Sustainability is a key aspect of running a business in today’s woke capitalist culture. And not just environment-wise! Because the true scope of sustainability goes much deeper as it penetrates through some of the most important areas of a business apparatus, including the oh-so-competent stakeholders, rigid laws in social justice, eco-friendly practices, and constant activist causes.
With facets namely human, environmental, social, and economical on the line, it is no surprise that companies, both large and small alike, are adopting sustainability strategies to tackle these challenges.
In order to align their businesses with the needs of modern society and the climate, companies are keen on employing professionals who are especially skilled in sustainability management.
What is Sustainability Management?
Technically known as MBA in Sustainable Business or Sustainability MBA, it is a unique professional graduate-level degree program that offers a complete study of a Master in Business Administration along with a specialization in sustainability.
Also Read: Current role of Corporate Social Responsibility And Its Impact On Society
Some of the key features of this course, apart from the usual core syllabus of an MBA course, would include:
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
- Sustainable Business.
- Sustainable Marketing and Venturing.
- Sustainable Finance & Investing.
- Social Entrepreneurship.
- Climate change- Laws, Policies, and Opportunities.
- Green Policies.
- Disaster/ Risk Management.
- Sustainable Systems.
- Sustainable Operations.
As we can see, an MBA in sustainable business will enable you to achieve the knowledge and understanding required to come up with sound and innovative sustainability techniques that you can apply across a wide range of diverse business models and roles.
Now let’s find out the eligibility criteria for a Sustainability MBA.
How do I get admission into an MBA in Sustainable Business?
The answer is- pretty much the same way you’d get admission into any normal MBA.
Although some sustainability-tailored MBA programs may have their own requirements, most of them generally need the following:
- First and foremost, a bachelor’s or an undergraduate degree.
- Secondly, the funds! (Some schools do offer special executive discounts and scholarships).
- And then, a decent GMAT/GRE score.
Note- In some cases, the employer’s recommendation, reference, and professional experience may also be asked. Plus, some basic knowledge and passion for resolving environmental issues will always give you an advantage.
Is Sustainability Management available through distance education or online learning?
Considering a large number of full-time professionals and part-time students eager to study MBA concentration courses, most business schools allow them via in-person as well as online mode.
However, the provision of online courses may vary depending on the institute. Let’s clear the air:
- The asynchronous online method, which is self-paced, means you can log in at any time and complete the program at your convenience.
- The synchronous online method delivers live courses by means of audio/video conferencing.
- Fully online programs require no physical attendance at the campus.
- Hybrid online programs are designed to arrange in-person meet-ups if required.
So make sure to delve a little deeper when finalizing the most suitable option per your schedule.
What is the duration of a Sustainability Management MBA program?
As such, the duration of an MBA in Sustainability Management may run from anywhere between 1-3 years depending on the type of program and your own educational qualifications.
Certain accelerated on-campus courses may last for 12 months given that you have prior knowledge of business management.
While, others, depending on whether they are full-time or part-time, online or hybrid, may last for anywhere between 1-3 years.
Be sure to run a thorough check as durations may differ from institute to institute and course concentration.
Benefits of Studying Sustainability Management
Given the usual demand for normal MBA graduates, an MBA in Sustainable Business will furnish you with even bigger and more responsible roles across a vast majority of the whole business spectrum.
For management professionals, who are looking to enroll in a specific concentration with an MBA program in order to bag a promotion or leadership role in their subject matter, can get the requisite boost they need.
On top of that, the nature of most processes such as manufacturing, supply chain, and consumption is largely impacted by the continuous fluctuation in the prices of raw materials, scarcity of non-renewable resources, as well as the growing public scrutiny of day-to-day business operations. Making it imperative for progressive businesses to opt for sustainable MBA graduates.
Also Read: Role of HR in Corporate Social Responsibility
Through an MBA in sustainability management, you will learn how to
- improve your brand image
- gain a competitive edge in the market
- increase productivity at low costs
- raise compliance and preserve human rights
- capture a solid consumer base
- attract talented employees as well as strong investors
- reduce waste, energy consumption, and carbon footprint
- maintain healthy relationships with shareholders.
Job Opportunities after Sustainability MBA
While more and more businesses are starting to realize the importance of sustainability; less than 2/3rds have a working strategy in place. This means there are plenty of shoes to fill for MBA recipients in Sustainable Business.
Some of the most common and lucrative career options for such MBA executives include:
- Business Operations Manager
- Sustainability Consultant/ Director
- Supply Chain & Logistics Director
- Compliance Director
- Financial Advisor
- Environment/Climate Specialist
- Administrative Roles
- Portfolio Manager
- Production Manager
- Urban and Regional Planner in Govt establishments
- Other fields include engineering, human resource (HR), natural sciences, eco-tourism, research and development, and so on.
Apparently, there are tons of career options to choose from for sustainability MBA graduates in a majority of fields.
How much does it pay?
Well, just so you know, most thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior execs have an educational background in business management. So MBA graduates, quite clearly, have somewhat like a monopoly in the infamous “C-suite”.
But leadership roles aside, even the more common roles as mentioned above offer a bountiful salary ranging from anywhere between $70,000-$150,000. On top, you get enough space to exercise your own conscience in regard to the collective good of society as a whole.
Final Note
For anybody interested in corporate roles in large corporations, and for those who share some enthusiasm towards nature and humanity, an MBA in Sustainable Business is the perfect boost for your resume and career.
Keith had been a professor in a reputed Varsity. After retirement, he loves writing novels and spending time with his better half and two little daughters.
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