The Climate Change Certificate equips students for careers in environmental and climate fields. Graduates pursue various paths, including roles in government agencies, environmental consultancies, non-profits, academic institutions, and graduate or law schools. Common positions include environmental consultants, sustainability specialists, and program coordinators.
Hear stories and testimonials from our certificate alumni on how the certificate contributed to their careers and professional paths.
Nick Rackard Hilt, Class of 2023
"The Certificate in Climate Change Causes, Impacts, and Solutions proved invaluable in preparing me for my current roles.
"As a Program and Policy Analyst at the CLEAR Lab at UCSF, I found that my [Certificate] courses enabled me to skillfully identify health's social and environmental determinants, viewing them through a critical race lens.
"While actively seeking employment opportunities in urban planning and public health, I saw many positions favored candidates with expertise in environmental policy and a nuanced understanding of environmental and health equity."
Andrea Torres, Class of 2022
"These courses kept me hopeful that change is possible.
"Taking these courses has really made me realize…I'm strong at is writing. They helped me realize that I wanted to get into policy writing."
Taylor Vivona, Class of 2023
"A big part of the class was learning about alternative energy distribution systems, like, what does democratizing energy look like? And that kind of turned me on to the importance of community engagement, and, like, listening to the communities to find out where needs are and and using that method to,prioritize our efforts.
At tree San Diego. that's like a big part of what we do, so figuring out, and taking that approach of like where do we actually need these trees? Where's us planting them going to be most impactful and provide the most benefit? "
Taylor Vivona's journey into the environmental sector was shaped by his completion of SF State’s Climate Change Certificate Program. The program exposed him to alternative energy distribution systems and the importance of democratizing energy, which underscore the value of community engagement.
Taylor is now working with Tree San Diego, a nonprofit that focuses on tree planting throughout San Diego, specifically in places where urban heat islands are present.
The Certificate program instilled in him the importance of tree planting in these areas, both in terms of energy savings and community benefits.
Taylor’s journey in the environmental sector took an exciting turn when he and other California Climate Action Corps members met President Joe Biden while attending a presidential address celebrating Earth Day.
Sam Montell, Class of 2022
"Climate change will affect all of us and so the time to act is now. If you feel that interest, or that need to do something, I think you should just jump in, because…it's going to affect all areas of society."
Sam Montell graduated from SF State with the Climate Change Certificate and a major in Environmental Studies, focusing on Sustainability and Social Justice. She currently works as a major gifts data associate at the environmental law firm Earthjustice.
Her day-to-day responsibilities focus on tracking analytics, interpreting data, and providing insights to help Earthjustice’s gift officers make more strategic fundraising decisions.
The Climate Change Certificate Program shaped Sam’s career path by enhancing her data analysis and statistical expertise, by providing her with foundational concepts of climate justice, and by introducing her to EarthJustice.
"I think it's really important that we don't view a climate career as just something around the science of climate change or nonprofit work. I think working in urban planning, driving for public transit, [or] working at a sustainable and ethical fashion company can be climate careers as well. You can use the knowledge that you get in the Certificate program to challenge any workplace to be more sustainable and socially just."
Nicholas Cresta, Class of 2022
"The Climate Certificate totally molded my mind into the type of individual that I am. I'm an environmentalist because of it… It made me more aware, and gave me the ability to articulate these ideas better."
The Climate Change Certificate Program was transformative for Nicholas Cresta, solidifying his passion for climate-focused work, equipping him with valuable skills, and providing a competitive advantage in the job market.
Nick is an SF State Environmental Studies and Climate Change Certificate graduate who transitioned into sustainability after working in retail management at Whole Foods. At Whole Foods, Nick developed an interest in environmental and social justice and decided that he wanted to learn more at SF State.
Currently, Nick works as a senior administrative clerk at the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), reviewing new developments’ water service applications to ensure they meet conservation and efficiency guidelines.
Through coursework on systems thinking and the circular economy, the Certificate provided Nick with a holistic perspective on climate change solutions. It pushed Nick to critically assess the environmental and social impacts of business practices. It also enhanced his communication skills, enabling him to explain the complexities of climate change to colleagues, stakeholders, and the public, and to make decisions rooted in sustainability and justice at his current workplace.