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Environmental career specialists stress that students
interested in green careers have strong communication skills as well
as an aptitude and training in mathematics and science. As the environmental
marketplace becomes tighter, experience can be another selling point
for job entrants. High school and college students should pursue internships
and volunteer opportunities, both of which provide valuable on-the-job
training and often can lead to full-time jobs. Kelly Heimbach, of
the National Association of Environmental
Professionals, says, "For most environmental jobs, internships
are expected. And a good one, one where you have a lot of responsibility,
can open doors for you."
Among the newest opportunities for getting some experience is AmeriCorps
National Service, which includes the environment as one of its four
critical issue areas. The environment projects are targeted at reducing
community environmental hazards or conserving, restoring, and sustaining
natural habitats. The program is open to youths aged 17 and older
before, during, or after postsecondary education. Participants receive
up to $4,725 for higher education or vocational training, repayment
of interest on student loans during their service, and other benefits.
For more information, write The Corporation for National and Community
Service, 1100 Vermont Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20525, or call (202)
606-5000.
Once you begin your job search, you should have an idea of the locale
where you would like to work. For those who think globally, John Esson,
of the Environmental Career Center, says there is no better time to
pursue international opportunities. "The environmental employment
market is much more global now than ever before," he says, from the
depletion of tropical rainforests in Brazil to the pollution problems
in Eastern Europe that have come to light since the breakup of the
Soviet Union. "The Administration is trying to export our environmental
technology overseas. There's just tremendous opportunity right now."
On the other hand, says Kevin Doyle, of the Environmental Careers
Organization, don't forget to act locally. "The best way to look for
an environmental job is to go in the local area, talk to local people,
and get local experience," he says. And your college career center
is a good place to start. "Demand the names of alumni who are gainfully
employed in places where you want to work, and then call or go talk
to them," Doyle says.
Reading this article is only one of many steps you should take toward
finding a green job. One of the best places to continue researching
is at your local library. Most commercial publications include sources
for additional information, and annual guides, such as the National
Wildlife Federation's Conservation Directory, provide names and addresses
of environmental organizations. Descriptions of environmental job
openings are available in several periodicals; find out if your library
subscribes. If you know which field you are interested in, read trade
journals and contact groups associated with that issue. If you are
not sure where to start, there are many organizations that can help.
For information about environmental careers, including internship
opportunities, contact:
The Environmental Careers Organization
Boston, MA
www.eco.org
(617) 426-4375.
For environmental career services, including searchable jobs
and resume board access (now on the web at environmentalcareer.com)
to job listings, contact:
Environmental Career Center
100 Bridge Street, Bldg. C
Hampton, VA 23666
www.environmentalcareer.com
(757) 727-7891.
For a career packet about professional environmental careers, contact:
National Association of Environmental Professionals at www.naep.org.
Section
1: Introduction
Section
2: Of Greening and
Greenbacks
Section 3: Environmental
Protection
Section 4: Environmental
Health and Safety
Section 5: Natural
Resources Management
Section 6: Environmental
Education and Other Professions
Section 7: Technicians
Without 4-year Degrees
Section 8: Exploring
the Field
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Environmental
Career Center, 2 Eaton Street, Suite 711,
Hampton, Virginia 23669 USA
Tele:
757.727.7895; Fax: 757.727.7904; Email: eccinfo@environmentalcareer.com
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© 1995-2003 Environmental Career Center, LLC. All rights reserved.
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