Academy
Career Pathways
Six modules to help women in sustainability science, policy and practice flourish in their careers: from writing a winning CV to working in international organisations, academia, the private sector or government, or leading their own company.
Six modules
Choose your module
Every module is designed for women in sustainability science, policy and practice. Start with Career Essentials, then choose the sector where you want to grow. Select “See the masterclasses” on each module to explore its content.
For every woman in sustainability
Career Essentials: applications that open doors
The foundation for every pathway: present your skills and your impact in sustainability with clarity and confidence.
See the masterclasses
- 1.1Masterclass 1 · Your CV, Your Story: CVs and cover letters Available now
- 1.2Masterclass 2 · Your professional presence on LinkedIn Available now
- 1.3Masterclass 3 · Your Path, Your Strategy Available now
- 1.4Masterclass 4 · Four Paths, One Purpose Available now
- 1.5Masterclass 5 · Your Network, Your Allies Available now
- 1.6Masterclass 6 · Your Interview, Your Moment Available now
- 1.7Masterclass 7 · Your Offer, Your Worth Available now
- 1.8Masterclass 8 · Start Strong, Speak Up Available now
- 1.9Addressing selection criteria and competency questions
For women aiming at the UN system, development banks and international NGOs
Careers in International Organisations
Understand how international organisations recruit and position yourself for staff roles and consultancies.
See the masterclasses
- 2.1The landscape: the UN system, multilateral development banks and international NGOs
- 2.2Entry routes: internships, young professional programmes, staff positions and consultancies
- 2.3Writing applications for international recruitment systems
- 2.4Written tests, assessments and competency based interviews
- 2.5Building a consultancy career and joining expert rosters
For women pursuing research and academic careers
Careers in Academia
From your first scholarship to an academic position: build a research career in sustainability.
See the masterclasses
- 3.1Choosing your research path and finding a supervisor
- 3.2Securing scholarships and fully funded PhD positions
- 3.3Postdoctoral fellowships: finding them and writing winning proposals
- 3.4Publishing your research and building your academic profile
- 3.5Grant writing and research funding
- 3.6Navigating the academic job market
For women driving sustainability in business
Careers in the Private Sector
Bring sustainability into business and grow into corporate and consulting roles that create value for people and the planet.
See the masterclasses
- 4.1Sustainability and ESG roles in business: what companies look for
- 4.2Speaking the language of business: the business case for sustainability
- 4.3Key skills: ESG reporting, impact assessment and sustainability strategy
- 4.4Consulting careers in sustainability
- 4.5Growing into leadership within your organisation
For women shaping policy and public decisions
Careers in Government and Public Policy
Understand how government works and build the skills to shape sustainability policy from within.
See the masterclasses
- 5.1How government works: ministries, agencies and the policy cycle
- 5.2Public sector recruitment and applications
- 5.3Writing policy briefs and advice for decision makers
- 5.4Working across government, development partners and communities
- 5.5Leading change from within the public sector
For women leading or launching their own sustainability ventures
Women Founders and CEOs
Turn your expertise into a venture and lead it with purpose, from your first idea to a growing organisation.
See the masterclasses
- 6.1From idea to venture: designing a sustainability business model
- 6.2Building your offer, pricing and first clients
- 6.3Funding your venture: grants, impact investment and finance
- 6.4Legal set up, governance and building your team
- 6.5Leading as a CEO: strategy, brand and growth
All six modules
The complete Career Pathways programme, with 30% off.
One fair price
The same price wherever you are
We want every woman in sustainability to have access to Career Pathways, so we offer one fair price for everyone, in every country.
Every module
USD 400All six modules together: USD 1,680, with 30% off.
Students
USD 300For current students anywhere, with a valid student ID from your institution: 25% off every module.
Request your student discount
Upload a current student ID from your university or institution. Once we verify it, we will email you a personal code for 25% off, valid for 90 days.
How it works
Start learning in four steps
Choose
Select a module, a unit or a complete award.
Enrol
Complete your enrolment and receive your invoice by email.
Learn
Receive your access details and study online at your own pace.
Certify
Complete your assessment and receive your certificate.
Not sure where to start?
Book a free orientation call
Tell us about your goals and we will help you choose the pathway that fits your career.
Book a callMore in Academy
Certificate included
Finish and receive your WSF certificate
When you complete the eight Career Essentials masterclasses, you receive a digital certificate from the Women Sustainability Forum with your name and a unique verification number.
- Issued instantly online and sent to your email
- Save it as a PDF or print it
- Add it to your LinkedIn profile in one click
- Employers can verify it on our website
Women Sustainability Forum in collaboration with IBF International Institute for Better Futures
Certificate of Completion
This certifies that
Your Name Here
has successfully completed
Career Essentials
WSF Career Pathways · Eight masterclasses: applications, job search strategy, career paths, networking, interviews, negotiation, onboarding and presenting
For women who want to grow where they are
WSF Leadership Track
Career Essentials prepares you for your next role. The Leadership Track, helps women already working in sustainability grow and lead inside their organisations, in eight masterclasses in English and Spanish. Organisations can enrol their teams.
Explore the Leadership Track →- Your impact story
- Visibility and influence
- Your growth strategy
- Leading sustainability from where you are
- Allies and sponsorship
- Conversations that matter
- Negotiate your growth
- Lead teams with purpose