Tufts Sustainability Networking Night 2024: Paving the Way for Sustainable Careers

On February 29th, Tufts University hosted an event aimed at bridging the gap between students and professionals working in sustainability. The Sustainability Networking Night, organized by the Tufts Career Center, the Office of Sustainability, and the Environmental Studies Program, provided a platform for almost 100 students to engage with professionals representing a diverse array of organizations committed to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

The event commenced with an introduction by Colin Orians, the Chair of the Environmental Studies Department. Dano Weisbord, Chief Sustainability Officer at Tufts University, moderated the panel discussion, featuring Amy Cotter, Director of Climate Strategies for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy; Matthew Yamatin, Sustainability Program Director at Thermo Fisher Scientific; Caroline Fitzgerald, Northeast Client Relations at RMF Engineering, Inc.; and Zachary Crowley, Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Public Affairs. The insightful panel discussions emphasized the unique journeys individuals take in the field of sustainability, spanning various industries and backgrounds.

The speakers underscored the core principle of sustainability—meeting the needs of the present while enhancing the ability of future generations to meet their needs justly and equitably. The commitment to this principle was evident in the various career paths and projects discussed during the event.

One prominent takeaway from the talk was the varying academic paths of each of the professionals. Some panelists did not directly study environmental science and encouraged individuals from diverse academic backgrounds to get involved with sustainability. Furthermore, the panelists stressed the importance of passion and genuine interest in a company when exploring career opportunities in sustainability.

Following the panel discussions, students had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from organizations dedicated to sustainability. The event featured companies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, Groundwork Somerville, Long Trail Sustainability, and many more, providing students with a firsthand look at the diverse career paths available within the sustainability sector.

As Tufts continues to champion sustainability initiatives, events like these play a crucial role in inspiring and guiding the next generation of leaders committed to building a more sustainable future.

See a video review of the event here!