 Careers in environment Over the last 100 years, many of the technological and industrial processes that we heavily rely on, have deeply impacted our environment. Climate change, acid deposition and hazardous waste disposal has forced the world to take a closer look at how we interact with our environment. This has spurred demand for researchers, educators, engineers and policy makers with a firm grounding in theoretical and practical aspects of environmental studies. Career options have mushromed for those who want to work in the field of environment. These careers are generally multidisciplinary, encompassing diverse fields such as geography, biology, agriculture, engineering, geology, management, policy and planning, and many more.
Interdisciplinary nature of careers in environment The job profiles of environmentalists are as diverse as the problems they address. Here is a brief overview. Ecologists are concerned with the interrelationship between the constituents of nature. Ecology is the study of the relations of organisms, or of local ecosystems, to their environments. The field is often called environmental biology. Ecologists usually have a life sciences background. Their work often involves pure research in a university or government agency setting. Conservationists devote their careers to the protection and judicious use of our natural resources - soil, water, forests, minerals, wildlife, and grazing lands. Conservation is closely related to ecology, the major differences being in emphasis. While ecologists are interested in studying and understanding the environment as it is, conservationists are interested in using the environment and its resources and in creating a better environment. Environmental designers, architects, planners and urban development officials deal with land use and the "built" environment. Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and the spaces between them. Land management refers to balancing one use of land against another to achieve maximum value in keeping with social, economic and environmental considerations. Other environmentalists work in social, political, legal, health, and educational arenas to protect the environment. Their skills include writing, speaking, research, analysis, teaching, training, negotiating and persuading. Releated occupations Environmental problems are so complex and far reaching that many different occupations are involved in finding solutions. Environmental careers cover a broad range of occupations, all connecting work practices with environmental processes - at local or global levels. As our society becomes more aware of the economic importance of a sustainable environment, the demand for expertise in fields involving the management and protection of environment, monitoring the impact of human activity upon the environment, and rehabilitation or restoration of the environment, are growing. One can therefore look forward to becoming an earth scientist, a recreation specialists, a planner or an environmental health specialist. Most of these disciplines require a background in science. However, those with a social science background can also play a major role in environmental protection and there are occupations for people with a broad range of skills and aptitudes. Maximising your career options Although skills and knowledge gained from professional education and training are important, most employers look for additional skills. Effective communication skills - both written and verbal and an active interest in outdoor activites will enhance prospects of employment. It is not essential to gain a specifically environment-related position immediately after graduation in order to develop a successful career in the field. Many first jobs can provide a sound foundation of experience that will open up a number of environmental career options. One can better understand the scope of opportunities and options when you interact with organisations working in the field of environment. Volunteer: Volunteer work is really important to get a foot in the door. The duration and amount of work can be as diverse as the work itself. There are many organisations that will take on volunteers; some advertise, some don't. It is important to be proactive and approach an employer - this shows initiative. If you are lucky there may be a chance of getting ongoing work with the organisation after some time, and if not, the initiative and skills learned will stand out on your CV. Non-government organisations (NGOs) are frequently looking for volunteer help. Interested in volunteering with CSE? Click here... |
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