Technology spans all industries, from creating software for a specialized task to automating processes and analyzing data for decision-making. Climate tech naturally emerged as tech pros felt compelled to use their skills to find solutions for emissions and the impact of global warming. If you, too, feel galvanized to make a difference with your tech skills but are struggling to find your in with climate tech, consider taking a short course to upskill for the career you’re eyeing.
Taking a course boosts your knowledge of the issues and demonstrates to hiring managers that you are serious about breaking into the climate tech field. We’ve gathered some of the best courses to help you quickly upskill your resume.
1. The Future of Sustainable Business — Oxford University
Oxford offers an 8-week course that will familiarize you with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals were adopted in 2015, focusing on ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring that people will enjoy peace and prosperity in the future.
In this course, you’ll learn about the effects we’re experiencing due to unsustainable development models, the latest trends, processes, and policies implemented, the conflicting strategies and viewpoints in the field, and how to lead impactful change within an enterprise.
The quick info:
8-week course (expect 4-5 hours a week workload)
£1,500
Receive a certificate of completion when the course concludes.
2. Business Sustainability Management — University of Cambridge
Learn to drive social responsibility and make meaningful changes in your professional career with the Business Sustainability Management short course at the University of Cambridge. This course is guided by the globally recognized University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. It’s presented in eight modules:
Sustainability challenges and opportunities
The business case and leadership for action
Regulatory environment and international policy
Production and consumption
Design, technology, and planning for sustainability
Communication and marketing
Collaboration and partnerships
Rewiring your business approach
Participants in this course should have professional experience and an interest in learning best practices and staying current on corporate responsibility efforts. Upon completion, you should feel confident addressing environmental sustainability challenges.
The quick info:
1.5-week orientation, followed by an 8-week course (expect 8-12 hours a week)
£2,200
Receive a certificate of completion. The United Kingdom Continuing Professional Development Certification Service recognizes this course.
3. Sustainability Leadership Labs — Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
While most short courses for upskilling yourself are available online, Cambridge University offers a two-day, in-person workshop on campus. On these two days, attendees will learn about emerging opportunities in climate technology. You’ll also walk away with access to a network of 27,000 global sustainability leaders.
One must have taken a previous course at the Lab or currently hold a sustainability position. Because this is an on-location course, a visa may be necessary to enter the UK for this course. The fine print states that you can contact the Labs to inquire about online opportunities.
The quick info:
2-day immersive workshop
£1,000 (If you are interested in other Labs, the rates may be lower per Lab)
Gain access to Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) Network upon completion of the Lab.
4. Systems Thinking: Climate Change & Sustainable Decision Making — University of Glasgow
If you want to understand the impact climate change has on the world and how to make better decisions for the future, the Systems Thinking: Climate Change & Sustainable Decision Making course is the perfect match. This course will have you well-versed in actions for reducing carbon footprints and addressing global emergencies.
A bonus of this course is how you evaluate your personal and professional skills, and it helps you translate them into making better decisions at the workplace. You’ll have to practice problem-solving and leading as you work through the fluid nature of the systems at play.
The quick info:
10-week course
£799
An optional assessment test and report are due at the end of Week 10. If you complete the assessments, 10 academic credits are awarded towards a relevant Master’s degree at the University of Glasgow.
5. Environmental Challenges: Justice in Natural Resource Management - University of Leeds
Natural resource management involves understanding the environmental challenges and the principles of equality and justice regarding these resources. This course will explore morality, economics, and the difficulties of using the principle of equality in decision-making.
Being able to plan solutions for intergenerational fairness is stressed in this course. After taking Environmental Challenges: Justice in Natural Resource Management, you should be able to recognize the options and ways you can apply your tech knowledge to save future generations.
The quick info:
2-week course
$99
A digital certificate of course completion is available. The CPD Certification Service accredits this course.
6. Organizing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Hanken School of Economics (Finland)
Organizing for Sustainable Development Goals from the Hanken School of Economics is geared towards private-sector workers, policymakers, and civil society workers looking to make meaningful changes and development in their careers and work. Like Oxford’s short course, the curriculum is structured around the 17 SDGs from the United Nations.
The course focuses on learning each of the goals, why they are important, and the global challenges faced to achieve them. The course also covers current actors and organizations in all different geographical contexts performing this type of work to grasp what is currently being done.
The quick info:
7-week course
$69
A digital certificate of course completion is available.
7. Reducing Carbon Footprints: Taking Action for a Sustainable Future - University of Warwick
Carbon emissions and carbon footprint are the main talking points in climate crisis discussions. This course examines carbon neutrality, greenhouse gas emissions, and local and international commitments to better preserve our world. If you are new to climate tech, this course will help you recognize and communicate climate change challenges to others.
Not only will you be able to communicate better and raise awareness, but you’ll also have the opportunity to examine the emissions of different sectors and map out greenhouse gas emissions.
The quick info:
5-week course (Expect 3 hours of work per week)
$69
A digital certificate of course completion is available.
Connect With Climate Companies
At MVP Match, we connect environmentally conscious freelancers with climate tech organizations. If you are a freelancer interested in finding projects that align with sustainability values, apply to join MVP Match today!
Read next:
How To Know If A Climate Tech Company Is Greenwashing
Project Managers, Scientists, Engineers: Climate Tech Needs You
