Читать книгу Global Environmental Careers - Justin Taberham - Страница 30

There is a blinding amount of information available, some of which will be helpful and much which will take you in circles. There are some fundamental tasks which you should undertake. The tasks below are not in a specific order and some are less relevant to those at different stages of their career.

Tasks for those before ‘working age’:

1 Do research into the sector. Do you have personal interests that make you want to develop a green career, such as nature watching, fishing or conservation volunteering? Look at roles within the sectors that are relevant to your interests and see what skills, education and knowledge they need. Sign up to relevant newsletters and news services.

2 Consider voluntary work and look at organising relevant work experience – this can help with applications for further education as well as looking good on a CV or resume. It also can assist you in developing skills and knowledge, which are helpful in any career, let alone a green career.

3 Consider what school and college choices give you options to develop a green career.

4 Use social media as a tool for information gathering, as well as a way to develop networks of contacts. Getting into the habit of developing and maintaining a network is sensible.

Tasks for those of ‘working age’:

1 Sign up to jobs email and update services and link up with jobs agencies. Even if you are new to the sector or have minimal qualifications and experience, it is worth getting to know the sector deeply. If you have a specific area of interest, ‘immerse’ yourself in the subject through newsletters and other news services.

2 Review your current situation and organise your CV or resume. Many roles ask for specific knowledge and qualifications, so this will help you target your search and consider future training and education. There are many books and websites that focus on CV and resume styles. There are also many experts that may be willing to help you.

3 Consider using social media and professional networks that are helpful. On LinkedIn, there are relevant networks which include Environmental Careers Network, Sustainability Career Group, Green, Environmental Consulting Professionals and Green Jobs & Career Network.

4 Is there a mentor who can help you? Mentoring is growing in scope and not just for people already within a company mentoring scheme. LinkedIn have a scheme for mentoring.

Tasks for those who want to transition into a green career:

1 Transitioning is not necessarily a major career change for many, merely a migration into the area using current skill sets. Use online tools to see what roles you can move into and review your skills and CV or resume to consider what elements would be helpful for a green career. Look at job adverts for roles that would interest you and develop your skills to match their requirements.

2 Consider additional training to help you fit into the right career.

Each section of this book has information on training and helpful resources in that sector.