As more citizens take steps to become more environmentally conscious, colleges and universities are recognizing the need to prepare their students for the emerging green workforce. The word “green” has come to mean various things under the broad definition of environmental awareness, but the term “green jobs” is a recent development. Nevertheless, students interested in a green career path have an increasing number of options for study and for entering the workforce.
Green Academic Programs
Colleges and universities are beginning to offer concentrations and programs in green studies. Degree programs like environmental studies, environmental science and conservation biology allow science students to explore new ways to conserve natural resources, avoid exhausting current available reserves and work with companies to help them become more mindful of how they use resources.
Graduate programs, particularly business school programs, are recognizing the need to prepare students for a future in which businesses use green techniques to operate more efficiently and save money. Degree programs in areas like sustainable business and management, organizational and environmental sustainability and sustainable futures are becoming hot commodities. Because many graduate students are already a part of the workforce, schools are offering degrees online and hybrid programs so students can study and participate regardless of their location. Online education also reduces the need to travel by car or bus to campus, which can have a positive impact on the environment.
Green Internships
For students whose schools don’t offer classes or programs in green studies but want to develop a green career, internships can be a useful option. Searching for internships can be a challenge, but finding an internship with such a specific focus can be even more difficult. With research, tenacity and a little imagination, it’s possible to find and land the internship that will give students the experience they need before they enter the workforce.
Searching for internships is the toughest part, but there are resources available to guide students toward green internships. Starting with a university’s career center or internship office can steer students toward businesses and companies with green initiatives. National organizations like The Big Green Internship Book and SustainableBusiness.com also maintain databases with internship opportunities. Finally, students should reach out to local businesses that focus on sustainability or local and state agencies that focus on environmental education.
The debate about climate change continues to be at the forefront of national conversation for several reasons: it can affect how businesses operate, how governments allocate resources, how they approach conservation initiatives and how consumers choose various products like automobiles, appliances and food. Despite the debate, many industries are exploring options to make their companies more efficient and environmentally conscious. For students who want to devote their careers to saving the environment, this is the best time to find the best green career.
