The fact that the world is beginning to really acknowledge the need to look after our planet has meant that we are seeing an increasing number of careers available in a number of ‘green’ areas. These can range from developing new technology to helping businesses and consumers go green, and if you are passionate about the future of our planet there are plenty of career options available to you – according to your strengths and preferences.
As a graduate, you will already be armed with a plethora of skills in your chosen field, and being able to apply these to something that you feel is important is a great way to not only start a career that you feel is worthwhile, but also help to save the planet.
There are many ‘green’ career options out there for graduates, and here are a few areas that you could consider working in:
Green businesses
Regardless of what your skills are, getting a job at a ‘green’ business is one of the best ways that you can help the environment. Working for businesses that carry out important work to help the environment is a great option.
According to sustainable product manufacturers at Tanks for Everything, reducing water waste is important for the planet, and by ‘setting up a rainwater harvesting system (RHS), can help you ensure that you have regular access to water for activities such as washing clothes, flushing the toilet, and watering plants and lawns.’ Working for a business that facilitates ‘green practices’, like rainwater harvesting systems, means that you can really make a difference in the world.
Whether you want to work in HR, accounts, or project management, working for a company that helps others to be ‘green’ is a great way to help the environment using your own skills.
Green engineering
Although we already have many green processes in place, they are still pretty primitive in terms of what is out there. Those who work in green engineering help to design, develop, and maintain systems and processes that can be used to improve this. For some, it could be about how to use natural, renewable resources in a more effective and efficient way, others, developing natural fertilisers, or for others, it could be about creating new products that are more energy-efficient.
One of the most exciting things about green engineering is that there is always something to improve on, and by using your skills and knowledge you are making a direct impact on the planet.
There is a national shortage of engineering jobs – from green engineers to software engineers, meaning that there are plenty of opportunities as well as good pay for people who have the skills.
Environmental officer
An environmental officer’s job is to make sure that environmental regulations are followed – and initiated in some places. You could be working in a business, public institution (school, library, hospital), local government – or even central government in this role.
Some environmental officer jobs can be broken down into more specific jobs such as an energy conservation officer, fisheries officer, recycling officer, environmental health officer, or a nature and water conservation officer, for example.
For a career as an environmental officer, you will normally need a degree in an environment-related subject.
Green law
If you have studied law and also want to work in a ‘green’ capacity, you can specialise in environmental or energy law. As an environmental or energy lawyer, you would advise or work on the legal side of protecting the environment. This would often include issues such as ensuring water and air quality, hazardous waste, and sustainability in general.
To work in this area, you will first need to study law and then specialise in environmental law.
Environmental science
Environmental scientists work typically with government agencies to provide information that can then be used to prove or disprove theories and help to steer environmental policies. This is an important job as it backs up (or not) theories that can shape environmental policy now and in the future.
You will normally need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject to get into a career in environmental science.
Other careers that you could think about if you are looking for a ‘green’ career, could include:
- urban planner
- sustainable farmer
- conservation scientist
- wildlife biologist
- conservationist
- green architect
Ensuring that the world functions in a way that is not damaging itself is a responsibility for all of us. However, if you have a passion for all things ecological, you can help to lead the way. As businesses and governments begin to see the importance of looking after our planet, we will see a rising necessity for people working in ‘green’ jobs.