Voici comment vous pouvez jongler avec la formation continue en durabilité tout en travaillant à temps plein.

While working for Amyris Inc., I was inspired to complete a Packaging Management Certification via Clemson University’s Packaging School. It was vital to understand the purpose of the program, dedicate intentional time to the certification, and communicate with the professors/leaders of the program to achieve success.

I was taking a Integrated Waste Management and a Leadership development course at the same time. I was pressing against many deadlines in the workplace as well. Finally, I was to the point I had to block the time out on my calendar to do the online learning to complete. Some of the time was in person learning, so that was already on my calendar. Once I was able to get there, I was able to put the focus in that was necessary to complete. I can honestly say I was successful and able to complete the certifications. Moral of the story: we truly find the time do do the things that are most important to us. I often think of when I am able to golf or compete in a running race, how excited and the adrenaline rush I feel leading up to the race.

Juggling continuing education in sustainability while working full-time involves prioritizing time management, leveraging online courses for flexibility, setting achievable learning goals, and integrating learning into daily routines. Regularly schedule study sessions, utilize breaks effectively, and seek employer support for professional development opportunities to balance work and learning commitments successfully.

To juggle continuing education in sustainability while working full-time, prioritize time management and flexibility. Choose online courses or programs that offer self-paced learning and fit into your schedule. Set realistic goals and dedicate specific time slots for studying each week. Utilize resources like recorded lectures and mobile apps for learning on the go. What's more, I think communicating your learning goals with supervisors or colleagues to gain support and understanding is helpful. By balancing workload and study commitments effectively, you can advance your knowledge in sustainability alongside your full-time job.

Improve efficiency by implementing energy-saving technologies and optimizing processes. Reduce waste through recycling programs and minimizing resource use. Enhance corporate sustainability initiatives by setting measurable goals, investing in green technologies, engaging employees in sustainability practices, and regularly reviewing and reporting progress to ensure continuous improvement.

Part of your development plan as a sustainability professional is precisely stay updated. Some browsers have the option to send you updates about news related to a topic. You can add such reminders with some keywords like "sustainability regulation", "sustainable materials", "waste management" or any other topic that is important for your daily work. You will be able to find even specific training for that and that way you will be incorporating something new. Just 15 minutes of daily reading on the topics and trends could help you increase your knowledge of a topic.

A support network is an essential part to continuing sustainability education. By developing a large community of people in the field and outside it, you are open to new perspectives that can be seen as educational. Attending sustainability advisory committees in your local government is a great way of building the support network necessary to continue your education while also surrounding yourself with likeminded environmentalists.

And remember - you are doing this for now, but not always. If you are taking on one of the new sustainability educational or certification courses, maybe understanding that it actually is a stretch goal. This new undertaking might actually be hard in the short term - but the rewards will outlast the growing pains. You are opting to take on a fuller plate now for a long term benefit as you uplevel ESG skills and possibly even pivot in your career. This challenging time of work and study will not last forever. And when you have gotten through this challenge, you will not only be better prepared for new sustainability roles - but you will have developed more grit in the process.