Beginning in 2025-26, Sustain Penn State is offering programming specifically targeted at students to help them succeed by helping them explore sustainability-related careers. Programs will include webinars where they can learn from Penn State alumni about their career trajectories in different realms of sustainability, as well as partnerships with Penn State colleges to offer career fairs and other in-person gatherings. Check back frequently as we update our 2025-26 schedule of career-related events! If you have ideas for events, or would be interested in being featured in our programming, contact our Student and Public Programming Coordinator, Julius Camper (jac8761@psu.edu).

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This academic year, we plan to host six webinars profiling different careers in sustainability (all programs subject to change and additional details about specific speakers still forthcoming; pre-registration required for all events):

Photo of Eric Sauder wearing a blue and purple plaid shirt while standing in front of some trees in a field

Sustainability Careers in Nonprofits

Wednesday, January 28, 12-1 p.m. (EST), Online

Nonprofits are on the front line of sustainability. They invigorate our communities, support our social wellbeing, and protect the places we love. But working at a nonprofit or NGO is very different than working for a major corporation or government, and insights from those who are thriving in nonprofit careers can be invaluable to those hoping to enter this field.

Join us to explore the unique benefits and challenges of nonprofit work during Sustainability Careers in Nonprofits. Come learn from Penn State alumni about their experiences in this world and ask questions about pursuing a career and building a network in nonprofits.

Scheduled speakers include:

  • Jillian Barskey, Streamside Projects Coordinator, ClearWater Conservancy
  • Kara Miller, Community Nutrition Project Coordinator, The Food Trust
  • Eric Sauder, Founder, RegenAll
  • Logan Stenger, Project Manager, Chesapeake Conservancy

Careers in Earth and Mineral Sciences

Wednesday, February 18, 12-1 p.m. (EST), Online

Are you interested in a career that involves environmental experiments or field data collection? Do you like to think about systems and the intersections of human society with the physical environment? Join us for our second spring career panel, hosted in partnership with the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Career Services. Hear from Penn State alumni at different career stages and gain practical advice, whether you’re choosing a major or preparing for job applications.

Scheduled speakers TBA. Check back soon for more details.

Shavers Creek environmental educator squats next to a stream holding a guide to stream life and a sample cup of water

Careers in Outdoor Education

Thursday, March 19, 12-1 p.m. (EST), Online

Ready to turn your love for the outdoors into a career? Do you feel called by a mission to educate and engage others? If you’re passionate about the environment and eager to inspire others, this panel is for you. Join us as we team up with Shaver’s Creek and the Arboretum at Penn State for our final spring career event. You’ll hear from Penn State alumni who have built meaningful careers in environmental education at parks, nature centers, and beyond. Discover the many paths this field offers, gain insider tips, and learn how to make your dream job a reality.

Scheduled speakers TBA. Check back soon for more details.

Photo of Marisela Sotoro Tornero

Starting Your Sustainability Career: Turning Passion Into Profession

Monday, September 22, 12:15-1 p.m. (EDT), Online

Interested in a sustainability job but not sure how to get your foot on the first rung of that career ladder? We heard from five recent Penn State alumni who took their passion for sustainability during their time as a student and are starting out to take charge of their sustainability careers after graduation:

  • Ashley Currey, ’25, B.S. Entrepreneurship; Job searching
  • Isabella Briseño Elalfi, ’23, B.S. Environmental Resource Management; Associate, Converge Strategies
  • Benjamin Lyman, ’20, B.S. Environmental Biology; Client Relations Manager, RoadRunner Recycling
  • Marisela Sotelo Tornero, ’25, M.P.P. Public Policy Analysis; Doctoral student in Health Policy
  • Nora Van Horn, ’21, B.S. Philosophy, Global Studies, and Chinese; NY Assistant Attorney General for Consumer Protection

Careers in Sustainability, Labor, and Organizing

Wednesday, October 22, 7-8 p.m. (EDT), Online

Sustain Penn State partnered with The LABOR School at Penn State for a discussion with practitioners working in careers at the intersections of labor rights and sustainability in both unions and politics. This evening event was part of the LABOR School’s regular fall programming. Our speakers included:

  • Reneisha Knight, Organizer, SEIU Local 668
  • Allie Petonic, Strategic Researcher, United Steelworkers
  • Alex Tomasko, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO

Careers in Agriculture, Food Systems, and Sustainability

Tuesday, November 18, 12:15-1 p.m. (EST), Online

Food is a basic human need. Food systems fundamentally transform the planet. Looking for an impactful sustainability-related career? As we headed into Thanksgiving, we gave thanks for Penn State alumni who are making the world better through food systems–in agriculture, supply chain management, food preparation, and nutrition. Speakers for this event were:

  • Jessica Chou, Programs Director, Greener Partners
  • Rachel Hoh, Director of Double Up Food Bucks Michigan program, Fair Food Network
  • Eric Rosenbaum, Owner and Senior Agronomist, Rosetree Consulting, LLC
  • Rachel Vanlandingham, R&D External Strategy, PepsiCo

Our Sustainability Career Programming would not be possible without the support of the University Park Student Fee Board.

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