The ESM program provides students the opportunity to work directly with the career coaching staff in the McDonough Career Center to identify career paths and goals, plan and execute useful networking and interviewing strategies, and develop resumes and cover letters. Students have access to one-on-one career coaching appointments, events, and our signature summer career course tailored to support them in developing an effective job search strategy. Students also have access to a comprehensive suite of resources at the McDonough Career Center and Graduate Career Center.

In just 10 months, the ESM program can lay the path toward a wide variety of roles, including consulting, public relations, government and NGOs, supply chain management, technology, and more.

“I continued to work for my employer, American Family Insurance, while I was a student in the Master’s in Environment and Sustainability Management (ESM) program. This gave me the opportunity to implement my learning from ESM in my role at work, allowing my company to see the immediate value of my degree. One example of this synergy is when I applied the skills acquired in Data Analytics to develop a climate risk report card for individual states across the U.S. This work helped direct the development of our firm’s strategic plan. Because of this synergistic relationship, I received a promotion during the program to oversee the company’s entire Sustainable Business Strategy- including our work on Climate, Community Advancement, DEI, and Responsible Data and AI.” – Emmy Swift, ESM Alumni ’24

Career Support

As a part of the ESM program at the Earth Commons Institute, the Georgetown McDonough School of Business, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, you join a powerful network of professionals and gain access to career support and our dedicated career services professionals. At the start of the program, you will receive valuable resources that help you create your job search strategy including:

• Personalized career assessment
• Resume support
• Access to global employment opportunities
• Successful strategies to advance your career
• Access to Handshake and other databases that detail open positions and events

These early tasks can help you ask informed questions and provide a real-world look into shaping your future. As you approach graduation, and throughout your entire career, you can contact us to guide you through: 

• Structured career coaching
• Successful interviewing techniques
• Powerful salary negotiations
• Strong networking opportunities
• Detailed career strategies

In addition, the ESM provides you access to an influential network of Georgetown University alumni through Hoya Gateway, so you can find mentors and create outstanding, mutually beneficial relationships. You will find alumni in major organizations around the globe who readily welcome your call. Support from the career centers of both schools is embedded in the program, and you can receive one-on-one customized support from either school anytime.

Peer Advisors

In addition to the full-time dedicated coaching support you receive from your director of career services, the McDonough Career Center is proud to offer coaching from over 30 Peer Advisors, students from the second-year MBA class with coach training and industry expertise. You can easily make appointments to meet either on campus or online for career clarification conversations; resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn reviews; mock interviews; and networking strategies.

Intensive Early Fall Curriculum

As the culmination of the summer career course, you will participate in an intensive career-focused curriculum in August. Through regular sessions and open office hours with your director of career services, we will guide you through relevant and timely topics like networking and career clarification to ensure you can begin your program with the confidence needed to pursue your career goals.

ESM Outcomes

With an Master’s in Environment and Sustainability Management, you will be prepared to excel in top companies spanning a wide variety of industries. Graduates from the ESM program have gone on to work at organizations such as:

Our ESM Director of Careers: Emily Kane

Emily serves as the Director of Career Services for ESM students. With over 15 years of experience working in diverse higher education settings, she is dedicated to fostering student success through strong relationships, data-driven decision-making, and championing student needs. A relational leader, Emily is committed to supporting students’ career goals and enhancing the university community.

Emily graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, with a BS in psychology and minor in music and from Clemson University with an M.Ed. in counselor education, student affairs. Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, she enjoys outdoor activities, exploring National Parks, and spending time with friends and family.