Sustainable Systems Management

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About the Major

The Sustainable Systems Management major prepares students to enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills to design, assess, implement, and manage systems that advance sustainability, while continuing to meet employer needs for individuals with strong analytical and quantitative skill sets.

SSM majors integrate goals of economic growth and development in global markets through broad course offerings and real-world experiences. Not only will you gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental problem solving, but you will also hone your ability to communicate with stakeholders across various disciplines.

Study SSM

Career Outcomes

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Where do students work after graduation?

Where do students work after graduation?

Job titles and employers for graduates reported within 6 months of graduation
Job Title Employer
Air Quality Specialist HDR
Assistant Manager PLM Lake and Land Management
Building Science Consultant Morrison Hershfield
Business Intern Xcel Energy
Client Solutions Manager PMG, Inc.
Editor and Curriculum Collaborator Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future
Energy Specialist Franklin Energy
Environmental Specialist US Compliance
Environmental Specialist Nova Consulting Inc
Environmental Test Technician Mostardi Platt
Financial Analyst 3M
Lead Gardener Manly Gardening LLC
Lighting Auditor Energy Management Collaborative
Marketing Manager NewBloc
Operations Representative C.H. Robinson
Performance Analyst QE Solar
Project Assistant Westwood Professional Services
Project Development Analyst Safari Energy
Project Manager Novel Energy Solutions
Service Member at City of St. Anthony AmeriCorps GreenCorps
Solar Advocate Lead Apollo Energy
Solar Site Analyst All Energy Solar
Technical Aide 3M
Technical Aide 3M
Trader in Training Viking Forest Products
Verification Specialist Willdan

Where do students continue education after graduation?

Where do students continue education after graduation?

Programs and schools students enrolled in after graduation
Program School
Building Performance and Diagnostics Carnegie Mellon University
Chemistry University of Minnesota

Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?

Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?

Sampling of job titles and employers 5 years after graduation
Job Title Employer
Analystics Consultant Corra
Architectural Designer Wold Architechs & Engineers
Building Science Consultant Morrison Hershfield
Carbon Analyst ENGIE Impact
Co-Owner Bascom Brothers LLC
District Regulatory Technician Rice Creek Watershed District
Energy Specialist Willdan
Environmental Health Specialist II Ramsey County
Environmental Specialist U.S. Compliance
GreenCorps Member Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Key Account Manager Wurth Adams
Law Clerk Xcel Energy
Lead Engineer - Sustainability & ESG Data Sun Country Airlines
Permitting Specialist All Energy Solar
Sales Viking Mat Company
Senior Technology Program Manager Franklin Energy
Software Engineer U.S. Bank
Solutions Manager Energy Management Collaborative
Supervisor, Audits & Commissioning Energy Management Collaborative
Sustainabilty Specialist Minnesota Waste Wise

Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?

Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?

Sampling of job titles and employers from prior programs: Bioproducts Mktg and Mgmt & ESPM Corporate Environmental Mgmt sub-plan
Job Title Employer
Commercial Real Estate Broker KW Commercial
Engineer MnTAP
Export DDG & Corn Merchant Cargill
Key Account Manager CH Robinson
Logistics Planner OL USA
Project Estimator and Building Technician Kinzler Construction Services
Safety Manager Lunda Construction Company
Senior Analyst Best Buy
Senior EHS Engineer 3M
Senior Environmental Engineer 3M
Senior Environmental Scientist Barr Engineering
Site Reliability Engineer Ribbons Communications
Sustainability Manager Adidas
VP, Business Development Life Floor
VP, Business Development & Marketing Ideal Energies

Full outcomes report including salary, locations, satisfaction, and more

Common Entry-Level Job Titles

  • Air Quality Specialist
  • Building Science Consultant
  • Energy Specialist
  • Environmental Specialist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Lighting Auditor
  • Operations Representative
  • Performance Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • Solar Site Analyst
  • Sustainability Consultant

Top Employers

  • 3M
  • All Energy Solar
  • AmeriCorps GreenCorps
  • C.H. Robinson
  • Novel Energy Solutions
  • QE Solar
  • US Compliance
  • Willdan
  • Xcel Energy

Types of Employers

  • Architectural firms
  • Biotechnology laboratories
  • Energy companies
  • Engineering firms
  • Environmental consulting
  • Environmental products companies
  • Compliance and environmental regulation
  • Government agencies 
  • Manufacturing
  • Recycling and waste management companies
  • Universities and colleges

Meet Your Career Consultant

Maddie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maddie (she/her) can assist you with

  • Major and career exploration
  • Internship planning
  • Job searching
  • Interview prep and practice
  • Grad school planning and more...

Make an Appointment Maddie's bio

Additional Resources

In addition to these resources we recommend the following strategies to locate more information about careers related to your major:

  • O*NET and Careerwise. These tools provide comprehensive information about a wide range of careers including typical duties, salaries, employment outlook, skills and interests.
  • Locate professional associations related to your major or career interests by conducting a Google Search on “(Name of major/career area/industry) professional associations.” Try these keywords: sustainable, systems, management, analyst, production, construction, management, waste, recycling, biotechnology, energy, green, industrial, marketing, technology
  • Get involved in one of the many industry-related student groups on campus. These groups provide links to experiences, guest speakers, and discussion with like-minded students.