Environmental jobs

[spadlet]

It's not exactly the same field but I've wanted to work on renewable's projects since 6th form. I'm more interested in microgeneration than large scale generation.

I've been lucky and been able to learn alot and meet alot of people through voluntary work that I've done in the field. As with the environmental stuff there's alot of people interested in doing projects but most of the people that are interested aren't the ones with all the cash to do things. There's also alot of work required to develop proper industires. On the plus side, I get to do what I want, on the down side I have to do part-time work for the money. Is there any voluntary environmental stuff worth doing to get yourself more experience so that you are a more desirable employee that the others competing for jobs?

Blackfoxtrade, I know nothing about Estonia but in the UK alot of jobs (though not neccessarily ones that you'd want to do) just require that the applicant has a degree, to prove they can think etc. Also, I've had alot of friends end up doing jobs that are nothing to do with the subject they studied at University. I think the most important thing is that you pick a course that you are interested in, rather than one where you are guaranteed employment if you get a 1st, after all, if you are bored you wont want to study, where as if you are interested you are more likely to work harder and succeed. Obviously there are some jobs where a specific degree is required. Are there any work experience placements or anyhting you could do to try out different types of work (and possibly make valuable contacts for the future)?

[Myrtti]

Originally Posted by spadlet

Is there any voluntary environmental stuff worth doing to get yourself more experience so that you are a more desirable employee that the others competing for jobs?

I've been searching for some voluntary environmental stuff, but there doesn't seem to be much of that here either. Not at least in the area where I live. I guess the reason for this might be the fact that our environment is, for the most part anyway, in a rather good shape and there's not much things that really need the effort of volunteers.

Well, I'll figure out something eventually.

[MarkuisMellvile]

What have you been doing since graduating?

As someone with a Masters in a specialised field of Enviromental Engineering, I had no trouble finding lots of opportunities for work here in the UK, but most don't offer pay rates that would pay your phone bill, let alone your rent or mortgage.

As someone else said, Civil Engineering based Env Eng degrees are most common, but if drainage pipes don't interest you, then there are other specialisms that might.

I've come into this thread late and read it only briefly, so I'm sorry if you've answered this before:

What type of work would you like to be doing in a few years time, and where would you like to start?

As for whether you should do a Masters, I'd say it increases your chances of rewarding work, but only if you leave it with a clear purpose in career terms. Here in the UK, too few people finish first degrees with a firm idea of what work they want to do, and those of us who did had a great advantage. If you're young and/or unattached to Finland and its nuclear power and forests, then do explore further afield and let us know how you get on.

MM

[Myrtti]

So far I've only worked as a town official for the env. and env. health things and these jobs have taught me that it really isn't what I want to do in the future. I'm more interested in doing a research of some sort (which means that I really should study that master's degree) or something that really has a meaning. Cos a lot of the things I did as an official lacked exactly that.

It's quite difficult to imagine where I'll be in a few years time as I don't even know where I'll be in few weeks. Anyway, I hope I'll be doing some sort of non-administrative env. work or studying vet stuff. I'm actually going to see this "career counsellor" on Monday and I hope he'll tell me what to do once I'm a grownup.

[david16]

The UN says millions of new jobs will be created worldwide over the next few decades by the development of alternative energy technologies.

More than a million people already work in biofuels, but a UN report says that could rise by 12 million by 2030.

BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | UN forecasts boom in 'green jobs'

[Robert Northup]

There are a lot of environmental jobs, and there are likely to be a whole lot more in the not too distant future. However, I think the first question isn't "what job can I find?", but rather, "what environmental problem do I want to address?" Then figure out what skill set is required to address that problem, and how to go about getting trained in that skill set. Presumably, you've chosen an environmental problem you feel passionately enough about to be willing to invest some years in preparation. Begin by finding your calling, and figuring out what you need to learn in order to be useful. By the time you have completed the training, you will be ready to occupy one of the available positions. And if there isn't a pre-fabricated position available, you will be able to create your own niche.

If you go the environmental science route, it isn't glamorous, but it is immensely rewarding. If you want to have maximum credibility for maximum possible impact, you may want to get some kind of advanced degree. If you go all the way (masters, Ph.D.), you may find yourself at one the world's most prestigious universities, getting paid the equivalent of a janitor's salary while you do post-doctoral research. And you may have to compete with the best to get to earn that janitor's salary. So don't go into it if you expect financial security or comfort. You might get lucky and have that as part of the package, but most any other career can offer better guarantees.

If your environmental career is the fruit of deeper calling, it won't matter how long it takes to pay back your student loans, or even find a job. You'll get to experience joy in your work that most folks couldn't imagine.

[Richard]

I work in flood risk management in the UK. Seems to be quite a lot of job opportunities around in this area at the moment, if you'd be willing to live in a different country.