NC State Sustainability Career Development Program
Your Map to Explore Career Opportunities in Sustainability and Make a Real PACKImpact!
Introduction to the NC State Sustainability Career Development Program
Step into an exciting journey with the NC State Sustainability Career Development Program, where you can explore and build your career in sustainability on your own terms. This unique initiative is designed for NC State students like you, offering a flexible, “choose your own adventure” approach to career development. Whether you’re passionate about protecting the planet, creating innovative solutions, or leading change, this program lets you tailor your experiences to match your interests and goals. Dive in and discover the endless opportunities that await you in the world of sustainability!
Students Enrolled
46
Any Level Completion
16
Gold Completion
7
Program Enrollment
Key Features
- Flexible: tailored to empower all NC State students to explore opportunities in sustainability
- Customizable: ‘choose your own adventure’ approach, students can shape their career journey to align with their interests and experiences
- Designed for Longevity: tailored to be completed over the course of a student’s academic career at NC State
- Achievement-Based: participants accumulate points toward earning the program badge and graduation cord
- Aligned with University Goals: supports NC State’s commitment to fostering sustainable leadership and career pathways, and aligns with Goals 1, 3, 4, and 6 of the Wolfpack 2030 strategic plan
Program Requirements
How the Program Works
The program is built around four core competencies: knowledge building, applied learning, career development, and leadership development. These competencies are linked to a list of skills that students will develop and hone throughout their participation. By earning PACKImpact points based on the time and impact of each activity, students can track their progress toward three completion levels: bronze, silver, or gold.Rewards for completion include a certificate, a graduation pin, or a graduation cord, depending on the level achieved. Points are earned based on the time spent and the impact of each activity, and these points are used to track progress toward program completion.
| Competency | Description | Skills | Example Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Building | Deepening understanding of sustainability concepts and frameworks | Analytical Thinking Systems Thinking Ethical Decision-Making Sustainability and Climate Literacy Innovation Interdisciplinary Awareness | Workshops Guest Speaker Lectures Hackathon Conference |
| Career Development | Exploring career pathways and building professional skills for the sustainability field | Networking Personal Branding Stakeholder Management Communication | Resume Reviews Career Panels Informational Interviews |
| Leadership Development | Practicing personal and organizational leadership with a sustainability lens | Ethical Leadership Change Management Stakeholder Engagement Global Perspective Growth Mindset | Leading Clubs Speaking at Events Facilitating Peer Learning Leadership Retreats |
| Applied Learning | Gaining real-world experience and applying knowledge through hands-on engagement | Collaboration Problem-solving Project Management Teamwork Adaptability | Internships Service Learning Consulting Projects Fellowships |
NC State Sustainability Career Development Program Events
In addition to logging activities, students are required to attend a minimum of one program event per semester. Theses monthly events specifically focused on the career development competency. These are not passive lectures; they are valuable opportunities for you to actively connect, engage, and share experiences with other students in the program. Our topics cover a range of career-focused skills, including how to look for an internship, choosing a career path, personal branding, and networking. Check out the upcoming events calendar below for program event opportunities.
Latest News
Sustainability Career Development Program Receives Funding from NC State Sustainability Fund
Read more
Sustainability For All: NC State’s New Sustainability Career Development Program
Read more
Mentorship in Action: Creating Real Sustainability Solutions Through Collaboration
Program Reward Levels
| Level | Competency Requirements | PACKImpact Points | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Knowledge Building Applied Learning* Career Development * Leadership Development | 25 points | Certificate of Completion |
| Silver | Knowledge Building* Applied Learning* Career Development* Leadership Development | 50 points | Certificate of Completion Graduation Pin |
| Gold | Knowledge Building* Applied Learning* Career Development* Leadership Development* | 75 points | Certificate of Completion Graduation Pin Graduation Cord |
FAQ
Who can participate in the NC State Sustainability Career Development program?
Any currently enrolled NC State student interested in sustainability, regardless of major, can participate. The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
How much time do I need to commit to the program?
The program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to decide how much time you want to invest. Whether you have a few hours a week or more, there are opportunities to engage at your own pace.
Can I participate if I don’t have previous experience in sustainability?
Absolutely! This program is designed for students at all levels, whether you’re new to sustainability or already have experience. We provide resources to help you grow, regardless of where you’re starting from.
Can I earn academic credit for participating?
This program is not for academic credit, but some experiences, such as internships or field projects, may qualify for course credit depending on your department’s requirements.
Can an activity count more than once for the program?
Each activity can be counted for points up to two times per semester. For example, volunteering with Zero Waste Wolves can earn points twice in one semester. To continue earning points for volunteering, you must participate in a different volunteer event that given semester.
I am a sophomore, junior, senior, or second-year+ graduate student. Can I earn retroactive credits for past activities?
Yes, you can submit past activities for points. These activities will be reviewed for approval. This option is only available through Spring 2026, so be sure to submit your past activities before the deadline.
Can I submit activities outside of NC State or not listed on the activities spreadsheet?
Yes, you can submit activities outside of NC State or those not listed on the spreadsheet. Review the points criteria and submit your activity for approval. Eligible activities include internships, research projects, volunteer work, conference and event participation related to sustainability and career development. Activities must align with the program’s learning objectives.
Is there a deadline for submitting activities?
Each Spring, we will review your PACKImpact points to evaluate your progress and award recognition based on your completion level. For Spring 2026, the deadline to submit activities is April 13th. If you submit an activity or event after this deadline, it may still be reviewed, but we cannot guarantee it will count toward your points in time for the Celebration of Sustainability.
NC Sustianability Career Development Program Student Ambassador Board
A huge thank you to our incredible Student Ambassador Board for the Sustainability Career Development Program! Your thoughtful feedback, creative ideas, and enthusiastic participation have been essential to shaping and strengthening the program. We’re so grateful for your contributions!
2025-2026 Student Ambassador Board
Chair: Clara Stec
Members:
Payton Bell
Kairavi Garde
Cynthia Sigira
2024-2025 Student Ambassador Board
Chair: Clara Stec
Members:
Erik Milde
Meredith Motamen
Payton Bell
Brayden Rorick
Mya Williams
Want to help improve the Sustainability Career Development Program? Join our Student Advisory Board and earn 3 PACKImpact points per semester for your participation. Email Rachel Haynes at rhaynes@ncsu.edu to get involved!
NC Sustianability Career Development Program Faculty/Staff Advisory Board
A huge thank you to the faculty and staff members that have supported the development and implementation of the Sustainability Career Development Program!
- Jessica Yinka Thomas, Poole College of Management
- Carla Davis, University Sustainability Office
- Matt Fox, Social and Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Dawn Rodriguez-Ward, Climate and Sustainability Academy
- Keondra Jenkins, University Sustainability Office
- Rachel Haynes, Poole College of Management