Institute at Brown for Environment and Society
Date
February 12, 2025
Exploring green futures: Brown’s first Climate Careers Fair connects students, alumni, and employers
On Friday, February 7, Sayles Hall buzzed with excitement as students met with representatives from a diverse array of organizations at the inaugural Climate Careers Exploration Fair. The event connected students with employers offering climate-focused jobs and provided insights from alumni navigating careers in the environmental sector.
A Broad Spectrum of Climate Careers
The fair — sponsored by IBES in partnership with The Center for Career Exploration, The Office of the Provost, The Watson Institute, and Climate Solutions Lab — featured more than 35 employers and alumni from industries spanning climate tech, policy, law, consulting, finance, philanthropy, advocacy, and government. Whether students were seeking immediate job opportunities, summer internships, or long-term career advice, the fair was a gateway to impactful work in the climate field.
“ I came here hoping to know where to go from here — what to do over the summer, what to do after school, how to build some connections. This career fair is perfect for that. There are so many different companies that do so many different things. ”
Students engaged with local and national organizations. Employers like the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs emphasized the growing demand for young professionals in the field: “The way that technology is constantly changing, the students coming out of school right now have a better grasp on what it looks like and where we should be trying to go. They’ve grown up with it.”
Nonprofit organizations such as Black Girl Environmentalist also offered guidance on how to navigate the environmental sector as an underrepresented voice. In response to a question about advice for Black students hoping to enter the climate field, a representative from the organization encouraged them to pursue their ambitions boldly: “Your perspective and lived experiences are essential to environmental work. Even if your department is not as diverse as you need it to be, know that you’re not alone in this work.”
Alumni Offer Insight and Encouragement
“ I was an environmental science major. The class Finance and the Environment (ENVS 1547) at Brown really shaped my career path. I wouldn’t be where I am now without it. ”
Brown alumni in climate-related careers were on hand to share their experiences and advice, providing students with real-world perspectives on different professional pathways. They encouraged students to embrace the unpredictable nature of climate careers. Mark Levitt ’02, Senior Advisor for Inflation Reduction Act Implementation at the Environmental Protection Agency, stated, “I started out doing logistics for presidential campaigns. And then I implemented the IRA. There’s not an obvious line between those two.” He also underscored the diverse opportunities available in the climate sector: “There are so many different ways to enter the climate fight. Engineers are in demand, so are economic modelers, and more.”
“ Many companies have already decided that environmental science is good business. They know they need to have a climate-positive impact. To do that, they need to please and attract workers like Brown students. ”
For many students, the event affirmed that opportunities in climate work are abundant and accessible. “I think for students who are really passionate about climate change, if they seek a job out, they can find one,” a student attendee remarked.
With a growing number of organizations dedicated to addressing environmental challenges, the Climate Careers Exploration Fair demonstrated that there is no singular route to making an impact. Students left Sayles Hall with a better understanding of the many ways they can turn their passion for sustainability into a career.
As Brown continues to support students in the climate field, the success of the inaugural fair suggests it could become a cornerstone event for those looking to make a difference in the fight against climate change.