Welcome to “3 Questions with …”, a recurring feature on the Career Center blog. We’re asking alumni of all graduation years and career interests to share a bit of their experiences and advice.
Farzana Hoque ’05, Principal Advisor, ESG & Impact Investing at Climate Smart Ventures
1. In just a few sentences, please tell us about your current job/graduate program/vocational endeavor.
I’m currently the Principal Advisor, ESG & Impact Investing at Climate Smart Ventures (CSV), an advisory firm dedicated to accelerating Southeast Asia’s energy transition in a just, orderly, and competitive manner. I lead the development of CSV’s ESG advisory practice and support client proposals and engagements.
2. How did your time at Tufts influence your career journey?
I learned the value of diversifying my experiences beyond the classroom through actively participating in internships, volunteer opportunities, leadership initiatives and travel abroad programs. These experiences not only resulted in lifelong friendships, but also equipped me with the necessary skills to embark on my professional career.
3. What advice would you offer to a student who wants to pursue a career path like yours?
Sustainable business and investment are rapidly evolving fields, influenced by changing regulations, advancements in technology solutions, and emerging best practices. Here are three pieces of advice for students based on my experience:
- While securing a full-time position is usually the primary goal, consider avenues such as internships, part-time roles or short-term consultancies at your organizations of interest, as these can often lead to full-time employment down the road.
- Continuously engage in learning to keep your skills and knowledge up to date, such as through online courses, certifications, and industry publications and webinars on topics of interest.
- Embrace calculated risks to broaden your experiences and expand your professional network. For instance, after establishing stability in your career, consider exploring positions at start-ups or pursuing job opportunities in different countries, as these experiences can provide a competitive advantage.
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