The boom in education for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability is at its peak. It’s obvious that the little bots on my social media are showing various ads about MBAs, short courses, mentoring, coaching, and all the modules available on this topic.
Some people have reached out to me on LinkedIn to inquire about which MBA is best, which course is worthwhile, whether that institution is reputable, and if it’s worth developing something. They ask if the price of this MBA is too high or if that free course is worth it.
I decided to write this quick article to answer some questions and present a few courses I’m involved in. After all, I’ve worked in marketing and advertising, right?
Should I take a short course, a longer one, a postgraduate program, an MBA, or a master’s degree?
Before answering this question, you need to know what you’re looking for in a course. Here are some sub-questions:
1.1. Where do you want to go with this course?
1.2. Where do you want to go in your career?
1.3. Are you choosing this because it’s trendy? Or because someone said you could earn R$ 25,000 a month?
1.4. Which specific area do you want to work in within ESG? In corporate sustainability? In positive social and environmental impact?
1.5. Are you making a career transition? Is this the right time? Why did you choose ESG and sustainability?
I always ask these questions in my mentoring sessions with undergraduate and postgraduate students. Many come excited about wanting to defend the planet, help people, and improve the world. Yes, that is one of the functions and goals of the field. But there’s a romantic aspect; if you don’t have resilience, you may struggle in the first six months. I’ve seen many people over the past 25 years in this field who started but couldn’t continue. Or who engaged in a beautiful process and sought their essence as human beings, opting for a more spiritualized life.
Use this excitement to study, meet people, learn about organizations, and explore the various areas encompassed by the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Investigate what is being done and what isn’t. In short, research extensively, attend free lectures, webinars, etc.
Should I pursue an MBA or a short course?
If you have no prior knowledge of the field or possess some knowledge without a clear methodology or line of reasoning, I suggest a short course that outlines the “LEGO” pieces of ESG and Sustainable Development. Check out some of the ones I’m involved with listed below.
After completing a short course with a lower financial investment, you will be better equipped to choose a more focused MBA or postgraduate program. For example, an MBA in Human Rights, Social Responsibility, and Global Citizenship, or an MBA in Sustainable Development and Circular Economy, or a Master in ESG in Practice. Increasingly, MBAs and postgraduate programs are becoming more focused on specific themes, but many still offer a broader perspective, which is also valuable.
An academic Master’s degree is for those who aim for a career in academia, conducting research, teaching, and seeking a life in academia and research within the ESG and sustainability fields. However, there are also professional master’s programs that confer a master’s title, which is important for some companies.
An MBA or postgraduate program will yield a certificate of knowledge in that subject, essentially specializing you in ESG, Sustainability, Sustainable Development, etc.
Neither title guarantees a job in the field if you’re looking for employment. Companies today seek individuals with applied knowledge, as investors and the market demand practical ESG implementation. Recruiters are asking for examples of completed projects and, often, proof of those projects. However, the demand has been so high that in some companies, recruitment may occur. Do you follow my job posts? No? I almost always post them here on LinkedIn every Friday. Check my timeline.
Can I participate in lectures, mentoring, and coaching?
Yes, attend as many as you can! There are numerous free lectures at universities, online, at the Brazilian Association of Professionals for Sustainable Development (Abraps), at the Center for Socio-environmental Development of ESPM, which I coordinate, and many other exciting opportunities. Various universities across Brazil also hold debates, lectures, and forums.
In mentoring and coaching, I have many colleagues who are the first and second generations of ESG and sustainability in Brazil with excellent projects on the topic. They help identify gaps in hard and soft skills for specific job opportunities or life projects. At Abraps, I also have a Fellows program, and I’ve provided the link below.
How can I know if professors, professionals, or mentors are good?
This is a tough question to answer. I generally like to look at their profiles on LinkedIn, review their academic CVs, check their social media, search on Google, and see their articles in the public domain or academic publications. However, the most important thing is to talk to people in the field. I’ve heard many stories of individuals who are excellent in digital communication but lack the “true spirit” of sustainable development. Conversely, there are many low-profile colleagues who are incredibly talented yet may not excel in communication. Nothing beats a solid recommendation or the experience of those who have worked together. Be cautious of sustainability and ESG professionals who are good on stage but don’t truly understand climate change or the SDGs.
In short, do thorough research if you genuinely want to invest in this area and profession. If you have any questions, I’m here to help!
Bridging the skills gap through executive courses abroad
Imagine diving into a transformative short-term executive course abroad, where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a way to supercharge your career. These immersive programs don’t just expand your knowledge—they actively help close the skills gap in a field that’s more critical than ever. You’ll gain hands-on insights into cutting-edge sustainability practices, ready to bring them back and make a real impact in your organization.
Engaging with industry leaders and like-minded peers in an international business setting opens the door to innovative frameworks and fresh strategies. You’ll discover new ways to collaborate and think outside the box, enhancing your employability while preparing you to drive meaningful change in your field.
With the demand for sustainability expertise skyrocketing, earning a short-term executive credential can propel your career forward, positioning you as a forward-thinking leader equipped to tackle the pressing challenges of sustainability. Get ready to make a difference!
