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According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 2023 saw the largest-ever increase in jobs in renewable energy. Green jobs rose from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million in 2023, a rise of 18 per cent.
The top five locations for renewable energy jobs are China, the European Union, Brazil, the US and India, IRENA reports.
International students with diverse perspectives are well-primed to enter this burgeoning market for green jobs, but what career opportunities can they expect?
Renewable energy technology
Careers in clean energy could focus on the development of software and hardware to capture solar and wind energy, such as solar panels or wind turbines, or maintaining these systems, or even creating new ones. Graduates can choose from traditional energy companies that are looking for skilled graduates who can accelerate their transition from fossil fuels to renewables, or the growing number of start-ups and smaller employers at the forefront of sustainable technology.
Sustainability and ESG consulting
It’s not just the technical aspects of energy that will require transition. Companies and governments will also need support in the form of consultancy. With many corporations now focusing heavily on environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, employers will be on the lookout for consultants who can support them in everything from legal compliance to translation, ensuring they can meet those goals. Some of the core skills students need will be project management, data analysis and project design.
Supply chain sustainability
A key element of sustainability is ensuring that organisations reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chains. This could be through optimising transport routes, using electric or hybrid vehicles, sustainable sourcing, reducing waste or encouraging carbon offsetting. Graduates with skills in logistics, data analysis and communications will be well-placed to find opportunities in this field.
Agriculture and food
Strengthening local food systems can play a huge role in ensuring communities can produce and access food sustainably, and this is a growing area of research and employment. Opportunities in this area include agriculture and food scientists who understand the most efficient and planet-friendly ways to produce nutritious food, or researchers who can develop alternatives to existing crops. Countries facing high food waste or poor food production will have an acute need for these skills.
Sustainable finance
High finance and saving the environment may not seem like natural bedfellows, but green investment and other aspects of sustainable finance offer a wide range of career opportunities. Investment and asset management companies are keen to show their green credentials by financing low-carbon projects, funding ethical investments and spreading their assets across organisations with solid environmental credentials. For students not interested in the technical side of green careers and with a background in business or finance, this could be a rewarding option.
Although every country will face different environmental goals and challenges, international students with relevant technical skills, alongside strong soft skills such as communication, leadership and critical thinking, will be sought-after candidates in the green jobs market.
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