Sustainability encourages organizations to think of their work with environmental, social and human impact in mind. Addressing these issues is critical for the well-being of the environment and humanity, and is a priority for companies because it can provide tangible business results.
Princeton alumni pursue a wide range of career opportunities in sustainability. There are technical roles like environmental engineers, biologists and other scientific roles that focus on research. Many organizations have units that work on implementing more sustainable business practices including reducing energy usage and sourcing sustainable products. There are also opportunities in government, policy, communications and advocacy that are important for educating the public and implementing sustainability practices at a local, state and federal level.
Sustainability is becoming more of a priority for organizations and opportunities are growing. You can learn more about the field in the Firsthand Guide to Environmental Science and Conservation Jobs.
Seeking out alumni who work in an area of interest to you is a great way to learn about their career journey and get their advice. Conducting industry research to determine your target organizations and then reviewing postings on their websites is the best way to find opportunities for internships or full-time work. It is also important to seek related experience in student organizations and clubs and volunteer experiences in areas you want to explore.
Because this field spans multiple types of organizations and roles, there is not a single hiring process or timeline. Many organizations typically hire close to the start date for the position. Identifying organizations of interest and then checking their websites regularly or speaking to alumni who work there will offer insights into their specific recruiting cycles.
Centers and campus offices
- Finding support at Princeton
- High Meadows Environmental Institute
- Office of Sustainability
- Sustainability student groups
Undergraduate student groups
- Climate Futures Initiative
- Energy Association
- Environmental student groups and programs
- Garden Project
- Greening Dining
- Highwire Earth
- Princeton Conservation Society
- Princeton Racing Electric
- Social Sustainability
Internship, fellowship, funding and related opportunities:
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment internship and funding opportunities
- High Meadows Environmental Institute Internship Program
- High Meadows Fellowship Program
- International Internship Program
- Princeton in Asia (PiA) summer internship and fellowship
- Princeton Internships in Civic Service (PICS)
- Princeton Student Alumni Climate Connection
- Project 55 Fellowship Program (Princeton AlumniCorps)
Princeton Alumni
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Job TitleProject Engineer
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Job TitleAir Quality Modeling Analyst
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Job TitleAgricultural Water Quality Specialist
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Job TitleSenior Director