the hardest way to definitely get a job (in climate)

the optimal strategy for a non-optimal moment

I got into climate in 2020, so over the last five years I’ve frequently been asked how I broke in, and consequently, how to get a job in climate. I’d like to lay out a process that I think is 1) practical and available now, 2) open to everyone, and 3) primarily based on effort.

Anecdotally, I did versions of most of these things to get my first job in climate, and have seen others use a similar process to 1) start a venture fund, 2) join a fast-growing climate startup, and 3) get into a top grad school.

Photo by Camille Chambefort on Unsplash

“Hey Peter, I want to work in climate! What should I do now?”

I would recommend you:

1. Go to Nicole Kellner’s So You Want to Work in Climate spreadsheet

2. Read through job descriptions until you found twenty you like, and put them in a folder. This might take a long time — budget two weeks and pick ones you would be excited, not just willing, to take.

3. Read them all again. Figure out what binds them together (skills, roles, technologies, markets) and make a list of the characteristics and required expertise.

4. Use this list to write your ideal job description (regardless of current skills or experience)

5. Post your ideal job on LinkedIn (“Here is the job I'm looking for!”) with a list of the skills or connections you’d need to build in order to get it.

6. Send that post and list to ten people who you already know and could help answer the best way for you to get those skills and connections.

7. Have those convos, take notes, and do whatever they say. Ask each connection for a single recommendation of a person who could help you get those skills or build that community. Have an three sentence intro email that your contacts can forward on your behalf ready to go. Talk to at least three new people a week.

8. Everyone you talk to gets added on a bcc’d email list. When people talk to you, they’re investing their time in you. Show them that time was well spent: send a private update on your progress to the group every month or quarter. Gather interesting facts, insights, or intuitions about the world. This is your team: treat them as peers, thank people that were especially helpful by first name. Always include a specific way people can help you.

9. Once a week for 30 minutes, think of the people you’ve spoken to and come up with ways to help them. (“If anyone is interested in talking to an interest XYC company about an ongoing seed raise, I’d be happy to connect.” “Passing along a PDF of the new MRV protocol for that CDR pathway we talked about in case you hadn’t seen it yet.” etc.)

10. You now have a group of people that 1) know what job you want, 2) have seen you build the skills and network you need to get it, and 3) seen your willingness to help them. If you’re diligent and take this process seriously, your momentum, progress, and network will make you a desirable candidate.

11. This step is optional, but helpful: As you build expertise, write publicly about what you’ve learned. If you don’t feel like you have much to say, just write down what you wished you knew when you started this process. If you’re not a writer, then share something; leave breadcrumbs so people can find you.

12. Reap what you sow! You only need one job, but you want lots of opportunity. Do the above and you’ll be opportunity farming, job hunting.

This is all to say, if you really want to work in climate, you can, but it will require an uncommon amount of effort, and more time than seems reasonable. But, anyone can do it. And, anyone can start today.

I would estimate the process above will take three to nine months, faster if you're lucky, well connected, or willing to take a less than perfect job. If you already have a job, do the same thing, but just do it slowly, and give yourself 6-12 months.

Good luck (and welcome to climate),

Pete

PS: I think this process is generalizable. It’s a practical way to build a community and make your life better, and should work in any avenue of life. Or, any professional avenue of life. The first person that posts a description of an ideal husband or wife on LinkedIn and cites me as inspiration will be directly responsible for my death (shame-induced).