Is there a bright future for hopeful environmentalists?
As I write this, I am sitting outside listening to birds singing and perfectly green trees swaying in the wind. I want to keep the trees standing and the birds chirping, but I don't know if that dream could become a stable career. Is there enough interest in the future of the earth that careers designed to protect it are paid well? #student #climatechange #recycle
4 answers
Yelena’s Answer
Environmental and sustainability issues have been gaining much attention throughout the corporate world and changing how companies operate. I too, am a big fan of the environment. When I started down the Environmental Management degree, I had no idea how it would apply or how I would use it. Also, back when I started studying in the field, and even after graduation, this subject area was very little and many folks I talked to had very little concept of what that was. I recall going to job fairs and the recruiters there had very little knowledge of the field or opportunities in it.
I have been in the environmental management, more specifically waste management field since 2017. I have seen the environmental job opportunities grow and grow over the years. And yes, many pay well. From forest & agricultural preservation, national park/land management, air and water management, wastewater treatment, health and safety, to my favorite, trash; there are many avenues a hopeful environmentalist can take. Many large corporations are now refocusing their operating procedures and are putting sustainability practices first. There are also plenty of local, state and federal positions available that are relevant to this field.
David’s Answer
Katie’s Answer
Yes, I worked in environmental for several years. The area is growing and is constantly changing. I worked mainly industrial in helping large organizations with recycling programs as well as how to reuse what materials they had. There are multiple avenues in environmental from hygienists, recycling, to cleaning up. Just look for the one that makes you happy.
Ashley’s Answer
Many Fortune 500 companies are working to reduce their carbon footprint by redesigning how they operate. Research companies you are interested in and their sustainability efforts.