The Environmental Careers Guide: How To Find The Best Job for You
There are many different types of jobs, and it can be difficult to know which one is the right one for you. If you’re interested in a career in the environmental sector, the good news is that there are many different roles available that will give you the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world around you.
Whether you want to save animals from extinction or reduce carbon emissions to protect our planet, there are plenty of different environmental jobs out there that suit every personality and skill set. The trick is identifying which one will provide you with the happiest work-life balance and give you a sense of fulfilment in your professional life. If you’re looking for an exciting new career, read on to discover more about how you can find the best job for you.
What Is An Environmental Career?
An environmental career is any job that works towards protecting the environment. In a broad sense, an environmental career can include things like conservation, sustainability, and waste management, but the specific job titles you’ll find within these categories vary widely.
For example, someone who works in sustainability could be an engineer designing new technologies to reduce carbon emissions or a scientist analysing soil samples to determine nutrient deficiencies.
There are many different types of environmental careers because each one focuses on a different aspect of protecting and preserving our planet, but they all share the common goal of minimising pollution, preserving wildlife, and cutting back on harmful emissions that could negatively impact our health and planet.
Getting A Environmental Management Masters Degree
One of the best ways to get a great job in an environmental career is to earn a degree in a related field like environmental management. Many schools offer graduate degrees in these subjects, which will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in management roles in government organisations or non-profit conservation groups.
Masters in environmental management will cover a variety of topics and typically allows you to choose your own learning pathways, such as conservation, energy, or informatics. You’ll also likely have the chance to get field experience through internships, which can be helpful for getting a job after you graduate.
An Environmental Management Degree will give you the knowledge and skills you need to apply for various environmental jobs. By taking environmental management courses, you’ll be adding a level of expertise to your resume that will make you more competitive in the job market.
Top Skills You’ll Need
One of the best ways to determine if a particular environmental career is right for you is to assess the skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed in the role. Make sure you research the skills required for your top environmental career options in order to determine which one will best utilise your strengths and where you will need to improve.
Along with researching the skills you’ll need for your top environmental job options, also think about which personality traits will help you thrive in the field. For example, if you’re interested in conservation biology or wildlife biology, patience and an appreciation for long-term projects will be important. If you’re interested in engineering, analytical and problem-solving skills will be necessary.
Volunteering To Get Work Experience
If you’re interested in getting a job that focuses on conservation and wildlife management, you may be able to get some valuable work experience by volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation facility or conservation organisation. By getting hands-on experience in the field, you’ll be able to clearly demonstrate your interest in wildlife and prove that you are a good fit for the job.
The more experience you have, the more competitive you will be in the job market, so don’t be afraid to take the time to volunteer if you think it will help you get a good job after graduation.
Taking Internships To Expand Your Network
After you’ve selected your top environmental career options, you’ll want to do some research to find out which organisations in your field hire interns. Getting an environmental internship will give you valuable work experience and will also expand your network of professional contacts.
A good internship can be a valuable foot in the door to your dream job, so make sure you do your research to find an organisation that is the right fit for you. The best environmental internships will give you the chance to work on real-world projects and will be supervised by experts in the field.
Keep An Eye On Environmental Job Boards
Another great way to find environmental jobs is to keep an eye on job boards that are specific to your industry. Environmental job boards are a great place to start your job search, but you’ll also want to make sure that you’re applying for jobs in a variety of ways to maximise your chances of getting an interview.
You may want to consider making your resume available on job boards that are specific to your industry and applying for jobs through social media channels.
Explore A Wide Range Of Career Options
If you’re unsure of the best environmental career for you, one of the best things you can do is explore a wide range of options. Identifying your interests and skills will help you narrow down the best career paths, but don’t limit yourself to just one or two options. Getting experience in a wide range of environmental fields will help you determine what’s best for you, and it will also make you more competitive in the job market.
Writing Your CV
When writing your environmental CV, you’ll want to focus on skills and experience that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Make sure you emphasise how your past work and volunteer experience will help you succeed in the job you’re applying for. The best way to impress hiring managers will be to demonstrate how your previous work experience and education have prepared you for the job.
Preparing For Interviews
If you get an interview for your dream environmental job, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible for the interview. Research the company, the industry, and the job, and make a list of questions you’d like to ask the hiring manager. Prepare examples of how you’ve demonstrated key skills like creativity and problem-solving to show hiring managers that you’re the right person for the job.
