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How do I make connections, network, and connect with people who work in environmental/conservation related fields while I am in high school?

I am a high school senior, starting college in the fall.

I am planning on double majoring in BioChemistry and Environmental Studies

internships networking environment social-networking
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Tim’s Answer

Look for companies, nearby or not, that focus on green initiatives. Check if they have someone in charge of sustainability. LinkedIn is a great tool to find these people and connect with them. Many professionals are happy to see young people like you interested in their work. They might suggest volunteer opportunities or recommend colleges and programs.
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Gianna’s Answer

That’s a fantastic question, and it’s awesome that you’re thinking about this so early! If you want to connect with people in environmental or conservation fields while in high school, try these steps:

- Join or start an environmental club at school, or get involved with local nature centers and organizations.
- Volunteer at park clean-ups, tree plantings, or animal shelters to meet people and gain experience.
- Attend events like talks, workshops, or fairs about the environment.
- Use social media (like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram) to follow and politely reach out to professionals and organizations.
- Ask for informational interviews—just a quick chat to learn about someone’s career.
- Look for internships or summer programs for high school students.
- Talk to teachers or counselors for advice or connections.
- Start your own project to show your passion and meet others.

Always be polite, thank people for their time, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. You’re off to a great start just by asking!
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Antonette Nicole’s Answer

It's wonderful that you're exploring new things at a young age. If I could go back to my school days, I would use my LinkedIn account to connect with industry professionals. I would actively ask for advice on career paths and focus areas. Sharing my thoughts on industry topics and learning from others in the field would also be a priority. Keep up the great work!
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Genesys’s Answer

- Join or start an environmental sustainability club and partner with other schools. That way you will get to meet people of like minds
- Contact related associations and inquire about mentoring, community and training programs.
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Genesys’s Answer

Try to find different organizations, foundations in your area, who are working on environmental related topics. You can also volunteer with them and get other connections.
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Genesys’s Answer

Search for sustainability or volunteer activities in your community. For instance, there are usually events to plant a tree, help with environmental cleanup at a beach or park, or to learn about sustainable topics like conservation, energy, etc. At these events, you’ll find those who share the same passions as you, as well as subject matter experts in the field-networking is organic to your participation.
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Genesys’s Answer

You can start by getting involved locally—join school clubs, volunteer at cleanups, or connect with community organizations focused on the environment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, local nonprofits, or even college professors with genuine questions about their work. Building small projects of your own, like a recycling drive or blog, also gives you something meaningful to share when making connections.
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Genesys’s Answer

Ask your science or biology teacher if they know anyone working in environmental jobs.
They might connect you with guest speakers, internships, or summer programs.
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Genesys’s Answer

I think the best way to meet people in these areas is to attend some volunteering sustainability events in the area. These are often attended by people in the fields you want to meet. As a younger person with an interest in the area, these people would be very excited to meet you and share their wisdom!
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Genesys’s Answer

Go talk to the groundskeeper! When my kids were in high school I struck up a conversation with the coach who handled the fields and the work he did for conservation of nature was more work than any one I had met. He taught me things I could do at home to help.
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Genesys’s Answer

Investigate opportunities in your area via social media, join clubs and groups at school, join community groups and volunteer , talk to your science teachers , explore Sumer camps
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Donna’s Answer

Volunteer! See Below!

City of Tacoma Events: Go to some of the meetings. See if you can help at the events. Network!
City of Tacoma Projects: Learn about projects that are important to the City. Reach out and see if you can help or shadow someone. Network!

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Volunteers: There is a search function here. See if there is something near your are interested in. Network!
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Careers/ Internships: As you get closer to college maybe this is an option to help pay for college or get experience. Network!

Pierce County, WA Conservation Futures Program: They are currently taking applications for a Citizen Advisory Board OMG! Network!

Donna recommends the following next steps:

https://tacoma.gov/events/
https://tacoma.gov/city-projects/
https://www.fws.gov/volunteer-opportunity
https://www.fws.gov/careers
https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1477/Conservation-Futures-Program
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