ASU sustainability alumnus finds success in new field

Embarking on a mid-career change can seem daunting, but it's something Brandon Suchan knew he had to do. He wanted to get into the sustainability field, and thanks to a degree from the School of Sustainability, he now has a new role at thinkPARALLAX.

Suchan is a senior account strategist who consults with organizations and companies to produce environmental, social and governance (ESG) reports and improve their sustainability communications and strategies.

"I've always been interested in sustainability, and this is an exciting field to go into where you can really make an impact," said Suchan, who earned his Master of Sustainability Leadership (MSL) degree online in 2021. "I had always wanted to go back to school and pursue a graduate degree; this program gave me the opportunity to follow my passion."

One of the reasons that Suchan chose to study at ASU and the School of Sustainability was all the resources and opportunities available to students.

He was a project lead with the GreenLight Solutions Foundation, a student-run organization that works with Phoenix businesses on sustainability initiatives. He participated in The Frasier Global Mentorship Program, which prepared him for a career in ESG by connecting him with a mentor who works in the field. He also took advantage of career services within the College of Global Futures to get resume and interview preparation support.

Even after graduation, Suchan is still involved with the School of Sustainability and has become a mentor to current students. The resources he utilized at ASU helped him find success in a new field. 

"Coming from someone who was not in the sustainability space and embarked on a career transition, it's extremely hard to do," Suchan said. "This program prepared me for that transition. I was only a graduate student for a year and a half, so I wanted to do everything and make the most of my time at ASU.

"I always tell other students to take advantage of all the resources available to them. Reach out to alumni; find mentorships; use ASU's career services. You can do so much in sustainability by using all the resources that are available to you."