Sustainable Business Management Certificate FAQs
What type of work can I do with a Sustainable Business Management Certificate?Graduates of the Sustainable Business Management program assess and measure, plan, strategize, implement and lead sustainable business projects and practices. As sustainability champions, or ‘intrapreneurs,’ graduates effectively communicate strategies to capture and create value in the supply chain of a business or organization, using a systems-thinking toolkit such as ‘design for the environment’ or ‘cradle-to-cradle’ principles. Graduates can effectively communicate the business case for sustainability to the public, employees, employers and other stakeholders, and recommend sustainable marketing strategies. As eco-entrepreneurs, graduates have the knowledge, skills and abilities to create a formal sustainable business plan that includes a detailed marketing, operational and financial plan for a sustainable business opportunity of choice.
What are the job prospects for graduates of this program?
Graduates may find employment in both the private and public sector in areas such as corporate social responsibility, emissions management, green procurement, lifecycle accounting, green supply chain management, green sales & marketing and sustainable business development, or development of alternative strategies. This emerging field of study is of increased importance in a conservation economy, where businesses strive to decrease cost and improve efficiencies. In a recent global survey of over 4700 executives, over two-thirds stated that they have increased their commitment to sustainability in the last year. (Source: MIT Sloan Review, 2011)
Where can I expect to work after graduation?
Graduates will find employment in organizations increasingly concerned with sustainable business development - private sector, government, education, non-profit organizations, energy, healthcare, and many others. Graduates will also find employment in the trend toward locally owned and operated businesses, and businesses interested in social innovation, and amongst the many locally managed non-profit organizations.
What qualities contribute to success in this field?
This program is especially suited to individuals passionate about the use of business for benefit, either to mitigate environmental or social impacts, to advance community oriented development, or simply to create or manage a sustainable business.
Sustainability specialists engage thoughtfully in innovative environments, and possess excellent communication and computer skills, and are adaptive, persistent and believe they can create positive change in the workplace. Using their analytic skills and their desire to implement new models of sustainability, sustainability champions have previous experience in business, management or some other relevant professional background or related post-secondary education.
Successful applicants should expect to be challenged in this field, to be creative, to use ingenuity in order to lead change, and appreciate working and learning in a cooperative environment.
How much can I expect to earn?
Salaries for sustainability specialists are variable depending on years of experience and the employer’s salary scale. The demand is described at the Alberta Occupational Profiles website as follows: “Sustainability specialists also are emerging because of an increased need for communities and organizations to incorporate: triple bottom line (people, planet and profit) accounting, life-cycle accounting, sustainability planning and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, natural resource management, and sustainability principles.” (Source: http://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo, 2011)
Is this program suitable for mature learners with previous life and work experience?
Yes. The Business Department has many students that are returning to learning as adults and bring excellent life and work experience to their learning and their new careers.
