Bentley University
IN-3: Innovation 3

At Bentley we used a three-pronged approach to prepare our students for work in the sustainability and clean energy fields. Through rigorous academics; extra-curricular experience via Office of Sustainability internships and student group projects; and strong support from our Career Services department we are working to create well-rounded professionals prepared for work in new economy jobs. Capitalizing on Bentley’s business sustainability curricular offerings, the purpose of the Global Sustainability Advisory Board is to gather industry professionals to discuss the best ways to prepare Bentley graduates for work in the sustainability sector. The board is co-chaired by the Associate Director of Career Services, the Chair of the Natural and Applied Sciences Department and the Director of Sustainability. In addition to the Bentley team, Global Sustainability Advisory Board members hail from: solar companies, socially responsible investment firms, environmental consulting firms, energy efficiency companies, the waste and recycling industry and corporate sustainability tracking and analytics companies. These members educate the Bentley team on new trends in each industry sector and common expectations for college graduates. They also advise the Bentley team on curricula, to ensure that we are preparing our students properly for work in these sectors, and provide insight on new job prospects for our students focusing on sustainability.

Companies and organizations contact Bentley's Career Services department to list internships and full time opportunities on "BentleyLink," Bentley's internal jobs board for students. Over the past two years we have seen a steady increase in the number of sustainability-oriented internships and full time positions offered. In the 2011/2012 academic year, 15 internships and 2 full-time positions were offered. In the 2013/2014 academic year, this increased to 57 internships and 46 full-time positions.