College Experiences that Helped a Senior Manager Sustainability at Protiviti Succeed
To prepare for a career in corporate sustainability, Casey emphasizes the importance of finding community and building a network, such as through involvement in college environmental resource centers and internships at organizations like the Sierra Club, and suggests leveraging professor connections for guidance and opportunities. Casey also highlights the value of "segue career" moves that incrementally move one closer to their desired career path, referencing a former undergraduate aspiration to work in corporate sustainability at Apple and ultimately landing a similar role at another tech company.
Networking, Environmental Science, Internships, Career Pathing, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Casey Junod
Sr Manager Sustainability
Protiviti
San Jose State University
UCLA - Anderson
Environmental & Related Sciences
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Consulting
LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Finding community and building a network within the sustainability space is crucial, especially through resources like college environmental centers.
2. Interning at relevant organizations, such as environmental NGOs like the Sierra Club, helps build connections and gain practical experience.
3. Building relationships with professors can provide valuable guidance, references, and insights into job opportunities in the field.
Transcript
What did you do in college to set you up for success in your career?
I think similar to one of the other questions you asked, one of the most important things in the world of corporate sustainability, especially if you're in environmental science or environmental studies, is finding community and building your network within your space.
I was lucky enough to have a college with an environmental resource center, and I was on its board. I also interned at an environmental non-governmental organization, the Sierra Club, and built connections there.
I became very friendly with my professors. When job opportunities arose, I'd ask them for references, guidance on resume building, or interview preparation.
I also considered where I could fit into a segue career. Not every position right out of college will be your dream job, but does it get you incrementally closer to what that dream job might look like?
I remember thinking in an undergraduate class that it would be amazing to work in corporate sustainability at Apple. While I don't work at Apple, I ended up working in corporate sustainability at another tech company. You plant a seed and start building your career path toward something.
It will manifest itself in ways where you have stepping stones to take along the way.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyjunod/