From Acronyms to Action: What a Viral Post Taught Us About Sustainability Careers

A humorous yet eye-opening take on the job description overload in sustainability roles — and how to grow into one, not get overwhelmed.

Introduction:

“You’re applying for a Sustainability Manager role…” With that line, Osama Elsayed’s now-viral LinkedIn post tapped into a collective chuckle and sigh among professionals navigating sustainability careers. Commented on by Jennifer Kalu and shared widely, the post cleverly highlighted a problem many face but few articulate: how do we decode the overwhelming number of frameworks and acronyms attached to green careers?

Background & Context:

Osama Elsayed, a civil and environmental engineer focused on water and sustainability systems, posted a mock job ad listing every acronym in the book: GRI, CDP, SASB, SDGs, TNFD, TPT, TCFD, ISO, MSCI, BSI, CSRD… and the list goes on. His punchline? “The reality: the job is basically Excel and Teams.” Jennifer Kalu, also active in the environmental sector, boosted visibility with her endorsement. The humor belied a very real conversation around qualification anxiety, knowledge barriers, and the future of sustainability roles.

The post arrives at a time when ESG, Net Zero strategies, and regulatory reporting are creating a hiring boom—yet also scaring off talent intimidated by seemingly impossible job descriptions. With ESG mandates expanding, the market is growing fast, but the talent pipeline risks lagging behind.

Main Takeaways / Observations:

1. Acronym Overload Is Real — But You Don’t Have to Know It All on Day One Sustainability job ads often list 15+ acronyms, from SASB to PRI to SDGs. While this is meant to show seriousness and comprehensiveness, it can be alienating. The key is recognizing that these are tools, not requirements to master on day one. As Osama put it, knowledge of frameworks is something you can learn on the job.

2. Excel and Teams Are Still Core Skills The juxtaposition of logos like GRI and CDSB with Excel and Teams drove home a vital point: the actual day-to-day job is often about managing data, creating reports, attending meetings, and driving collaboration. Technical knowledge helps, but communication and organization are equally vital.

3. Soft Skills and Curiosity Matter More Than Credential Stacking Hiring managers increasingly seek candidates who can interpret, prioritize, and communicate sustainability data—not just memorize every global framework. Flexibility, communication, and a mindset of continuous learning are far more valuable than a list of certifications.

4. Sustainability Should Feel Doable, Not Gatekept A key message from the post is empowerment: don’t let long lists of expectations prevent you from starting. You don’t have to be a “sustainability encyclopedia”. Begin with the basics, grow with the field, and remember that most seasoned professionals are also learning as they go.

Community Reaction

The post resonated deeply. Professionals commented with shared laughs and gratitude. Many appreciated the breakdown of complexity into something more human and achievable. Others used the comment thread to offer resources, study groups, and mentorship opportunities. The post sparked a positive, inclusive conversation about accessibility in green careers.

Our Perspective / Analysis: From a legal and organizational strategy lens, this conversation touches on a broader HR and risk management issue: are sustainability job descriptions unintentionally discriminatory? When companies list every acronym under the sun, they risk filtering out diverse, capable candidates who could grow into the role. Better job design, learning-oriented language, and clearer performance expectations could close the sustainability talent gap while improving team resilience.

Legally speaking, employers may also need to review how realistic their job ads are under employment law. Unrealistic demands without clear training pathways could open questions about fairness and recruitment bias.

Call to Reflection or Action (Closing)

If you’re hiring a Sustainability Manager, would you apply to your own job post? And if you’re an aspiring candidate, are you letting perfect be the enemy of progress? The green transition won’t succeed without talent—and talent thrives when we remove the fear of not knowing every acronym.

 

 

 

 

 

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