Next steps for Tom
A 10-month strategy to help Tom transition from academia into a strategic circular economy role.
| Timeline | Next step | Purpose |
| Month 1 | Use the C-DICE framework to map strengths and identify interdisciplinary skill gaps | Establish a clear reflection on where economic expertise aligns with circular economy systems |
| Month 2 | Enrol in an online short course on circular economy design (eg Ellen MacArthur Foundation or TU Delft) | Build foundational understanding of materials flows, product life cycles, and regenerative systems |
| Month 3 | Attend a cross-sector circular economy conference (eg Circular Economy Hub UK) | Gain exposure to active players in the circular economy space and explore career pathways |
| Month 4 | Join a systems innovation lab or circular economy hackathon | Practice working in interdisciplinary teams and contribute economic insights to solution design |
| Month 5 | Shadow a local authority or sustainability consultancy team working on circularity (eg in procurement or construction waste) | Understand real-world constraints and strategy implementation in circular systems |
| Month 6 | Participate in a workshop or training on inclusive stakeholder engagement | Strengthen co-creation and participatory methods for socially just transition planning |
| Month 7 | Write a blog or opinion piece on the economics of circular transitions for a public-facing platform | Build credibility and practice translating complex economic ideas for wider audiences |
| Month 8 | Join an interdisciplinary working group on urban sustainability or circular economy policy | Build networks and contribute to applied projects that inform practice or policy |
| Month 9 | Update Master CV with experience from cross-sector projects, workshops, and public engagement | Evidence impact-driven competencies and readiness for circular economy roles |
| Month 10 | Apply for roles in consultancies, policy institutes, or city innovation units working on circular economy systems | Make the transition to a role designing and implementing systems change |