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How can I get involved in the environmental science field through jobs?
I would like to study environmental science and was wondering if there are any ways I can gain experience prior to college?
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5 answers
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John’s Answer
Hello!
My experience is that environmental science (in the USA) has more people seeking jobs than job openings, so you have to be a persistent seeker!
I would also look to take courses in Environmental Engineering, a field of civil engineering which has a large component of biology and marine biology. Many environmental engineers work in biological science, and the engineering degree usually has an advantage.
Recommend that you look for internships with environmental engineering companies that are working in the marine environment.
You can study environmental science, but after graduating from a college program, look to take the Professional Engineer path and exam, which gives you a "PE" license in your state. The PE designation is often more important for professional recognition to get environmental project work than a master's or PhD degree!
Also, learn as much computer science and artificial intelligence as you can through study. AI is going to change everything in our world of learning, so it is a very important subject to get to know!
My experience is that environmental science (in the USA) has more people seeking jobs than job openings, so you have to be a persistent seeker!
I would also look to take courses in Environmental Engineering, a field of civil engineering which has a large component of biology and marine biology. Many environmental engineers work in biological science, and the engineering degree usually has an advantage.
Recommend that you look for internships with environmental engineering companies that are working in the marine environment.
You can study environmental science, but after graduating from a college program, look to take the Professional Engineer path and exam, which gives you a "PE" license in your state. The PE designation is often more important for professional recognition to get environmental project work than a master's or PhD degree!
Also, learn as much computer science and artificial intelligence as you can through study. AI is going to change everything in our world of learning, so it is a very important subject to get to know!
Updated
Julia’s Answer
A great way to get some exposure to environmental science topics before college is to look for opportunities with your local environmental regulatory agency. I see you live in California so you can check websites for the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) or the California State Water Quality Control Board. They may hold learning or volunteering events. Similarly, you can search the website for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to see what they might be offering; they often have free online training about specific environmental topics and regulations. Most environmental work is conducted to comply with some type of regulations so familiarizing yourself with environmental regulations is a great way to learn about the field.
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Jordyn’s Answer
An outlook after the degree path: I have a Bachelors in Environmental Science and found work in a variety of places (Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) work at a mining company and lab tech at a hazardous waste lab). Environmental Science field is pretty general so you can take it in any direction. I found there were more opportunities in the EHS space. A ton of companies have positions for that. Ultimately ended up getting my masters in Environmental Engineering as it offered me an edge when looking for opportunities. My fellow Environmental Science /Engineering students went on to do far different work than me : Conservation, Sustainability teaching in different countries, Project Managers for construction companies, Consultants.
Currently: Environmental Science offers you a well rounded STEM degree that you can take to many places. Doing as many internships as you feasibly can is really key during/before your college career. Make sure they relate somehow to Environmental Science (lab work, chemical work, EHS, conservation, safety). If you're able to do any free safety trainings, it will make you stand out as many employers will be looking for those who already have some .
Currently: Environmental Science offers you a well rounded STEM degree that you can take to many places. Doing as many internships as you feasibly can is really key during/before your college career. Make sure they relate somehow to Environmental Science (lab work, chemical work, EHS, conservation, safety). If you're able to do any free safety trainings, it will make you stand out as many employers will be looking for those who already have some .
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
There are so many different kinds of roles with "environmental science" as an element - you could be outdoors sampling water, helping shore up a "riparian zone" (stream bank), analyzing soil samples in a lab, writing about science for a newspaper or magazine, etc. A great way to get involved early on is to find a local nonprofit organization or a local college and see if you can volunteer, work in a lab, or get a summer internship.
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Abishek’s Answer
That’s a great question, environmental science is a dynamic and important field along with I prefer to say futuristic field. There are many ways you can involved before starting college but what I would suggest is try to join the club related to environmental works and trying to do voulteer as much as possible. Other than that you can also join INGOs and NGOs as an intern. I myself trying to do master in environmental engineering so wishing best of luck for your future.