors can drive financial performance of companies. More information.

SDG Academy
The SDG Academy, in partnership with edX, offers free online graduate-level courses on sustainable development. From sustainable cities to human rights to climate action, each of its courses address the fundamental challenge facing our world today: How do people, communities, businesses and governments coexist, cooperate and collaborate to save the one planet we have? Explore courses.

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) Short Courses and Post-Graduate Programmes
CISL is a globally influential institute developing leadership and solutions for a sustainable economy. They offer short certificate programmes courses on sustainable business and have great research pieces to dig into. CISL also has several post-graduate degree offerings for sustainable business and leadership. Explore the content.

Climate Disclosure Knowledge Hub and Online Courses
In partnership with the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD), the Climate Disclosure Standards Board offers online courses to help you build your knowledge and enhance disclosures of climate-related information. Great for people interested in climate risk management, scenario analysis, and reporting. Explore online courses.

Greenhouse Gas Protocol Online Courses
In partnership with the World Resource Institute, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol offers online learning solutions to get professionals up-to-speed on the world’s most widely used greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting standards. Hosted on a low-cost and convenient e-learning platform, these courses are valuable for both experienced professionals and those just breaking into this field. Explore online courses.

FEATURED ARTICLE

33 sustainability certifications you need to know

by Trish Kenlow, Founder of Sustainable Career Pathway

Success stories of our members


“Since I started working, I showed an interest in and a passion for impact and diversity. This was always important to me.”


Matteo Renoldi


“My biggest challenge was overcoming my imposter syndrome when I was building my career as a workplace wellness advocate.”

Vivian Acquah

“The Net Impact Amsterdam community is an ambitious and diverse group of people who truly believe in something better.”


Rik Recourt