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

How to Get an Internship in a Common Good Career (Nonprofit/Government)

If you are looking to try and secure an internship in the nonprofit or government sector, below are some tips:

TIMING

Many internships are posted now but will continue to be posted for the next couple of months.
Fellowships are …

By Robyn Acampora
Robyn Acampora Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Service Careers Robyn Acampora
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2020 Grad shares 3 Climates Actions for Banks in 2022

Gabriel Malek ’20, Project Manager at Environmental Defense Fund, writes about the 3 climate actions banks will need to take to be proactive environmental stewards.

Set minimum standards for carbon-intensive financing.
Offer climate-aligned advisory services.
Push for smart climate policy.

…

By Kelly McSergi
Kelly McSergi Assistant Director of Employer Relations Kelly McSergi
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Applications are now open for the 2022 Summer Community Organizing Fellowship

Applications are now open for the 2022 Summer Community Organizing Fellowship for Yale students. Please find a link to the application here and to sign up for an upcoming informational interview. 

 Community organizing groups from across the country, together with …

By Robyn Acampora
Robyn Acampora Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Service Careers Robyn Acampora
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35 Organizations Attending All Ivy Environmental and Sustainable Development Career Fair

Join us for the All Ivy Environmental and Sustainable Development virtual Career Fair!

February 25, 2022
10:00am – 3:00pm ET

Employers will be able to interact with students through a 1-on-1 video chat or a group video chat using their video …

By Kelly McSergi
Kelly McSergi Assistant Director of Employer Relations Kelly McSergi
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Urban Land Institute (ULI)

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a nonprofit research and education organization with regional offices in Washington, D.C., Hong Kong, and London. ULI’s mission is to “shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide”. Members …

By Jorimel Zaldivar
Jorimel Zaldivar Senior Associate Director for Common Good Careers Jorimel Zaldivar
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Career Resources

Global Jobs

Global Jobs

Jobs for Global Professionals NGO’s, Think Tanks, Government, Private Sector

Great resource for students. Allows you to select entry level …

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Community Spotlights

Ramona Liberoff (MA ’93, Art History)

Ramona Liberoff (MA ’93, Art History)

Humanities, Masters
  • Senior Impact Investing Advisor
Meet Ramona >
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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.