Profession and Purpose

Now in its third edition, Profession and Purpose is the essential resource for MBA students interested in applying their business skills and expertise in careers that address the climate and sustainability challenges the world is facing. Whether you’re interested in corporate sustainability strategy, climate tech venture capital, clean energy development, purpose-driven business, or any number of other career paths, Katie Kross will serve as your guide as you navigate your options and strategies.

This third edition presents ideas for researching companies, making the most of your networking, identifying job and internship openings, and preparing for interviews. With new sections, references, and profiles, it directs you to the best resources and helps you to fine-tune your sustainability job search strategy. Since the publication of earlier editions, there has been a shift in hiring trends, with many more climate and clean energy jobs becoming available, and newer career options, such as circular economy specialist roles, replacing less-frequently posted titles like the corporate social responsibility specialist. This new edition highlights hiring trends, including in clean energy, as well as lists of example internships and jobs. It provides up-to-date resources, including conferences, recruiters, and job boards.

This guide is your roadmap to climate and sustainability careers, whether you are focused on an off-campus search or participating in the on-campus recruiting process. No matter what stage of the search process you're in, this book is your go-to guide for your sustainability career.

Katie Kross is a thought leader, writer, and educator at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business who has counseled hundreds of MBA students to go into climate and sustainability careers.