A remarkable trend is emerging in Dutch business: more and more corporate professionals are making the switch to climate tech scale-ups. This ‘great switch’ is more than just a career change – it’s a movement that’s shaping the future of sustainable enterprise.
Why Make the Switch?
The motivation appears surprisingly consistent. Where status and salary were once the main drivers, professionals now primarily seek meaningful work. “I no longer wanted to just create shareholder value, but make real impact,” says a former ING manager now working at a green energy scale-up.
Which Skills are Worth Their Weight in Gold?
The surprising truth? Many corporate skills prove to be perfectly applicable in the climate tech sector. The most valuable transferable skills are:
Project Management and Stakeholder Relations
Corporate experience with complex projects and stakeholder management proves invaluable when rolling out sustainable innovations. The art of navigating different interests and managing expectations is essential in the rapidly growing climate tech sector.
Data Analysis and Decision Making
The ability to interpret data and make well-founded decisions is worth its weight in gold. Climate tech companies often work with new technologies and business models – where corporate experience with risk analysis and strategic decision-making is highly valuable.
Change Management
Experience with organizational change is crucial. Climate tech often means redefining existing systems and introducing new ways of working. Professionals who are used to guiding change processes have an advantage here.
The Culture Shock
Yet the switch isn’t without its challenges. The biggest adjustment? The pace and culture. While corporate environments are often structured and predictable, climate tech scale-ups are characterized by rapid change and ambiguity.
Tips for Making the Switch
- Start networking in the sustainable sector before taking the leap
- Dive deep into the latest developments in climate technology
- Identify which of your current skills are most valuable for climate tech companies
- Be prepared to take a step back in seniority for the right opportunity
The Future is Green
The trend is clear: the movement from corporate to climate tech is accelerating. This not only brings fresh expertise to the sustainable sector but also accelerates the professionalization of climate tech companies.
For professionals considering making the switch, the message is clear: your corporate experience is valuable, but prepare for a different way of working. The reward? The opportunity to apply your expertise towards a sustainable future.
The great switch from corporate to climate tech is more than a career change – it’s a movement that shows business success and sustainable impact can go hand in hand.
