Environmental Studies

Environmental Science Dept. Home Page

A career in Environmental Studies crosses a wide variety of opportunities to keep our world healthy. From research, to planning/prevention to clean-up and solution there are few limits to where this field will go. Internships are key in every area of Environmental Studies. Be prepared for much field work and varied hours.

What is Your Focus?

Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you to compete for some of the most popular Environmental Studies jobs today.

Ecology

Job Titles:
Ecologist, Geo-experts, Hydrogeologist, Limnologist, Endangered Species Specialist

Potential Employers:
Government Agencies, Parks, Educational Institutions, Private Laboratories

Strategies:

Consider a minor or double major in biology
Pursue graduate degree programs
Obtain internships in fields related to ecology or environment
Develop oral and written communication and computer skills
Join environmental organizations and participate actively

Engineering

Job Titles:
Waste Management Engineer, Air and Water Quality Control, Safety Engineer, Conservation Engineer

Potential Employers:
Government Agencies, Utility Companies, Airports, Private Laboratories, Water/Waste Treatment Facilities, Engineering Firms

Strategies:

Consider a double major or minor in engineering
Develop strong skills in math and physics
Choose specialty area and obtain related internships
Demonstrate ability to communicate and work with groups
Obtain experience in public speaking and presentation

Inspection

Job Titles:
Agricultural Inspector, Safety Inspector, Customs/Code Inspector, Food Inspector

Potential Employers:
Government Agencies, Engineering Firms, Airports, Transportation Agencies

Strategies:

Obtain volunteer experience that includes field work
Develop oral and written communication skills
Gain working knowledge of technical equipment in field
Ascertain knowledge of literature and regulations in field
Demonstrate ability to work individually and in groups

Recreation

Job Titles:
Parks and Recreation Coordinator, Forestry, Fish & Wildlife Management

Potential Employers:
Parks and Recreation Departments, National Parks, Government Agencies

Strategies:

Obtain an internship or volunteer position in parks organization
Gain experience in organizing programs
Consider a minor in communications or business
Demonstrate ability to lead groups of people
Remain updated on recent research and issues regarding parks and recreation

Education/Research

Job Titles:
Professor, Paleontologist, Conservationist

Potential Employers:
Government Agencies, Museums, Educational Institutions

Strategies:

Pursue graduate degree in specialized field
Obtain internship or volunteer experience in field
Gain research experience through undergraduate/graduate program
Shadow/work closely with professor or researcher
Develop oral and written communication skills

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - O*Net
Spotlight on Careers Website (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "environmental studies" in an online search engine.

Job Search Sites Specific to Your Major

GreenCareers.com - Green career resources and jobs.

Internships

Student Conservation Association - SCA offers 3-to-12 month, expense-paid internship opportunities in all 50 states, in more than 50 professional fields with the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and state and local agencies, among others.

Professional Associations

Need More Information?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Development and Calling by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322

Adapted From:
http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career.html
http://www2.gasou.edu/sta/career.html