Overview

This course is an introduction to careers in sustainability, focusing primarily on the role of a sustainability analyst at public and private organizations. Through a mix of video, print, peer review, and interactive content, learners will be able to explain sustainability and the specifics of a sustainability analyst’s job within an organization. The course is structured around two elements: topical knowledge and practical application. Throughout the course, learners can practice what they learn and get feedback from their peers to build their skills. Additionally, knowledge checks provide milestones for learners to ensure that they understand the necessary information about each topic presented. Each module begins with a video that introduces the concepts taught in the lesson, including interviews with ASU School of Sustainability professors. Interactive activities and hands-on application are central to the learner experience in this course. They include participating in mini-application experiences, trying out real-life skills with expert feedback, and creating personalized tools like presentation slide decks and spreadsheet templates to use in the role on day one of a new job. The interactive and hands-on activities are specifically designed to teach not only sustainability skills but also professional skills like professional writing, presentation skills, and conducting successful video meetings. This combination of practical skills and specialized content makes this course a unique foundation for the rest of the specialization.

Syllabus

Introduction to careers in sustainability

Welcome to the first step in your journey toward becoming a sustainability analyst! In this course, you will learn about the basics of sustainability, what exactly a sustainability analyst does, and how to perform some of the foundational tasks needed in that role.

Introduction to sustainability

What is sustainability, anyway? It’s a word you’ve probably heard in many different contexts, but you may not have thought about everything it includes.

What does a sustainability analyst do?

Now that you know a little more about sustainability, you might wonder what a sustainability analyst actually does.

What software, tools and resources should an analyst be familiar with?

To do everything a sustainability analyst is responsible for, it’s essential to use the right tools for the job.

How to find trends in data

As you’ve learned already, data is the foundation of the job of sustainability analysts. Spreadsheets and charts can help you identify trends and areas of improvement, which will help you communicate effectively with your team and organizational leadership.

What is Lifecycle Evaluation?

Depending on which sector you work in, product lifecycles may be more or less critical to your role as an analyst. However, it’s valuable to understand how product lifecycles work and how to evaluate them for potential improvements.

What roles could analysts play in an organization’s marketing and PR activities?

Many organizations interested in sustainability know that pursuing sustainability initiatives can be a great way to get positive attention from the community. As part of your job as a sustainability analyst, you will likely be asked to help develop materials that showcase the work you and your organization are doing.

What is the biggest difference between private and public sustainability analyst roles?

Sustainability analysts work for all kinds of organizations, including cities, states, corporations, and small businesses. There are many differences between public and private organizations, and their approaches to sustainability are also different.

What challenges can an analyst expect to face when arriving at a new job?

Just like any job, the role of a sustainability analyst comes with its own set of challenges. You’ll need to speak confidently about your role and what sustainability means to the organization to build effective relationships with your coworkers and management.