Olivia Elwood
What employment sector do you work in?
Academia Sector
How long have you had a green job for nature?
1 year
Please describe the work that you do.
It’s a bit of everything (as sustainability tends to be). The University has a huge variety of buildings with unique sustainability challenges. A lot of my focus is on communications as a way to involve students and colleagues. As sustainability works best when everyone is involved!
What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?
I love the variety and the close proximity to researchers new ideas! Within a big organisation it can somethings be a long process to make change. There are positives to that as well.
What inspired you into this career?
I was an intern in my own University’s Sustainability team! I was always curious as to how my university were doing on Sustainability because it was important that it paid more than lip service to the subject in lectures. There is a huge opportunity to work with the experts, bring together different disciplines, find new solutions and lead by example, which is exciting.
Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far?
Finding relevant (and paid) work experience and internships to get the experience for my current job was difficult. Thankfully my university had a lot of opportunities, but without that resource it would’ve been tricky to find opportunities.
What education/training did you have?
Had an BSc in “Environmental Management and Sustainability”, a Carbon Literacy certification and Climate Fresk Facilitator Training.
What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession?
Stay passionate! It shines through. And look for integrity in your employer. Are they genuinely committed to sustainable change or simply keen to check a box without challenging the status quo?
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Tags: England, Academia, Environmental adviser, Environmental educator, Sustainability adviser
Date profile submitted: 10/10/2025
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