By Jürgen Walch
5 career opportunities for sustainable hospitality professionals
1. Sustainability Coordinator
One of the most obvious career paths for graduates with a degree in Sustainable Management is that of a sustainability coordinator. These professionals are responsible for creating and implementing sustainable initiatives within hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses. They may work with other departments to develop plans for reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Sustainability coordinators must be knowledgeable about sustainable technologies and practices and should possess excellent communication skills to ensure that their initiatives are understood and implemented by staff members.
These are 3 specific examples of sustainability coordinator positions in the hospitality industry:
- Sustainability Coordinator at Marriott International
- Environmental Coordinator at Hyatt Hotels Corporation
- Corporate Sustainability Manager at Hilton Worldwide
2. Green Event Planner
Green event planning is a relatively new field that is growing in popularity. Green event planners are responsible for planning events that have a minimal impact on the environment. This can include sourcing sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and reducing energy and water consumption. They must also be knowledgeable about sustainable catering practices, such as sourcing local and organic foods and reducing food waste. A degree in Sustainable Management is a great starting point for a career in green event planning.
Here are three career opportunities as green event planner:
- Sustainable Event Coordinator at Sustainable Events Ltd.
- Green Event Coordinator at New Leaf Events
- Senior Event Manager at Conscious Conferences
3. Eco-Tourism Specialist
Eco-tourism is a form of sustainable tourism that focuses on environmental conservation and the promotion of local cultures. Eco-tourism specialists are responsible for creating and promoting eco-friendly travel experiences. This can include working with local communities to create sustainable tourism initiatives, promoting responsible tourism practices, and organizing sustainable tours and activities. A degree in Sustainable Management is an excellent foundation for a career in eco-tourism.
These are some convincing job positions as eco-tourism specialists:
- Ecotourism Product Manager at Wilderness Safaris
- Sustainable Tourism Specialist at United Nations Development Programme
- Eco-Tourism Consultant at Conservation International
4. Sustainable Food and Beverage Manager
Sustainable food and beverage managers are responsible for ensuring that their hotel or restaurant operates sustainably. They may work with chefs to source local and organic ingredients, minimize food waste, and promote sustainable eating practices. They may also be responsible for managing the restaurant’s energy and water consumption and reducing waste in the kitchen. A degree in Sustainable Management can provide the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this career path.
A few examples of sustainable food and beverage manager positions:
- Sustainable Food and Beverage Manager at The Ritz-Carlton
- Director of Food and Beverage at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
- Food and Beverage Sustainability Manager at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
5. Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) managers are responsible for ensuring that their company operates ethically and sustainably. In the hospitality industry, this can include implementing sustainable initiatives such as reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices. CSR managers must be knowledgeable about sustainable technologies and practices and possess excellent communication skills to ensure that their initiatives are understood and implemented by staff members. A degree in Sustainable Management is an excellent foundation for a career in corporate social responsibility.
These are 3 specific examples of CSR manager positions in the hospitality industry:
- Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at AccorHotels
- Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at MGM Resorts International
- Sustainability Manager at IHG Hotels and Resorts
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable hospitality professionals is growing. Graduates with a degree in Sustainable Management have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, from sustainability coordinators and green event planners to eco-tourism specialists and sustainable food and beverage managers. A degree in Sustainable Management can also lead to a career as a corporate social responsibility manager, ensuring that businesses operate ethically and sustainably. By pursuing a degree in Sustainable Management, graduates can make a positive impact on the hospitality industry and help create a more sustainable future.