Three careers that will help you make a difference in sustainability

Researching jobs in sustainability? These specialist careers in policy, engineering and fashion are making a difference for a cleaner tomorrow.

Three careers that will help you make a difference in sustainability

Researching jobs in sustainability? These specialist careers in policy, engineering and fashion are making a difference for a cleaner tomorrow.

Jobs in sustainability are fulfilling. They change the way our world works, and they help safeguard a brighter future for society. But they’re not just making a difference – they're also growing.

Policy, engineering and fashion are three growth areas for jobs in sustainability due to government funding, changing industry practices and a rising demand for specialist skills. Here’s what’s involved in three jobs in sustainability growth areas, and how you can launch or advance your career with an industry-led qualification from RMIT.

RMIT University has a vital role in upholding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across seventeen social, economic, ethical and environmental goals, from improving gender equity to contributing to research in affordable and clean energy.

#1: Policy Manager

Policy Managers work for governments and large organisations to create business policies that respond to the needs and practices of communities and key stakeholders. They are responsible for conducting consultations, policy research and making a difference by advocating for key organisational goals, such as carbon neutrality and renewable energy.

According to SEEK, the role of Policy Manager is one of the jobs in sustainability that’s projected to rise by 4.8% over the next five years. It requires skills in leadership, strategic thinking and decision making.¹

How to specialise in this field

Make a global impact in international development, security, humanitarian emergencies and sustainability with the Master of Global Studies at RMIT. The degree will help you gain the skills to lead teams and communities and inform strategic decision-making across a diverse range of industries.

You’ll learn by connecting with organisations like World Vision, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Red Cross through simulated projects, research projects, course material delivery, optional placements and more.

#2: Sustainable Energy Engineer

Sustainable Energy Engineers use innovative technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental and social impacts of conventional energy resources. They plan and manage projects in sustainable energy, conduct research into and apply engineering practices, and collect and communicate their findings and project results.

The demand for engineers and scientists with a postgraduate qualification in sustainable energy is growing rapidly. As investments and adoption of wind and solar energy grow, the job outlook for engineers who specialise in renewable energy continues to look strong.

RMIT alumnus and now Research Assistant Dr Steven Kennedy was working in petroleum engineering when he became inspired to make a difference in renewable energy engineering.

“I really thought about how important energy is in our daily lives and began to understand that in the not too distant future, energy would need to come from sources that are sustainable over the long-term.

“It was then that I realised I wanted to be a part of this renewable energy revolution.”

How to specialise in this field

Become part of the renewable energy revolution with RMIT’s Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Engineering. The course can be completed in as little as six months and upon completion, will guarantee your entry into the Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy). The master's degree will prepare you to play a defining role in renewable energy and engineering by connecting you with industry-leading organisations like CSIRO, Melbourne Water and Acciona Energy.

Dr Bahman Shabani said the Master of Engineering (Sustainable Energy) at RMIT teaches the technologies and practices needed to lead some of the most critical jobs in sustainability.

“As part of the degree, students do a research project where they have the opportunity to focus on an area of interest, such as solar or wind energy, bioenergy, energy storage, energy efficiency and demand management, renewable energy government policy and more.

“Climate change, energy security issues, and economic drivers are all supporting further penetration of sustainable energy technologies.

“This puts an increasing demand for more professionals to lead the future of sustainable energy.”

#3: Sustainable Sourcing Manager

The main responsibility of Sustainable Sourcing Managers in the fashion industry is to find suppliers and manufacturers that meet environmental, ethical and socially responsible standards for textile and apparel production.

Professor Robyn Healy, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor of Learning and Teaching in RMIT’s College of Design and Social Context, said it’s time the fashion industry took a hard look at how it can make a difference by tackling overproduction and overconsumption.

“It’s about using different ways of thinking, which makes being a fashion student today challenging, but exciting.”

How to specialise in this field

Learn how to make a difference in the rapidly-evolving fashion and textiles industry with the Bachelor of Fashion and Textiles (Sustainable Innovation). You will delve into sustainability as a concept and goal within fashion and textiles, working with organisations like Bruck Textiles and the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to learn current industry professional practices, techniques and strategies.

Professor Healy said that RMIT students are taught to consider how existing materials and natural alternatives like dye plants can be used in fashion and textiles. She said students in Melbourne also get access to Asian enterprise models through connections to RMIT’s Vietnam campus.

“For example, our first-year students in Melbourne gain an understanding of the global supply chain by collaborating with merchandising students in Vietnam.”

RMIT is currently ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region and #15 globally for art and design.²

“We have a real depth of understanding in this versatile industry, we have a history with the industry. We understand design, technology and enterprise,” said Professor Healy.

Story: Pallavi Daniel

¹SEEK. “How to become a Policy Manager”. https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/policy-manager

²QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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