Sustainable Systems Management
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.
Career Outcomes
Where do students work after graduation?
Where do students work after graduation?
| Job Title | Organization | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist | County of Chisago | Center City, MN |
| Bartender | Bread Soda | Washington D.C., DC |
| Energy Analyst | Energy Insight | Chanhassen, MN |
| Energy Assistance Program Eligibility Specialist | Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County | Minneapolis, MN |
| Energy Efficiency Specialist | Frontier Energy | Chanhassen, MN |
| Environmental Energy Advisor | Dakota County Community Development Agency | Eagan, MN |
| Field Engineer | Mortenson | San Antonio, TX |
| GreenCorps Member | Minnesota GreenCorps | Minneapolis, MN |
| Project Development Associate | National Grid Renewables | Minneapolis, MN |
| Project Program Coordinator | Ampact | Minneapolis, MN |
| Supply Chain Specialist | Metal Edge Partners | Plymouth, MN |
| Sustainability and Event Coordinator | The B Suite | Minneapolis, MN |
| Trail Guide | YMCA Camp | Cook, MN |
Where do students continue education after graduation?
Where do students continue education after graduation?
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Bioproducts & Biosystems Science Engineering & Management | University of Minnesota Twin Cities |
| Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | University of Minnesota Twin Cities |
| Supply Chain Management | University of Minnesota Twin Cities |
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Asset Manager | Nokomis Energy |
| Assistant Boutique Manager | Christian Dior Couture |
| Assistant Manager | PLM Lake and Land Management |
| Associate Engagement Manager | Xcel Energy |
| Energy Efficiency Consultant | The Energy Network Worldwide |
| Environmentalist | Hennepin County |
| Founder | Vmates |
| Inside Sales Team Manager | Veritiv Corporation |
| Instructor | University of Minnesota |
| Pre-Construction Manager | Knobelsdorff |
| Project Developer | Onyx Renewable Partners |
| Project Development Associate | Clearway Energy Group |
| Senior Policy Associate | Clean Energy Economy Minnesota |
| Senior Regulatory and Product Steward | 3M |
| Solid Waste Specialist | City of St. Louis Park |
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Director of Energy Services | DPIS Builder Services |
| Director of Enterprise Business | Klaaswood |
| Fire Inspection Specialist II | City of Minneapolis |
| Implementation Consultant | Trimble |
| Operating Room Nurse | Sanford Health |
| Product Specialist II | H.B. Fuller |
| Sales Manager | Boise Cascade Company |
| Senior Estimator | JTM Construction |
| Web & Mobile Developer | Anderson Trucking Service |
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
- Copeland Building Envelope Consulting
- Frontier Energy
- Minnesota GreenCorps
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Mortenson Construction
- National Grid Renewables
- Novel Energy Solutions
- Stantec
- University of Minnesota
- 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
Top Career Resources
- SSM Job Postings in Handshake
- Clean Energy Job Board
- EcoJobs
- Institute of Packaging Professionals
- Pulp & Paper
- GreenBiz
- Energy & Environmental Building Alliance
- National Association of Home Builders
- Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
- Green Building Initiative
- International Society of Sustainability Professionals
Meet Your Career Consultant
Maddie (she/her) can assist you with
- Major and career exploration
- Internship planning
- Job searching
- Interview prep and practice
- Grad school planning and more...
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.