Tips to Finding a Job in the Global Environment Sector by Justin Taberham
Millions of people globally want to work in the environmental sector; some want a meaningful career or may have a heart for making a difference to the world. To be successful in the sector needs ‘stickability’ because every job may have hundreds of applicants.
Get work experience, even if it is unpaid – it helps to develop your resume and you may meet potential employers. It may also fix in your mind the sectors that you do and don’t want to work in. Relevant work experience gives you an edge over other candidates as well as direct knowledge and experience.
Working globally may be easier if you join a multinational company, such as an engineering or environmental consultancy. However, this is not guaranteed. Many roles can be fixed in terms of their location, but at least you will be on the inside and closer to global roles. You may also have to think laterally and long term by developing a career which is not initially environmental but which gives you the springboard to a more environmental role. Many environmental engineers started with pure engineering roles which became more environmental with time.
Aim for a relevant course/degree. There are many courses which are environmental but if you are not sure of your preferred career route, a more general course is helpful. Many of the people I recruited over my 30 year career had qualifications in Geography.
Millions of people globally want to work in the environmental sector; some want a meaningful career or may have a heart for making a difference to the world. To be successful in the sector needs ‘stickability’ because every job may have hundreds of applicants.
Get work experience, even if it is unpaid – it helps to develop your resume and you may meet potential employers. It may also fix in your mind the sectors that you do and don’t want to work in. Relevant work experience gives you an edge over other candidates as well as direct knowledge and experience.
Working globally may be easier if you join a multinational company, such as an engineering or environmental consultancy. However, this is not guaranteed. Many roles can be fixed in terms of their location, but at least you will be on the inside and closer to global roles. You may also have to think laterally and long term by developing a career which is not initially environmental but which gives you the springboard to a more environmental role. Many environmental engineers started with pure engineering roles which became more environmental with time.
Aim for a relevant course/degree. There are many courses which are environmental but if you are not sure of your preferred career route, a more general course is helpful. Many of the people I recruited over my 30 year career had qualifications in Geography.
