Spotlight on:

Sustainability Communications Lead

Alternative title

Average salary

Starter

Experienced

Usual hours

~40 hours a week and you could work evenings and weekends occasionally

Edward is a Sustainability & LSEG Foundation Senior Associate at the London Stock Exchange Group — one of the world's biggest providers of financial data, analytics and news. In this Q&A, he tells us exactly what he does and how finance and sustainability can go hand in hand.

The headlines

Alternative title

Starter

Experienced

Working hours

Usual hours

~40 hours a week and you could work evenings and weekends occasionally

Topics

Climate

Money

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What do you do in your role?

I work in sustainability communications and engagement at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). I’m in charge of speaking for LSEG on various different platforms about our sustainability initiatives and events we play a part in.

For example, LSEG played a key role in the international COP28 summit. My job was to showcase LSEG’s position as a sustainability leader in global financial markets and highlight how the group can use strategy to create sustainable economic growth.

On top of that, I also work with the LSEG Foundation, which works with charities and NGO partners to help people access economic opportunities and build secure futures with financial independence.

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How did you get into this career?

A pivotal point in my journey was deciding to go to university and get a degree in geography. The course explored a wide range of topics, including sustainability modules that considered sustainability in business.

I also did two summer internships at LSEG, where I developed my knowledge and skills in business management, communications and product delivery. These opportunities helped me to build my professional network.

Once I finished my degree, I had the opportunity to join LSEG in a permanent position and I gained experience in business management within our Data & Analytics and Technology teams.

The job that I have now combines both the knowledge and the skills I developed from my degree and my experience in the business.

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What sort of qualifications does someone need for your role?

I studied a geography bachelor of science at university which was helpful in moving into a role in sustainability. But similar degrees such as environmental science, ecology and geology would most likely stand you in good stead.

Equally, a degree in business management, finance, HR, marketing or similar would give you a strong foundation for applications to a global company like LSEG. And once you’ve landed a job, you can gain experience in the business and move to other areas of the organisation to get more skills and gain new experiences, as I’ve done.

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Other than qualifications, what do you need to do this job?

It’s important to have a passion for sustainability. Sustainability could play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero targets (reducing the amount of carbon we put into the atmosphere) — but it needs determined people working on it to fully succeed.

I would also say that it’s important to be willing to learn. Sustainability is dynamic and ever-evolving, so a willingness to educate yourself will not just keep you well-informed but also help you deliver your organisation's sustainability objectives.

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What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

Being part of an exceptional sustainability team at LSEG. I collaborate with dedicated individuals who share a passion for hitting our sustainability objectives and achieving our net-zero ambition.

It's also fulfilling to see how LSEG plays a pivotal role in international sustainability summits — such as COP28 where we saw the landmark agreement to phase out fossil fuels, to help the global ambition to achieve net zero by 2050.

Being part of a team that works on such impactful initiatives reinforces the meaningful nature of our work and highlights the positive change we’re making on a global scale.

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What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

Getting LSEG employees to work to sustainability objectives when their jobs don’t explicitly relate to sustainability.

But, some colleagues across the business are really interested and have learnt more about sustainability through our sustainability learning platform. This has allowed them to learn new skills and find out more about specific topics within sustainability.

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What do you wish you’d known when you were starting out?

How important internships and industrial placements would be to help me get my job.

It’s often hard to bridge the gap between education and the working world, particularly as graduate opportunities are so competitive. So I’d really recommend you try to get as much professional experience as you can while you’re at university — and even at sixth form or college.

Work experience or a part-time job will help you build professional skills and make you stand out.

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Sustainability Communications Lead

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Sustainability Communications Lead

Got any questions?Head to our Discord and join the conversation.

Follow us

Don't know what you want to do? We'll help you find a career you can care about.

Got any questions?
Head to our Discord and join the conversation.