Throughout the series we have identified a number of skills that you should develop to help you in finding your version of success. We have then suggest methods that you can use to develop those skills. In this guide we will discuss what skills you should develop to help create a more sustainable future.
In the podcast located in the resources section I interviewed the University of Derby Environment and Sustainability Manager Liz Hunt to discuss what is meant by sustainability, how all careers are impacted by sustainability, how you can impact the sustainable development goals as a student, the skills that you can develop to make a sustainable impact, and how you can overcome the barriers to sustainable thinking. Here are some of the key highlights from our discussions:
Liz explained that sustainability is broad and encompasses more than just climate action. It also includes, good health and wellbeing, no poverty, quality education and 13 other goals. See the Sustainable Development Goals for more information on what is meant by sustainability.
Anyone can make sustainable impacts. You don't need a sustainability related degree, as you can use your skills from your course to make a difference. Even if you don't know much about sustainability you can start learning by researching the Sustainable Development Goals and making small changes. Having a growth mindset helps with this.
Liz Hunt identified the key skills that you can develop to make an impact. These include problem solving, enterprise, networking, strategic thinking and collaboration. See the related guides for information and content that can help you in developing these key skills.
Finally it is not too late to start making an impact. Liz recommended starting by taking small actions that will make you more sustainable, and build up what you do over time. Once action that you could do it to get involved in a sustainability related group at the University of Derby. I have linked these in the resources section.