Environment, Sustainability & Energy

There are a variety of career opportunities in the areas of environment, sustainability and energy. With so many options and industries to choose from, Yale students are encouraged to get involved with coursework and student organizations within their particular area of interest. They can also look for internships to allow them to immerse themselves within the industry over the summer. OCS advisors are available to meet with you individually to discuss the many options. Yale’s Office of Career Strategy participates in the All Ivy Environmental & Sustainability Career Fair which is open to all Yale students served by OCS.  This event occurs every spring at Columbia University and allows our students to engage with recruiters across these industries. Yale College seniors can use the Travel Reimbursement Program to cover their expenses.

 

Environment

Opportunities for a career focusing on the environment are available in the for profit, nonprofit and public sector.

  • Environmental jobs can range from private sector jobs with solar companies, environmental consulting firms, and engineering firms.
  • Nonprofit environmental activists promote environmental causes and work to influence public policy. Careers could involve urban planning, community organizing and communications with various shareholders. An environmental advocate could lobby for environmental legislation, organize protests and events, fundraise for an environmental organization, and work on press releases for the media.
  • Local, state and federal government careers provide a wide variety of positions for those interested in protecting ecosystems. Governments and public universities hire conservation scientists, environmental engineers, and geologists to conduct research, design projects, and shape policy.

Sustainability 

A career in sustainability focuses on reducing environmental and health-related risks while increasing organizational growth. Opportunities exist across sectors and industries.

  • Many for profit companies now consider sustainability to be a major consideration in their business model and therefore have sustainability strategies that need to be developed and implemented. They also hire engineers who use sustainable practices for reducing waste.  
  • There are scientists and researchers such as conservation scientists, microbiologists and atmospheric researchers.
  • Sustainable urban designers and builders have an increasing need as city governments recognize the importance of green architecture and reducing pollution.
  • Sustainable careers can be a part of a nonprofit community outreach team, managing direct services and overseeing educational programs for underserved populations.
  • There are sustainability opportunities in the legal profession, journalism, and policy.

Energy 

The energy industry includes electricity, natural gas, oil, and renewable energy technology. Many career opportunities exist within this industry and it reaches across all three sectors.

  • There are opportunities in engineering and business to join private sector employers, especially large oil or gas companies.
  • The nonprofit and government sectors allow for career paths in policy research or policy making.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy offers positions for a variety of job functions from research, engineering, marketing and finance.
  • Energy engineering focuses on the development and maintenance of technologies which are related to energy efficiency, environmental compliance, and alternative energy technologies. Specialties include:  drilling and petroleum, nuclear power, solar and/or wind energy, or  electrical systems.
  • Energy Economists analyze how new energy technologies entering the market will affect supply and demand in the energy industry. Looking at factors such as the methods and efficiency of energy production, distribution and consumption, economists play an important role in predicting and shaping future energy trends.

Sidebar

Craft & Career with Hanoi Hantrakul ’15, AI Research Scientist, Composer, and Cultural Technologist

We return with a new guest conversation for the Craft and Career series for Yale’s OCS podcast, featuring conversations with professional creatives from the arts, entertainment, and media industries, to discuss the nuances of their craft, the reality of their …

By Derek I. Webster
Derek I. Webster Senior Associate Director for Creative Careers Derek I. Webster
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Create a Target Employer List (Job Search Road Map)

Your target employer list is a critical element of your job search plan. Having a target list provides a road map as you begin your employer research and outreach efforts. An employer target list can start with industry (e.g., Healthcare), …

By David Halek
David Halek Director of Employer Relations David Halek
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Mean, Green Recycling Machines: Undergraduate Scholarship Competition

Mean, Green Recycling Machines: Undergraduate Scholarship Competition

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is hosting a research-based challenge for undergraduate students! The challenge is for students to develop a website on plastic recycling. Students will research their …

By Kristin McJunkins
Kristin McJunkins Director, Health Professions Advising & STEM Connect Kristin McJunkins
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Alumni in Energy

Following in the footsteps of other greats is always a good idea. The statement applies to your prospective careers in energy as well. What better way to figure out what you want to do with your career than to see …

By Sena Sugiono
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Reimbursement for Travel and Other Career Related Engagements for Yale Seniors

In an effort to support students pursuing careers in the nonprofit, government and the arts sectors, OCS offers a travel reimbursement program for Yale College Class of 2022 graduates to help offset costs associated with travel for interviews, auditions, and/or …

By Robyn Acampora
Robyn Acampora Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Service Careers Robyn Acampora
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Career Resources

Fellowship Search Engines – Common Good & Creative Careers

Fellowship Search Engines – Common Good & Creative Careers

Common Good & Creative Careers (CGCC) Fellowship Search Engine List –The following list includes a sample of search engines for …

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Social Justice Fellowships Sample List – Common Good & Creative Careers

Social Justice Fellowships Sample List – Common Good & Creative Careers

Common Good & Creative Careers (CGCC) Social Justice Fellowships List – The following list includes a sample of post-graduate fellowships …

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Community Spotlights

Ramona Liberoff (MA ’93, Art History)

Ramona Liberoff (MA ’93, Art History)

Humanities,Masters
  • Senior Impact Investing Advisor
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Career Outcomes

The Office of Career Strategy collects information about Yale College graduates after graduation. This interactive tool allows users to search these outcomes by year and major. Please visit Statistics & Reports for the more detailed reports.

Helpful Tips on using the Interactive Tool:

  • There is no Enter or Submit Button – Results will appear automatically with your selections
  • Choose ‘All Years’ or ‘All Majors’- For results across years and majors or check one for more granular results.
    • Default results will show the most recent Class Year.
    • Uncheck selected major(s) to reset your search.
    • To ensure student confidentiality, results are only reported in the aggregate and more granular data is not available through this public tool.
    • The tool will return results with at least five responses. If you require additional information contact the Office of Career Strategy

Most Recent Class Overview

Knowledge Rate Success Rate Mean Starting Salary Top Five Industries
91.6% of those graduating between July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020 91.7% employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation $71,030 among graduates employed in the United States. Financial Services, Education, Consulting, Technology and Healthcare

 

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Employment Industry and Function
  • Size of the Organization
  • Starting Salary
  • Time of Year Offer Received
  • Co-curricular and Study Abroad Experiences
  • First Destination Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Advanced Degrees Pursued

First Destination

First Destination refers to the postgraduate plans of Yale College graduates six months after graduation. The pursuits of Yale graduates include employment, graduate school, independent research, military service, and more.

CONTACT & LOCATION

Phone
(203) 432-0800
Email
careerstrategy@yale.edu
Address

55 Whitney Avenue, 3rd Fl.
New Haven, CT 06510

SERVICE HOURS

  Academic Year Summer Hours
M 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
T 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
W 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
TH 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
F 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm

The office is closed weekends, holidays, and recess days.