Driven By Impact: Let's Revamp Your Networking

Driven By Impact 🌱

Edition 38: January 11, 2024

Making Networking Less of a Chore and More FUN!

For some, networking is a breeze. For others, it’s a storm. But what if we told you networking could actually be fun? Join us for a 4-session series led by Laurie McGinley, a career coach and networking enthusiast.

Here’s a breakdown of the four sessions and what you can expect:

1️⃣ (1/23) “Making Networking Fun” - Yes, you read that right! Laurie will introduce you to enjoyable ways of networking.

2️⃣ (2/27) “Wait, That Counts as Networking?” - You might already be on the path to effective networking without even knowing it.

The next two sessions are tailored to your personality:

3️⃣ (3/26) “Small Talk with Strangers is Off Limits” - If you’re an introvert, this one’s for you! Discover the magic formula of non-social networking.

4️⃣ (4/23) “I Love Talking to People” - For all the extroverts out there, let’s dive deep into how you can enhance your networking skills.

Join us and make networking your superpower! Spots are going quickly. Reserve your spot ASAP.

→ Every month, we host an intro to climate webinar! Have you attended one? Our next one is this upcoming Tuesday. Register here.

→ Natalie and Brendan are going live on LinkedIn this afternoon at 3 pm EST. Register here.

→ Join us as we start the year with a special event featuring career coach Radhika Bhatt. Discover the art of "humanizing the job search!" Gain insights into reconnecting with your passions, effective job search strategies, and building meaningful relationships through networking that are energizing and mutually beneficial. Register here!

→ Missed last week’s edition? It was a jam-packed one! Check it out here.

→ Are you spending tons of time networking but have no structure? We get it, it’s hard to keep all these important conversations top of mind. That’s why we’re resurfacing our Networking Tracking Template! Download your copy here!

→ Sometimes, the quickest route to landing a job in climate is through your current role! In MCJ’s recent article, Drew Wilkinson writes about the power of corporate climate action and how individuals can make their current job climate-focused. Read it here!

→ The Women+ in Climate Tech team conducted a salary survey to help job seekers with negotiations and hiring managers with benchmarking. Check out the results!

→ Future proof your career with OnePointFive Academy’s upcoming Sustainability Consulting Accelerator. Build your sustainability consulting skills through on-demand instruction and interactive labs. Network with top sustainability experts, including past speakers from Google, Patagonia, and Project Drawdown! Driven By Impact subscribers receive 10% off tuition (mention "Climate People" in the referral section).

→ Yesterday, Climate People and MCJ hosted our monthly ‘Climate Career Accelerator’ session. Claudia Geratz joined us and hosted a workshop on harnessing your strengths for climate good. Check out the recording here.

→ Who's ready to kick start their career in climate tech? College to Climate's Spring 2024 Launchpad applications are open! The program runs from 2/12-3/5, and the deadline to apply is 1/31. Learn more about the program via the application. Email them at [email protected]m with any questions!

BATTERY INNOVATION IN 2024

Battery innovation is projected to take the spotlight in 2024 with advancements in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage solutions. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are still the most popular due to their enhanced performance and decreasing costs, making EVs a viable alternative to gas-powered cars. However, the supply chain of essential metals for batteries poses significant challenges as an increasing demand for EVs causes a shortage and surge in prices of these metals. While Li-ion batteries have improved over time, they still lack in terms of energy density and charging speed when compared to conventional fuel sources.

To counter these challenges, researchers are exploring new solutions such as solid-state batteries and sodium-ion batteries, which promise higher energy density and safety. Legislative efforts, like the Inflation Reduction Act in the US, have earmarked billions for EV and battery manufacturing, potentially stimulating further growth and innovation in transportation and mobility sectors. This progress in battery technology is expected to drive major developments in EVs and grid storage, contributing to a more sustainable energy future. Companies like QuantumScape, Solid Power, Natron Energy, Form Energy, ESS Inc., Sila Nanotechnologies, Redwood Materials, and Li-Cycle are spearheading this battery revolution, working on everything from next-gen solid-state batteries to efficient battery recycling initiatives.

🪴 HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
➵ Our client is a reputable global consultancy committed to facilitating large-scale grant funding for impactful climate solutions. They’re seeking a Business Development leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, analytical acumen, and consultative sales background to accelerate growth. As the first Head of Business Development, you'll shape sales strategies, manage the sales pipeline, and mentor a high-performing team while fostering a culture of collaboration and customer-centricity. We’re looking for someone with 4+ years of experience in sales, a record of achievement, and a passion for solving customer needs.

🪴 FUNDING RESEARCH LEAD
➵ This global consultancy is seeking a Funding Research Lead who will be responsible for the initial stages of the grants management lifecycle, which includes identifying and assessing funders and funding opportunities. The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of experience in grant identification, writing, and management, preferably in the climate space. The role involves deep engagement with the grant and non-dilutive funding ecosystem to support the acceleration of climate solutions, managing Funding Research Analysts, and handling client relationships during projects. It's crucial for the candidate to have exceptional attention to detail, excellent writing, communication, organization, execution skills, and interpersonal skills. A technical background in climate, energy, or life sciences is required to fully comprehend and synthesize information about cutting-edge climate technologies.

🪴 FULL STACK ENGINEER
➵ This job opportunity is with a fully remote and profitable climate tech startup that has developed a software platform to assist renewable energy developers. They are seeking a Full-Stack Engineer who will lead new product work, interact with users, ideate on features, give feedback on designs, and build out those features. This role will involve working directly with the CTO on scoping new features and engineering plans and launching new features and markets in the US. The ideal candidate is a product-minded Engineer with 2+ years of experience, proficient in React, TypeScript and Python, and has a history of continuous learning and operating in ambiguity. Experience in the utility industry or projects supporting electric transmission, distribution, and substation design is a plus.

🪴 TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGER
➵ We're partnering with a successful, remote climate tech startup that's developed a software platform for renewable energy projects. We need a Technical Product Manager to lead new product development, work directly with users, and ideate features. You'll collaborate with the CTO on new features and product plans, launch new market features, and build MVPs for new products. Ideal candidates should have 2+ years of experience in technical SaaS products, be product-minded, comfortable in ambiguity, and possess skills in Figma, Agile, product research, prototyping, UX, A/B Testing, and Data Analysis. Experience in the utility industry is a plus.

🪴 SALES DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE
➵ Our client, a leading global technology and climate impact organization, seeks a talented individual to join their team. Specializing in quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) gains and losses related to land management, they provide GHG data-model integration software used by various stakeholders in the FALU sector. The candidate will work with the Head of Business Development to formulate strategies that identify and convert prospects. This includes being the first point of contact, overseeing customer development, building pipelines across key segments, and experimenting with outbound strategies. The ideal candidate should have 1-3+ years of experience in sales or sales development, a passion for climate and sustainability, and the ability to take extreme ownership of customer's first impressions. They should be diligent, focused, adaptable, and bring a growth mindset every day.

That's all for this edition! Thanks for doing your part in mobilizing a workforce transition to work on climate!