ESG as a Career: How does ESG work?
With its continuous efforts to promote and uplift the context of sustainability here in the Philippines, Sustainability Jobs – Philippines kicked off its first stint of Ask Me Anything (AMA) Sessions. It did not just settle for typical job postings on its social platform but also raised its advocacy by providing free sustainability talks with volunteer sustainability practitioners who share their expertise and experiences in the sustainability space.
Are you seeking a career path in sustainability or just curious about it? Joining our AMA sessions is a good start for you! These Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) careers are just around the corner and waiting for passionate individuals who are capable of assessing performance, ethics, governance, and risks related to the environment and social realm.
For our first session, we got an amazing guest to share an overview of ESG as a career.
#AMA 01 with Jobe Dela Torre
Jobe Dela Torre is a confessed environment lover. He is a graduate of Science schools, and he is exploring the sustainability space since the year 2006. For this #AMA session, run through his experience as a seasoned sustainability professional in an ESG Rating Company.
What does an ESG Analyst do?
For some, ESG may be a new addition to their vocabulary and for others, it may be part of their lives.
According to Jobe, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Analysts look over the ESG performance of a company. It sees the integrity of a company as an employer, how the company works as a steward of the community and how it effectively manages waste, reduces emissions, and maintains good governance performance. “An ESG Analyst is guided with a set methodology from a thorough research,” he added.
He also said that analysts are expected to study the non-financial aspects that impact the company and give ratings to companies based on their ESG performance. These company ratings help the investors to see their business performances and if it’s worth investing for.
Is it similar to a Financial Analyst?
According to Jobe, they are on the same banana but still, there is a slight difference. They both analyze and assess the risks associated with the company under the same discipline but, financial analysts use figures (e.g., profit, sales, risks in the market, etc.) as their basis for analysis. On the other hand, ESG analysts focus more on labor, water, carbon emission, and more.
What are the SKILLS needed in ESG?
Are you now curious about the job qualifications to be an ESG analyst? Jobe shared that there is no specific college degree for this because it still depends on the industry you will be working in.
However, you need to have an industry background since you might be working with different companies with various disciplines. Also, working knowledge on how ESG works is a plus! There are lots of training, meetings, and engagements with other organizations and companies which is why good communication skill is also a must.
In addition, he said that working in a Non-Government Organization (NGO) focuses on the impacts for the greater good of society but, in an ESG company, impacts are solely for the company.
What helps you to CONTINUE in this industry?
“My interest is in sustainability space!” As a Science and environment enthusiast, Jobe paved his way to take up space in the world of sustainability.
As he said, “Kung SG lang siya, walang E, wala ako dito. Kasi I’m really all for the Science and Environment part.” Therefore our interest plays a relevant role in venturing into this industry.
He also added how he was mentored and guided by the pioneers of sustainability here in the Philippines. Those conversations he had with them helped him gain more knowledge of how sustainability is achieved as a vision of each organization. He even thanked his sustainability role models such as Mr. Bonar “Bon” Laureto, Ms. Agnes de Jesus, Ms. Koleen Davila-Palaganas, his Science mentors, and colleagues.
What TIPS can you give to those who want to explore Sustainability as a Career?
Jobe highlighted not to be overwhelmed by the word “Sustainability”. It may be a broad space, but remember to align your strengths with it, pursue and build what you have right now, and take note of the conversations that will help you throughout your sustainability journey. You will definitely learn along the way.
Now, are you ready to take your next step leading to the ESG industry?
If you wish to watch the whole #AMA session with Jobe Dela Torre, you can watch it here: #AMA 01: Jobe Dela Torre
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Sustainability Jobs – Philippines is a group for sustainability professionals exploring for opportunities in ESG, sustainability, and sustainable development. Join the community and conversation for FREE! Be updated on sustainability jobs and learning opportunities at Sustainability Jobs – Philippines.
And if you’re a practitioner and/or professional looking to grow your skills, network, and career in sustainability, join the Society of Sustainability Practitioners (SSP) — the country’s first association of sustainability professionals nationwide. You may apply to be a member through SSP’s registration form. We’ll see you there!
Edited by: Shed Agustin
Photo Header by: Giulia Lopez
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Crisyll Torres
Admin and Partnerships Head of SustainablePH
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