Career Path Of A Managing Director Programs And Communication At Work On Climate
After graduating with a degree in biological anthropology, Inbal pursued a "meandering career path," taking a year to teach English in South Korea before entering the tech industry via a sales role, a decision motivated by a desire for growth and "opportunities where you're not gonna get stuck in a junior role." This eventually led to an MBA, focusing on their passion for the environment and climate, culminating in Inbal's current position at a climate-focused non-profit.
Career Exploration, Overcoming Challenges, Career Development, Communication, Nonprofit
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Inbal Nachman
Managing Director, Programs & Communication
Work on Climate
UC Berkeley - Class of 2012
INSEAD - MBA 2018
Ethnic & Related Studies
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Immigrant
Video Highlights
1. Inbal's career path highlights a willingness to explore different fields, beginning with biological anthropology, then teaching English abroad, and finally entering the tech industry and pursuing an MBA focused on climate change.
2. Her advice to take on roles that allow for growth and involve supportive managers/bosses is valuable for students seeking career advancement.
3. Inbal emphasizes the importance of taking breaks to gain clarity and perspective, highlighting her experience teaching English in South Korea as a pivotal moment in finding her career direction.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
I went to sleep at Berkeley, and I had a very meandering career path from my time there. I graduated with a degree in biological anthropology, and I thought I would get my PhD and be in the world of academia.
After I graduated, I went to the field and continued my research, getting hands-on experience in academia. I realized that was really not the right career path for me.
So, I switched very dramatically with no idea of what I wanted to do. I decided to take a year after graduating and teach English in South Korea. I thought that would be a good place for me to reset, have new experiences, and connect with what I truly wanted.
It was a really good time, and I encourage others to take a break if they feel they need it. My break felt perfectly timed and helped me get out of the pressure of college and career expectations.
I came back from South Korea and entered the tech industry in a sales role. I didn't have many skills at the time, so I took any job and any company that would have me. I accepted that first role with the important caveat of making sure it would allow me to grow.
That was the most important criterion for me. I recommend for first jobs out of college to take opportunities where you won't get stuck in a junior role. This is also connected to your manager and the boss you fall under.
I ended up learning a lot, growing a lot, and expanded the scope of my role. From there, I was able to pivot and do an MBA that helped me focus on what I was passionate about: the environment and climate.
I completed my MBA, joined a startup in the climate space, and eventually made my way over to my current position in a nonprofit, also in the climate world.