In this previous article, we explored what circular economy is and highlighted its broader impact, going beyond the 3 Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle. But what does it actually mean to work in fields related to the circular economy?

In this blog, we’ll explore emerging career paths and share valuable insights into the skills needed to navigate opportunities in the circular economy. Whether you’re a future professional or seeking to upskill or reskill, this guide will prepare you for what’s next in this rapidly evolving field.

Three different career paths driving the green transition in the circular economy 

“The future is in your hands” is a common quote repeated to students for many generations. I will not discuss the pressure it puts on the younger generation this time. But I must say, if you choose a career path that drives the transition to a circular economy, these types of quotes are not too far from the truth.

Let’s explore some career paths for professionals interested in contributing to the circular economy:

This career path concerns using resources wisely, reducing environmental damage, and ensuring different industries adopt sustainable practices. This is achieved by digging into various disciplines, ranging from STEM to economics, environmental law, and even sociology. The more I learned, the more I saw how interconnected they are! Environmental and Resource Management is a transversal career, and managers are uniquely positioned to help build resilient, inclusive systems that drive the circular economy forward.

For example, with technical and stem-related knowledge, we can optimize resource extraction and use; by understanding environmental policy and international law, we guide organizations in complying with sustainability regulations and global standards while promoting responsible practices that consider socio-environmental impacts on local communities. Lastly, we can apply sustainable finance by understanding economic trends and needs.

A career path in Artificial Intelligence (AI) aligns with all three core principles outlined in the previous article Understanding the Circular Economy: A Sustainable Approach, especially when applied to the transition toward a circular economy. AI tools, handled properly, can enhance resource efficiency, minimize waste, help redesign products that last longer, develop models to cut down pollution, aid in nature regeneration, optimise supply chains, or even provide scenarios for developing business models within the circular economy. The possibilities are endless, and one example is the Solarpunk movement, which focuses on creating a sustainable future by blending technology, nature, and community.

Waste management professionals have always been key to our consumption habits, and the transition to a circular economy is no exception. In a circular economy, their role is evolving to emphasize waste minimization, encourage waste separation, reclaiming materials, and even create energy from waste through processes like anaerobic digestion. This is similar to the aluminum closed-loop system discussed in the previous article, Understanding the Circular Economy: A Sustainable Approach. Waste management professionals are crucial to pursuing urban mining for critical metals for the energy transition and the circular economy! 

Essential skills for careers within the circular economy 

A career in the circular economy holds plenty of opportunities in the job market. However, a significant skill gap still exists. We can successfully move from a linear model to a circular economy through investments in education and training programs that focus on circularity.

Hard skills vary by career path. For instance, professionals in artificial intelligence need programming and scripting skills to develop tools that optimize resource use and support circular models. On the other hand, environmental and resource managers benefit from life cycle assessment and data analysis skills, enabling them to track and improve resource efficiency, ensuring sustainable practices across industries. Waste management specialists require a strong foundation in theoretical and applied sciences skills to assess waste streams, identify optimal collection and treatment methods, and transform waste into reusable resources.

But soft skills are equally essential. In a career driving in the circular economy, you will constantly face complexities and uncertainties. Adaptability and critical thinking are important across all career paths. Related skills like collaboration, open-mindedness, creativity, organization, and problem-solving are essential to developing adaptability and critical thinking in the circular economy. Working together, thinking outside the box, and learning from others help professionals effectively address shared challenges and drive sustainable solutions.

Knowledge and cooperation have immense power, and incredible things can happen. But they also require everyone’s involvement. By pursuing a career that supports the transition to a circular economy, you are not just watching the change but part of it.

In conclusion, careers in the circular economy offer exciting pathways to make a real difference in sustainability, innovation, and community resilience. The EIT Campus is here to support your journey with upskilling and reskilling programmes designed to help you build the transversal skills essential for this field. Join the conversation on the comments section and connect with like-minded learners and professionals in our EIT Campus Online Community for free. Together, let’s keep learning, collaborating, and leading the way toward a sustainable future!

References:

  1. World Economic Forum – The green transition requires an upskilled workforce. Here’s why. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/green-transition-skilled-workforce-manpowergroup/  
  1. OECD (2023), “The green transition and jobs: what do we know?” in Job Creation and Local Economic Development 2023: Bridging the Great Green Divide, OECD Publishing, Paris. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/57489fa4-en  
  1. BAFS – A New Concept With a Long History. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.basf.com/global/en/who-we-are/history/25-years-sustainability/conceptual-history  
  1. UN – Sustainability. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability