It's an exciting time to launch a Green career and the best part is anyone can do it. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be a scientist to work in a green job. Maintenance workers, writers, lawyers, and financiers will all be part of the boom.
However, if a green job is likely to be part of your future, it's smart to get some science-related classroom training. Understanding the inner-workings of our global problems will make you more effective in any green job.
If you're making a huge career change, first identify your field of interest and create a resume that highlights any relevant areas of experience. Project management, community organizing, and supervisory experience can sometimes pave the way into a new field. Graduate degrees in business, law, and urban planning are also highly marketable in the world of green businesses.
Once you've picked a direction, kick off your career search. Explore a variety of resources, build your network, and stay abreast of new trends. Before long, you'll be a hot property in the green job market.
Check out these ideas and resources for green job seekers:
- Get some training. Apply for a year of free training through Greencorps.org. You canapply online.
- Go to a green jobs conference like this one sponsored by the Solar Living Institute.
- Hire a green career coach. Check out Green Career Tracks for more information.
- Grow your green network. Networking is an artform. This article on The Art of Green Networking explains how to do it.
- Get a recruiter working for you. A great recruiter performs miracles to get you the job you always dreamed of. It's the best way to maximize your exposure. Try The Cassillion Group and Organic Recruiting.
- Watch the SustainLane Green Collar job board for appropriate openings in your field of interest.
- SustainLane Green Job Board
- GenGreen Job Board
- Tree Hugger Jobs
- GreenBiz Jobs
- Green Career Central
- Monster or Yahoo! Hotjobs (hint: try a keyword search)
Feel free to add your own suggestions. Good luck and happy hunting!
Cris Bisch says:
Excellent, Shira! Thank you for outlining how to kick start a green job search and sharing your resources. In addition, green job hunters will find more green job board links at http://www.greenjobs.net/. Also, the most direct link to GenGreen Jobs is http://jobs.gengreen.org/.