Entry-level positions for aspiring Strategic Partnership professionals
Rebecca, a Director of Strategic Partnerships at a Fintech Climate Start-up, emphasizes the significant need for entry-level talent in the climate sector, stating that "we literally need all hands on deck." The industry's rapid growth and high turnover create many opportunities for new perspectives and optimism, which is crucial given the challenging nature of the work and the need to counter existing weariness among long-term professionals.
Climate, Sustainability, Finance, Startups, Renewable Energy
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rebecca Saletta
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Fintech Climate Start-up
UCLA
N/a
Communications
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. There are many entry-level positions in the climate industry, and experience is valued more than a specific advanced degree.
2. The climate industry is fast-growing but also experiences high turnover, creating a constant need for new talent.
3. Optimism and fresh perspectives are highly valuable assets in the climate industry, as it can be challenging and emotionally demanding for long-term professionals. New entrants can bring valuable energy and hope to the field.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
Wow, that's so much! This is just happy advice for anyone watching because we literally need all hands on deck in climate. I'll go back to climate as the industry.
I know I'm in auto finance, climate startups, and a bunch of different areas. But let's take a step back and focus on climate because there are so many entry-level positions needed.
Many people who have studied climate feel they need a PhD to get a role. But right now, gaining experience anywhere is so important. This industry is growing very fast.
It's a challenging industry because funding is a big part of it. Many startups come and go, leading to a lot of turnover in climate. Everyone thinks they have the next new idea, and then it fails.
We constantly need new brains and new ideas coming in. I meet people who have been in the industry for 15, 20, or 30 years, and they're getting tired. This is a really hard battle.
Some of the information coming out is difficult to accept. Seeing new people come in with energy is what we need. It shares the weight of that optimism because contagious optimism is what we need.
It's a virtuous cycle of hope, rather than a vicious cycle of pessimism. In climate, you're constantly trying to battle that. Bringing in optimism is incredibly valuable.
People who have been here a long time have been trying to hold onto that optimism themselves, and it gets hard. We need different voices and different perspectives coming in.
So, across the board, whether it's automotive, climate finance, or solar, if you touch it in any way, shape, or form, you're going to make an impact.