Future-Proof Your CV With ESG Skills – Why Innovative ESG Education Matters

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are becoming central to business strategies, with companies increasingly seeking professionals who can contribute to sustainable and ethical practices. In today’s competitive job market, acquiring ESG skills and practical experience can significantly enhance your career prospects. But what ESG skills do you need and how can an MBA help you to acquire them?

Understanding Environmental, Social, And Governance (ESG) And Why It Matters To Every MBA Student

The three pillars of ESG represent a framework for evaluating the ethical and sustainability practices of a company: 

• Environmental: Focuses on a company’s impact on the environment, including energy use, waste management, and pollution control.
• Social: Examines how a company manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and communities, encompassing diversity, human rights, and community engagement.
• Governance: Pertains to a company’s internal practices and policies, including corporate ethics, risk management, and compliance.

To prepare future leaders to tackle societal and environmental challenges and to empower them to make a real difference, MBA programs need a multifaceted approach that combines rigorous academic learning with immersive action learning. 

ESG is not just one isolated topic, it runs through all areas of business and an MBA program should reflect this. It is vital that MBA graduates understand the challenges organizations are facing and have the skills and insights needed to find and implement solutions. Whatever field you are looking to move into, ESG knowledge is key for your career and for business in general.

When looking for an MBA, look for a program which integrates ESG throughout the curriculum as well as having dedicated topics. But theoretical knowledge is not enough, it is important that you can demonstrate to future employers that you can apply your learning.

For example, on the EDHEC Global MBA, ESG learning is integrated throughout all courses and includes a 5-month Sustainable Impact Challenge where teams of students work on real-life challenges for a wide range of organizations. Students learn first-hand about the complexity of ESG issues in business and get into challenging conversations on these topics with faculty, business leaders, peers and experts. Our MBAs produce real deliverables which organizations can then implement. 

Sandra Richez, Global MBA Program Director emphasized the importance of applied ESG education “When our MBA graduates rejoin the business world after the program, they will drive change through ESG projects like these. They will be able to deliver impactful results with confidence and responsibility in many sectors. It is our greatest hope that our EDHEC MBA graduates will multiply similar projects in businesses everywhere so we can contribute meaningfully and pragmatically to making business better across the world. It is part of our mission in higher education to develop responsible leaders and aligns with EDHEC’s values of impact, engagement and innovation.”

The Growing Demand For ESG Skills In Business

ESG skills are increasingly sought after by companies because they drive sustainable growth and risk management. In 2023, global sustainable investment reached over $50 trillion, and McKinsey reports that firms with strong ESG frameworks often see better market performance and operational efficiency.

Sectors such as finance, manufacturing, and technology are actively seeking professionals with expertise in ESG to enhance their sustainability efforts and improve risk management. PwC for example intends to invest $12 billion over five years to create 100,000 jobs focused on climate, diversity reporting, and artificial intelligence as part of its global strategy. 

While many of tomorrow’s jobs don’t exist yet, more and more companies are recruiting for roles with impact which focus on business sustainability and ensuring performance on a triple bottom line (people, profit and planet).

This trend underscores the critical need for job seekers or career changers to develop and highlight their ESG competencies to increase their employability. 

Growing awareness of and interest in ESG related subjects are increasingly reflected in students’ professional choices as they seek to align their career with their personal values. Business Schools note that more and more MBA applicants are looking for programs that can help them make a positive impact on the world. 

“I chose EDHEC Business School because of its outstanding commitment to sustainability, demonstrated by its 4th place ranking for ESG by The Financial Times, and the diversity it celebrates—not just in gender balance and age range but also in the rich tapestry of cultures represented by 31 nationalities.” explains Zachary Cho, EDHEC Global MBA graduate and recently named one of the Best & Brightest MBAs 2024 by Poets&Quants.

What Are Key ESG Skills And How To Acquire Them?

ESG has many facets, requiring different skill sets: 

Environmental: 

Knowledge of sustainability practices, energy management, and environmental regulations as well as skills in conducting environmental impact assessments, implementing green initiatives, and managing resources efficiently are highly sought after.

Social: 

Expertise in diversity and inclusion strategies, community engagement, and human rights and an understanding of how to foster an inclusive workplace, engage with local communities, and uphold ethical labor practices are crucial.

Governance: 

Proficiency in corporate ethics, risk management, and compliance and relevant skills in developing corporate governance frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting transparency and accountability are essential.

By acquiring and showcasing these skills, you can enhance your employability and contribute to the sustainable success of the organisations you work for.

An MBA To Make A Difference – EDHEC’s Innovative Approach To ESG Education

It is important to choose an MBA programme that goes beyond academic learning when it comes to ESG education. While knowledge of pressing environmental and societal issues, national and international rules and regulatory frameworks is important, being able to demonstrate your ability to apply this knowledge and deliver tangible results will set you apart from other candidates. 

EDHECs Global MBA cooperates with trailblazing companies, including start-ups as well as multinational corporations, who regularly share their experiences and learnings in the field of ESG compliance and sustainable business models through conferences, company visits and learning expeditions. Students actively work on real-life cases through consulting hackathons, business simulations and MBA projects, in addition to the Sustainable Impact Challenge. Subjects cover all areas of ESG and include projects around circular economy principles within the banking industry, sustainability in data science, reduction of obesity and lifestyle related pathologies, or fighting biases in recruitment. 

For graduates who want to create their own company, EDHEC has recently launched a €40 Million investment fund to support “Startups With Impact”, investing in four main areas: climate transition & biodiversity, health & wellbeing – especially of employees and companies, conscious consumption as well as equity & inclusion. 

“In addition to specific ESG skills, the leadership skills, business acumen, and strategic thinking honed through an MBA are invaluable. These competencies enable our graduates to seamlessly incorporate ESG projects and activities into the broader business strategy. It is only by integrating ESG principles into innovative and sustainable business models, and measuring their success against clearly defined KPIs, that organisations can guarantee their enduring positive and sustainable impact. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability is not merely an add-on but a core component of the business ethos, driving long-term value and resilience.” explains Stéphane Canonne, Associate Dean for Executive Education & MBAs at EDHEC Business School and expert in sustainable business models. 

Conclusion

As companies are recognising the importance of sustainability and ethical practices, leading to a surge in ESG-related job roles, graduates are seeking more meaningful and impactful career paths. By integrating ESG skills into your CV, you not only demonstrate your commitment to responsible business practices but also position yourself as a forward-thinking candidate capable of driving long-term success. An ESG and sustainability-focused MBA is a perfect way to propel your career in the direction you want. 

What are ESG skills and how can an MBA help you  enhance your employability and contribute to the sustainable success of your organization?

EDHEC Business School, a leader in management education in Europe since 1906 reflected in its triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA), has been ranked 7th Best Business School in Europe by the Financial Times for three straight years. EDHEC’s campuses are centers of excellence, innovation, foresight and diversity, and are committed to serving future generations in a world undergoing radical change. Our top-ranked and highly personalized 10-month Global MBA program focuses on global business vision, leadership skills, and sustainability to help you transform your future.