Top Ways To Enhance Your Environmental Career Development
In today’s world it is becoming increasingly important for professionals in all fields to demonstrate an active commitment to social responsibility and positive environmental impact. Whether you see yourself as an aspiring employee or a future employer, developing your skills and capabilities in the green sector will open up new career opportunities and make you a more attractive candidate in any job market. You may be undecided about what kind of career you want to follow. Still, there are several ways that you can develop as both an individual and an environmental professional at the same time. The scope of roles that fall under ‘environmental’ is broad, which means there are plenty of ways you can grow your knowledge, skillset and network of contacts to make yourself even more attractive as a candidate.
Determine Your Career Goals
Before you can begin to develop your skills, you must first decide what you want to achieve. There are many different paths you can follow as an environmental professional, so it is important to know what you’re aiming for to make informed decisions about how to proceed. If you’re unsure about your specific goals, you can start by thinking about what you like doing and what skills you have. You might discover that you really enjoy working outdoors, or you might want to focus on research and policy. Once you know what you want, you can think about the skills you need to get there.
Learn About Advanced Positions Within The Industry
There are a number of senior-level environmental positions that you may not have thought of as ‘green’, such as an environmental consultant, an environmental lawyer, or an environmental health and safety manager. Each position deals with environmental issues daily and could be worth investigating.
Continue Your Education With A Online Course
If you want to develop your environmental knowledge but don’t know where to begin, consider taking an online course related to your field of interest. By doing so, you can gain valuable insight into the latest developments in your chosen field, build a new skill or knowledge set and make yourself more attractive to future employers. One course you could use to advance your career is the Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions online short course from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. In this course, you will gain meaningful knowledge of how to strategically tackle climate change in the business world and a vast range of other practical skills.
IoSCM’s Award in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability in Business is a more detailed online course that guides you through the importance of CSR in modern industry, understanding your obligations as a business and why CSR and sustainability should be at the top of the agenda for organisations! Visit The Sustain Chain on our website to find out more.
Volunteer To Gain Practical Experience
If you’ve been working for a few years, or you’re in a position where you’re unable to use your skills, you could look into volunteering for an environmental organisation or charity. There is a huge range of environmental organisations out there, meaning you should be able to find one that interests you. As well as giving you a chance to get practical experience, volunteering can also be a great way to network with people in your field.
Expand Your Professional Network
When you start your career, one of the best ways to make yourself stand out is to build strong relationships with your peers and colleagues. If you actively try to engage with and get to know people in your department and the extended industry you are more likely to be remembered when positions need to be filled.
Take Advantage Of Professional Development Opportunities
If you’ve been working for a while, it’s likely that your employer offers professional development opportunities. These could be in the form of in-house training or a mentorship scheme. It’s important to take full advantage of any professional development opportunities that come your way. They are often a great way to meet new people and learn quickly, making you a more attractive candidate for future positions.
Build Your Specialised Skills
If you are planning to enter a specific field of environmental work, it’s worth considering whether there are any skills that are particularly relevant to your chosen field. This can range from using specific software programmes such as GIS (geographic information systems) to being an expert in a particular species of animal. This is particularly important if you’re working in a very niche sector, as it can help you to become indispensable. If you know that you’re interested in a specific field of environmental work, it’s a good idea to look for ways to develop the required skills. This could mean signing up for relevant online courses, reading books about the subject, or even talking to people with experience in the field.
Final Thoughts
Environmental careers offer some of the most rewarding industries to be a part of, and the skills and knowledge you can gain from a green career are applicable in any industry. With many skills transferable between industries, it can be a great way to build a long-lasting career. The best way to develop your career in the environmental sector is to get out there, explore what’s available, and decide which path is right for you.
