Are you worried about finding a job in today’s bad news economy? Wondering how you can best prepare yourself for the uncertain job market of the future? Whether you’re trying to choose a major that will offer the best return for your tuition money, looking for an effective job search strategy, or somewhere in between, now is the time to think green.
The Obama administration has shown a serious commitment to green that the president first articulated in his inaugural address and more recently emphasized in his response to the economic crises. In his first press conference, the President said that “In the Senate, about $40 billion was committed for energy programs, focused chiefly on efficiency and renewable energy, including $2.9 billion to weatherize modest-income homes; $4.6 billion for fossil fuel research and development; $6.4 billion to clean up nuclear weapons production sites; $11 billion toward a so-called “smart electricity grid” to reduce waste; $8.5 billion to subsidize loans for renewable energy projects; and $2 billion for advanced battery systems. In the House, approximately $28.4 billion was committed for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including $6.2 billion to weatherize homes; $11 billion to fund a so-called “smart electricity grid” to reduce waste.” These billions predict an increase in the number of green jobs that will become available in the near future and further on. This growth not only includes existing green job titles, but jobs newly created to meet the needs of current organizations green initiatives, and new organizations generated by emerging green technology.
What do we mean when we say green? There is no commonly accepted definition of the term green job, yet when we talk about green jobs, green organizations, green industries, green initiatives and the green economy, we all have a pretty clear notion of what we’re getting at. Green, more or less, means environmental, ecological, earth-friendly. We might apply the term green to any job, organization or industry related to climate change or climate adaptation, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability, conservation, and in the broad sense, even jobs like those in natural and sustainable product manufacturing. The concept of green is wide-ranging and far-reaching.
The truth is green jobs are remarkably varied, ranging from Solar Energy Engineer and Installation Technician to Environmental Litigation Attorney. Candidates with degrees in science and engineering will certainly be in high demand, but other candidates need not count themselves out. Whether your studies are directly or indirectly green-related, there is likely to be a place for you. Think about what you do or want to do and how you can apply that to a green economy. Opportunities created by green industry growth will include jobs in accounting, sales and marketing, IT, public policy, writing, analysis, research, and a myriad of other areas.
Be prepared to take advantage of these opportunities by learning all you can about any sector of the green economy that interests you. Remember that internships and volunteering can be great ways to enhance your green skills. Volunteer work at a wildlife sanctuary, for example, might give you the edge in applying for a grant writing position with an environmental or conservation association. Your knowledge of renewable energy technologies, together with your business degree, could make you qualified for jobs such as renewable energy consultant. Research local green organizations and any job openings they might have; familiarize yourself with the kind of people they hire, and then develop your green interests to meet their needs.
For additional information:
American Solar Energy Society – www.ases.org
CA Green Jobs Guidebook – www.edf.org/cagreenjobs
Renewable Energy World.com – www.renewableenergyworld.com