UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, along with Kenan Scholars, UNC Program for Public Discourse and UNC Global are hosting Demystifying ESG: Charting a Career in Sustainability, a symposium focused on careers paths in the environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) field. On February 10, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Carolina Club, students can interact with experts and industry professionals to discuss an ESG-based approach to investing and decision-making. This event is free and open to the public; register for your spot here.
Kenan-Flagler set to host ESG symposium focusing on careers in sustainability
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School is looking to increase awareness and interest in the expanding ESG field with its symposium Demystifying ESG: Charting a Career in Sustainability on February 10. At Demystifying ESG, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the ESG field and careers that utilize an ESG-approach to investing and decision-making. Kenan Scholars will moderate the event with experts and industry professionals participating in lectures and breakout sessions.
What is ESG?
“ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. These are non-financial factors that organizations use to assess risks and opportunities for growth,” said Kenan Scholars Program Executive Director Dr. Kim Allen. “ESG is profitable, not just for businesses but for non-profit organizations too.”
ESG is a growing field that impacts different areas of the corporate world, and the approach contains both opportunities and risks in business operations.
What to expect at the symposium
At Demystifying ESG, guest speakers and interactive events will help attendees gain a better understanding of the field. According to Dr. Allen, the purpose of the symposium is to educate students about ESG and encourage an interest in ESG careers.
“You don't have to be a business major to have a career in ESG,” she said. “ESG is a way of doing business while making a difference!”
The event will be led and moderated by the Kenan Scholars Class of 2023. Amy S. Matsuo, principal and national lead for KPMG in the United States, will give the keynote speech on ESG regulations and risks followed by breakout sessions on a wide range of topics: corporate responsibility, governing responsibly and social impact.
Panelists in the breakout sessions include Mark Little, the executive director of NCGrowth; Gregg Margosian, COO for Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions; Steve May, Associate professor in the communications department at UNC-CH; and chief ESG and CSR officer for Truist Financial, Tori Kaplan.
Lunch will give attendees the opportunity to network with professionals in the ESG field, including director of career development and employer relations Amy Bugno and UBP’s associate director of career development Sarah Crockett.
Katherine Neebe, the chief sustainability officer for Duke Energy, will speak at a plenary following lunch. Finally, Gerald Cohen, chief economist for the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, and Olga Hawn, associate professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at Kenan-Flagler, will engage in a faculty debate.
What to gain from Demystifying ESG
Through Demystifying ESG, attendees will gain valuable insight into the developments within the ESG field. The symposium will help attendees grow their understanding of the pros and cons of an ESG approach to business practices while allowing them to network with leading industry professionals.
Still unsure about registering? Dr. Allen urges anyone wanting to kickstart their career to attend.
“A few hours of learning about ESG and networking with the right people are just what your career plans need right now!”
Reserve your spot for the Demystifying ESG event here!
An attendee listens intently at a previous Kenan Scholars event
A student presents at a previous Kenan Scholars event
