Building sustainability within your career positively impacts career growth, which ultimately leads to job satisfaction and prevents burnout. In the Handbook of Research on Sustainable Careers, Van der Heijden and De Vos define a sustainable career as “the sequence of an individual’s different career experiences, reflected through a variety of patterns of continuity over time, crossing several social spaces, and characterized by individual agency, herewith providing meaning to the individual”. Recent changes to the nature of work and rapid advancement in technology demonstrate why a sustainable career is so important. Staying attuned to your career and anticipating changes within the profession will set you up for success.
Careerpro Canada outlines some of the benefits of a sustainable career:
- Personal fulfillment
Many job seekers are interested in pursuing careers that align with their values and contribute to environmental or social sustainability. This can lead to greater job satisfaction and personal fulfillment in the long term. - Competitive advantage
By keeping abreast of industry trends, CPAs can identify emerging career opportunities and make informed decisions about their career paths. They gain a competitive advantage in the job market by positioning themselves as valuable assets to employers. - Long-term job security
Sustainable development is becoming increasingly important as societies and economies shift toward more sustainable practices. It is important for CPAs to develop skills that will be in demand in the long term. These include technical skills in sustainability-related fields, as well as skills related to problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. By developing these skills, CPAs can adapt to changing industry demands.
CPA Alberta’s Career Spotlight series highlights examples of sustainable careers. Amanda Vella CPA, CA, who was spotlighted in January, has transitioned into executive coaching, having identified the need for coaches in the profession. Similarly, Ada Adeleke-Kelanie CPA, CA, who was featured in February, has worked in various sectors and leveraged her creative skills to launch a YouTube channel that imparts inspiration for daily living. In March, our Spotlight Series featured Ryan Vu CPA, who has blended finance and technology to become a specialist consultant.
If you wish to explore sustainability within your own career, CPA Alberta can facilitate the process. Book an appointment with one of our career advisors today!
Sources:
Why Sustainable Career Development Matters for Career Professionals – Career Professionals of Canada (careerprocanada.ca)
Chapter 1: Sustainable careers: introductory chapter in: Handbook of Research on Sustainable Careers (elgaronline.com)
