Exciting News! The Revised and Updated Second Edition of "12 Months to Launch Your Environmental Career" is out! You can get it in paperback or Kindle format here: amazon.com/author/drcarolpollio
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Friday, September 12, 2014
Dealing with Rejection - 5 Ways to Bounce Back
This
is a tough topic this week – how to deal with rejection in the job market. I
will share with you that I’ve applied for many jobs in my 35 year career that I
didn’t get. Sometimes up to 100 each time I wanted to move on. Discouraging?
Yes. Hopeless? No. Here are some of my best tips for dealing with rejection:
Retool. Whether you’ve gained some new information or
not, take time to step back and evaluate where you are in your job search. Do
you need more experience? training? Are there unexplained gaps in your resume?
Think about ways to address any issues. In short, retool your image. Think
about finding a volunteer position in your chosen field, if you’re lacking
experience. Consider taking some training – there are many online resources
that offer free training courses to enhance your resume. Join local environmental organizations. If in
school, join student chapters of professional organizations. In short, find
ways to fill in any gaps you’ve identified. Remember, it is a tight job market,
and it may not be that you lack anything – it may be that the competition is
just too stiff. In that case, you aren’t hurting anything by continuing to
develop your skills and experience, so why not do it?
- You’re Not Alone
- Follow up
- Retool
- Network
- Consult an Expert
Follow Up. One important way to
learn from the experience is to follow up. Call the Human Resources (HR) Office
and ask for insight on your resume and qualifications. Identify gaps, make sure
you’re applying for the right level position, ask questions about what they
feel you’re missing (experience, training, etc.). If you were interviewed, call
and ask the interviewer for feedback. Find out what made the selectee the “best
candidate” and what you could do to improve your chances of being selected the
next time. Recognize that few people like to talk in negatives, so be prepared
by having some specific questions to ask. It is easier to answer a direct
question, than to respond to “What did I do wrong?” If you really want to work
for this agency or company in the future, the follow up call should be treated the
same as a second interview – be gracious, yet purposeful in the conversation.
Network. Use your personal
and professional network to find job leads. One way to do that is to completely
fill out your LinkedIn profile and include the link on your resume. Believe it
or not, I’ve had quite a few potential employers check my LinkedIn page – ask
work and school contacts to endorse you on the site. Join local or student chapters of
professional organizations. These often have monthly meetings and periodic
networking activities. Make up simple business cards that you can hand out when
you meet people at these events, or when you’re out doing other errands. Go to
local environmental organization or agency events. In short, make as many
connections as you can. I remember reading a book about being unemployed and it
said that looking for work was a full-time job – they recommended putting
together a weekly “to do” list. On this list, put down how many contacts or
activities you are going to do each week – and get out there and do them!
Consult an Expert. I hesitate to
recommend this, only because like any good advice, one must be careful to
select a trusted source for it. If you have access to a trusted source, such as
a university career counselor, use it! It is in their best interest for you to
get a job, so they are focused on your success, not your consulting fee. Likewise,
many professional organizations offer career mentoring for free, linking you to
a mentor in your field of interest. If you know someone in your career field (a
friend or relative, a professor), ask their assistance. Use your resources (and
your money) wisely!
I
know rejection isn’t easy! I hope that these tips help you rebound and have you
finding your dream job soon!
Dr.
Carol A. Pollio
P.S.
Please comment and provide me with feedback my blog!
Thanks!Sunday, July 13, 2014
Are Internships Really Necessary - 4 Things to Consider
I am asked this
question time, and time again! Of course, there is not a simple “yes” or “no”
answer to it. Here’s why:
1. Experience!
Having experience in the field in which you hope to make your career is very important. If you don’t have relevant experience, an internship or a volunteer position will help you fill that gap. If you already have relevant experience, maybe you don’t need an internship – but consider (given the current job market) whether having more experience could in any way be a negative. I don’t think so! Anything that makes you more competitive is a “plus.”
Having experience in the field in which you hope to make your career is very important. If you don’t have relevant experience, an internship or a volunteer position will help you fill that gap. If you already have relevant experience, maybe you don’t need an internship – but consider (given the current job market) whether having more experience could in any way be a negative. I don’t think so! Anything that makes you more competitive is a “plus.”
That said, why limit
yourself to a traditional internship? Most online students or career changers are
working full-time, have families, responsibilities, and challenges that they
feel precludes them from participating in internships of any kind. But let’s
explore a few options that might just work for them (or you!):
·
Virtual
Internships
·
Volunteer
·
Join
Local Environmental Groups
·
Hold
Office or Head a Committee
Virtual Internships
can work very well for full-time, working adults. How does it work? A virtual
internship usually consists of a project with a finite project that can be done
remotely. There are many ways to do this, one of which is to find somewhere
near where you live that is too far to commute to, or where office hours are
typically during the week and not accessible on the weekend (which often is when
you have free time). In this case, you can meet with your internship supervisor
initially, and then work on your project independently, on your own time.
Another option is a true virtual internship situation, where you are far from
your sponsor and communicate through email or via telephone. The key to a
successful virtual internship is to define the duties or project very clearly.
Make sure you build in a series of drafts or partial product submission dates
to make sure your work meets the needs of your sponsor – online students know
that sometimes what you think is your
assignment turns out not to be – best to clarify with questions and rough
drafts!
I have brokered quite
a few virtual internships for students and they have worked out well. In one
case, a student translated science briefs from English to Spanish. In another,
a student performed extensive research on a planned waste-to-energy facility
and mailed the results on a usb drive to the sponsor. The possibilities are
endless, really!
2. Making Contacts!
Volunteering in the traditional sense is another great way to gain field experience. National parks and refuges, zoos, state and local parks, and many other federal and state agencies accept volunteers. In fact, federal agencies count time worked as a volunteer the same as paid time! The challenge, of course, is having the time, but if you take care in selecting a volunteer sponsor, you can find opportunities that do fit in your busy schedule. For example, most national parks employ hundreds of volunteers (thousands nationwide), many of which work on weekends. Many students have found local non-profit organizations for which to volunteer, such as watershed groups, hiking or garden club chapters, and others. Think about calling local federal agencies; EPA, USFWS, USNPS, BLM, and USFS all rely heavily on volunteers to accomplish their mission. If you get a cool reception from an individual, keep trying! I have one student that I helped to connect with a military base in Japan prior to her move there and she worked out a great volunteer situation (she’s now an employee!). Sometimes, the person you call is not the one that needs the help – don’t give up with one phone call! Try to find the “worker bee” folks, where your help is most likely needed.
Volunteering in the traditional sense is another great way to gain field experience. National parks and refuges, zoos, state and local parks, and many other federal and state agencies accept volunteers. In fact, federal agencies count time worked as a volunteer the same as paid time! The challenge, of course, is having the time, but if you take care in selecting a volunteer sponsor, you can find opportunities that do fit in your busy schedule. For example, most national parks employ hundreds of volunteers (thousands nationwide), many of which work on weekends. Many students have found local non-profit organizations for which to volunteer, such as watershed groups, hiking or garden club chapters, and others. Think about calling local federal agencies; EPA, USFWS, USNPS, BLM, and USFS all rely heavily on volunteers to accomplish their mission. If you get a cool reception from an individual, keep trying! I have one student that I helped to connect with a military base in Japan prior to her move there and she worked out a great volunteer situation (she’s now an employee!). Sometimes, the person you call is not the one that needs the help – don’t give up with one phone call! Try to find the “worker bee” folks, where your help is most likely needed.
3. Act Locally!
Another option is to get involved in a local environmental organization. As a member, you gain experience working on projects. For example, many watershed organizations have water sampling volunteers. Learning how to be a “watershed monitor” as an example, translates very well to the position of hydrologic or water resources technician. In addition to gaining hands-on skills, you also should consider taking on additional responsibility by serving as an officer or on a committee. Think about how many non-profit organizations there are in the environmental field – experience you gain working on committees, special projects, or supervising “cleanup” days transfers readily to paid employment in the non-profit world. Managing volunteers is a critical skill that you can then add to your resume! So are the skills of organizing, planning, and holding special events or activities for group members or the public. Lots of opportunities are out there!
Another option is to get involved in a local environmental organization. As a member, you gain experience working on projects. For example, many watershed organizations have water sampling volunteers. Learning how to be a “watershed monitor” as an example, translates very well to the position of hydrologic or water resources technician. In addition to gaining hands-on skills, you also should consider taking on additional responsibility by serving as an officer or on a committee. Think about how many non-profit organizations there are in the environmental field – experience you gain working on committees, special projects, or supervising “cleanup” days transfers readily to paid employment in the non-profit world. Managing volunteers is a critical skill that you can then add to your resume! So are the skills of organizing, planning, and holding special events or activities for group members or the public. Lots of opportunities are out there!
4. Find the Right Fit!
Below are some great places to start your quest for the “perfect” match for volunteer or internship opportunities – good luck!!
Below are some great places to start your quest for the “perfect” match for volunteer or internship opportunities – good luck!!
Dr. Carol A. Pollio
Search by location,
keyword, and narrow to virtual or local volunteer opportunities – a great place
to start!
A great source for
internships (make sure you have an up-to-date browser!)
Federal government
volunteer site: www.volunteer.gov
BLM Volunteer
page: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/Volunteer.html
SCA is a great
organization, but expect to take off several months to participate in their
intern positions.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Saturday Feb 22 Jobs
Park Guide (Fee Collection), GS-0090-04
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 1 vacancies - Hot Springs, Arkansas
Salary: $13.55 to $13.55 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0090-04
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Thursday, February 27, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Ranger (Interpretation), GS-0025-05
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 6 vacancies - Saint Paul, Minnesota
Salary: $16.06 to $16.06 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0025-05
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Thursday, February 27, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Guide, GS-0090-05
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 3 vacancies - New York, New York
Salary: $17.09 to $17.09 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0090-05
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Monday, March 03, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Visitor Use Assistant (Fee Collection), GS-0303-04
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 7 vacancies - Brooklyn, New York
Salary: $15.27 to $15.27 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0303-04
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Monday, March 03, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Ranger (Protection), GS-0025-05/07
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 3 vacancies - Brecksville, Ohio
Salary: $19.43 to $22.12 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0025-05/07
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Friday, March 07, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Guide GS-0090-04
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 3 vacancies - Interior, South Dakota
Salary: $13.55 to $13.55 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0090-04
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Tuesday, March 04, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens Contiguous to the Area ONLY
Wildlife Biologist
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 1 vacancies - Pueblo, Colorado
Salary: $57,982.00 to $90,344.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0486-11/12
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Friday, March 07, 2014
Position Information: Term - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Wildlife Biologist GS-0486-09/11/12
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: Geological Survey
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 1 vacancies - Vallejo, California
Salary: $56,735.00 to $106,955.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0486-09/12
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Thursday, February 27, 2014
Position Information: Term - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Facility Services Assistant; GS-1603-07
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Hiring Organization: Resources Management Division
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 1 vacancies - Baker, Nevada
Salary: $39,179.00 to $50,932.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-1603-07
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Thursday, March 06, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: US Citizens within the Contiguious Area of Great Basin National Park
LEAD RECLAMATION GUIDE
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: Bureau of Reclamation
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 1 vacancies - Hungry Horse, Montana
Salary: $31,628.00 to $41,122.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0090-05
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Friday, March 07, 2014
Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time
Who May Apply: All United States Citizens and Nationals.
Fishery Biologist
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): Few vacancies - Kotzebue, Alaska
Salary: $52,344.00 to $82,329.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0482-09/11
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Ranger (I)
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): Few vacancies - Marin County, California
Salary: $46,382.00 to $60,297.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0025-07
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Friday, March 07, 2014
Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time
Who May Apply: US Citizens and Status Candidates
Environmental Protection Specialist
Agency: Environmental Protection AgencyNumber of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 3 vacancy - Arlington, Virginia
Salary: $52,146.00 to $67,787.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0028-09
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Thursday, February 27, 2014
Position Information: Term - Full-Time
Who May Apply: Any U.S. citizen may apply.
Park Ranger (Trailhead/Wilderness) , GS-0025-04/05
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): Many vacancies - Multiple Locations
Salary: $13.55 to $15.15 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0025-04/05
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Friday, February 28, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Ranger (I)
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): Few vacancies - Marin County, California
Salary: $46,382.00 to $60,297.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0025-07
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Friday, March 07, 2014
Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time
Who May Apply: US Citizens and Status Candidates
Park Ranger (Interpretation), GS-0025-05
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 6 vacancies - Saint Paul, Minnesota
Salary: $16.06 to $16.06 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0025-05
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Thursday, February 27, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Fishery Biologist
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): Few vacancies - Kotzebue, Alaska
Salary: $52,344.00 to $82,329.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0482-09/11
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Forestry Technician(TIMB SALE PREP)
Department: Department Of AgricultureAgency: Forest Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 1 vacancy - Libby, Montana
Salary: $16.89 to $16.89 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0462-06
Open Period: Friday, February 21, 2014 to Friday, February 28, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: US Citizens and Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Saturday's Jobs Feb 15 2014
Interdisciplinary Geologist/Physical Scientist/Mining Engineer/Petroleum Engineer
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: Office of the Secretary of the Interior
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): Few vacancies - Lakewood, Colorado
Salary: $42,048.00 to $66,859.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0880-07/09
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Friday, February 28, 2014
Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Animal Health Technician
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: Bureau of Land Management
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 1 vacancies - Canon City, Colorado
Salary: $43,389.00 to $62,297.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0704-08/09
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Monday, March 03, 2014
Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time
Who May Apply: All U.S. Citizens No previous Federal Service is required.
Geographic Information Systems Specialist
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: Bureau of Land Management
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 1 vacancies - Canon City, Colorado
Salary: $47,923.00 to $62,297.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0301-09
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Monday, February 24, 2014
Position Information: Term - Full-Time
Who May Apply: All U.S. Citizens No previous Federal Service is required.
Biological Science Technician (Botany) GS-5
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Hiring Organization: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 3 vacancies - Porter, Indiana
Salary: $16.61 to $16.61 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0404-05
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Thursday, February 27, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Biological Science Technician (Avian)
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): Few vacancies - Fairbanks, Alaska
Salary: $34,545.00 to $44,915.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0404-05
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Friday, February 21, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Ranger
Department: Department of the ArmyAgency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): Few vacancies - Pierre, South Dakota
Salary: $31,628.00 to $41,122.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-0025-05
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Friday, February 28, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Ranger (Interpretation), GS-0025-05
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 4 vacancies - Williston, North Dakota
Salary: $15.15 to $15.15 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0025-05
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Ranger (Interpretation), GS-0025-05
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 7 vacancies - New York, New York
Salary: $17.26 to $17.26 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0025-05
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Thursday, February 27, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Park Ranger (Interpretation), GS-0025-05
Department: Department Of The InteriorAgency: National Park Service
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 3 vacancies - Patchogue, New York
Salary: $17.09 to $17.09 / Per Hour
Series and Grade: GS-0025-05
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Position Information: Temporary - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN
Department: Department of the NavyAgency: U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander in Chief
Number of Job Opportunities & Location(s): 50 vacancies - Bremerton, Washington
Salary: $30,164.00 to $48,899.00 / Per Year
Series and Grade: GS-1311-04/06
Open Period: Friday, February 14, 2014 to Monday, February 24, 2014
Position Information: Permanent - Full-Time
Who May Apply: United States Citizens
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Are You Aiming Too Low in Your Environmental Career? 5 Ways to Tell (and what to do about it!)
I recently had a conversation
with a former student about her lack of success finding a relevant
environmental position after finishing her degree. As we talked, it occurred to me that she had
likely been selling herself short. Her experience had been at the entry level,
but she had not considered the impact her graduate degree had on her
eligibility for jobs. Not realizing it,
she had been aiming too low in her job hunt, and I had some thoughts I want to
share with you about it – how do you know if you’re aiming to low?
In
the case of my recent graduate that was looking for federal employment, she was
definitely aiming too low. It's fairly
easy to know the level to aim for, but that is if you're familiar with the
federal system. A recent graduate of a M.S. program would qualify, based on
education alone, at the GS-9 level (roughly $42K/YR) in the general science
series. Most graduates I speak with don' t realize this and apply for GS-5
($27.7K/YR) positions. While I don't discourage applying at multiple levels,
aiming higher means there are fewer applicants with advanced degrees and
possibly less competition. With a B.S. degree, generally a GS-5 is entry level,
if no experience has been gained by that point. However, superior academic
achievement (see http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/saa.html)
can qualify you to enter at the GS-7 ($34K/YR)
level. One year of graduate coursework can also qualify you at the GS-7 level.
Of course, experience increases the entry level as well. Best to speak with an
HR specialist if you keep applying and not making the eligibility rolls. It
could be you don't meet the requirements, OR it could be that your resume is
not telling the whole story.
Do an Honest Assessment. You are
marketing yourself. What are your unique skills and experience? Strengths and weaknesses? Doing such an
assessment can help you avoid applying for jobs below your current skill level.
When you do this, you will have a job, but it will be difficult to stay
motivated and what is worse than not having a job? Having a job from which you
won’t get a good recommendation. Boredom
can be hard to disguise as is desperation.
Here’s a great site that allows you to use a skills assessment two ways:
1) identifying the job and then seeing the skills needed, and 2) selecting your
skills with the skill profiler. Either
way, the skills list is really helpful to allow you to recognize your skills
and then build them into your resume. Skills Profiler
Don’t Target Jobs for Which You’re 100% Qualified. Smart HR
managers and hiring officials are not looking for someone that fits exactly in
the job they’ve advertised. They’re looking for about an 80% match. Why? First,
someone that is a perfect a fit will soon be bored with the job. With no room
for growth or development, they’ll soon be looking to move on. Someone with an
80% fit, but with the motivation and desire to prove themselves will be a much
happier and productive employee. Why Managers Don’t Hire Overqualified Candidates
Create a Strategic Plan. How do you know where you’re going, if you don’t have
a plan to get there. Simply hoping for a job isn’t the best strategy. Instead,
develop a roadmap to lay out your strategy to target your skills and abilities
for the right job. Where to start? This is a very comprehensive example that
includes several exercises I found valuable:
Strategic Career Plan
Find a Mentor. An essential part of any career exploration
is finding a mentor in the environmental field. Choose someone you admire and that can give
you honest feedback on jobs for which you wish to apply. They’ll be able to provide you feedback,
suggest ways to fill gaps in your resume, and give you the occasional “reality
check.” 13
Tips for Finding a Mentor
Network! Networking is critical to every job search. If
you find that you should be aiming higher than the entry level, you’ll soon
find that higher level jobs are not advertised as often as entry level jobs.
Without a network of career contacts and mentors, it may be difficult to get
interviewed at all. Join professional
groups or organizations, keep in contact with professors, invest some time
creating your profile and “connecting” to others in the environmental field on www.linkedin.com, and attend job fairs and networking events. Even if
unemployed, go out in the world everyday with professionally printed contact
cards to hand out when you meet people that can connect you to others in the
environmental field. Every contact you make has the potential to turn into a
job!
I hope these ideas help you
avoid the pitfall of aiming too low in your job search. Let me know your
thoughts below!
Dr. Carol A. Pollio
Director
12 Months to Launch Your Environmental Career:
“Green” Career Advice from a Seasoned Veteran
Friday, December 27, 2013
5 New Years' Resolutions for your Environmental Career!
Amazing that it’s almost 2014! I thought this would be a great time to make New Year’s Resolutions to jump-start your environmental career. Here they are!
-Join a new professional group
-Attend at least one local networking event
-Make business cards and set a measurable goal to distribute them
-Find at least one new mentor in your chosen field
-Commit to a career strategy in writing
Join a New Professional Group. Seems like this would be an easy resolution, but often these groups can cost forty or more dollars to join. If you can afford it, do join them. Suggestions are the National Association of Environmental Professionals ($40/yr - student rate), National Environmental Health Association ($25/yr student rate), The Wildlife Society ($41/yr), North American Association for Environmental Education ($35/yr), and the Air and Waste Management Association ($35/yr). Some free options if your budget is limited: National Military Fish and Wildlife Association, local watershed associations (Google “watershed associations PA”, for example), and national or local environmental organizations (email subscriptions are free, membership fees vary – see http://www.nrdc.org/reference/environgroups.asp for a comprehensive list).
http://www.naep.org/
http://www.neha.org/Students/index.html
http://wildlife.org/membership/join
http://www.naaee.net/membership/categories
http://www.awma.org/
http://www.nmfwa.net/
Attend at Least One Local Networking Event. Once you’ve found a new organization to join, comb their schedule of events to find either a networking event or a volunteer activity to participate in that puts you in contact with other members. Use these contacts to learn more about job opportunities and as mentors to help you further your environmental career. You need to put yourself “out there” and this is a very positive and professional way to do it!
Make Business Cards and Set a Measurable Goal to Distribute Them. Consider how important networking can be – and how much more leverage you gain from networking by leaving a contact/business card as you go. Even if you have a limited budget, business cards can be a close as your printer or low cost online. In addition to your contact information (email, phone number), carefully consider if you want to include a title or position under your name. One rule of thumb is to not use a title for which you are not fully qualified or one you have held. Instead, consider the following titles (if used at all on your card): Independent Environmental Researcher, Independent Environmental Consultant, Recent Environmental Graduate, or similar. In addition to or instead of a home address, you might also consider including “Willing to Relocate” on your card. Set a weekly or monthly number of cards you will distribute – the best way to accomplish something is to make it measurable and achievable. A professional card that you can leave with those you meet on a daily basis gets your name out there and certainly cannot hurt your chances of finding your dream job!
Find at Least One New Mentor in Your Chosen Field. Sometimes you find a mentor in the most surprising places. Talk to relatives and friends about your career aspirations. Engage current or past instructors from college, high school, or other training and ask their advice on getting into a new field. Don’t be afraid to ask for their help and advice – they’ve been there and have a lot to offer and often they don’t need to be in environmental careers to assist. If they are, of course, you can get more focused advice. I think you’d be surprised at how many people you will meet that are willing to help you!
Commit to a Career Strategy in Writing. Finally, I highly recommend following the first rule of keeping resolutions – make a plan and stick to it! This one takes some thought and a bit of time, but is a key step in entering a new career. It may be hard to get started, but take some of the suggestions here and go from there. Make sure your plan is written, contains clear goals and objectives, and includes outcomes that are measurable. Include regularly scheduled reviews of your accomplishments so that you can modify your plan as you go.
Here is a template of a career plan that will help you get started: Sample Career Plan
Best Wishes for the New Year!
Dr. Carol A. Pollio
-Join a new professional group
-Attend at least one local networking event
-Make business cards and set a measurable goal to distribute them
-Find at least one new mentor in your chosen field
-Commit to a career strategy in writing
Join a New Professional Group. Seems like this would be an easy resolution, but often these groups can cost forty or more dollars to join. If you can afford it, do join them. Suggestions are the National Association of Environmental Professionals ($40/yr - student rate), National Environmental Health Association ($25/yr student rate), The Wildlife Society ($41/yr), North American Association for Environmental Education ($35/yr), and the Air and Waste Management Association ($35/yr). Some free options if your budget is limited: National Military Fish and Wildlife Association, local watershed associations (Google “watershed associations PA”, for example), and national or local environmental organizations (email subscriptions are free, membership fees vary – see http://www.nrdc.org/reference/environgroups.asp for a comprehensive list).
http://www.naep.org/
http://www.neha.org/Students/index.html
http://wildlife.org/membership/join
http://www.naaee.net/membership/categories
http://www.awma.org/
http://www.nmfwa.net/
Attend at Least One Local Networking Event. Once you’ve found a new organization to join, comb their schedule of events to find either a networking event or a volunteer activity to participate in that puts you in contact with other members. Use these contacts to learn more about job opportunities and as mentors to help you further your environmental career. You need to put yourself “out there” and this is a very positive and professional way to do it!
Make Business Cards and Set a Measurable Goal to Distribute Them. Consider how important networking can be – and how much more leverage you gain from networking by leaving a contact/business card as you go. Even if you have a limited budget, business cards can be a close as your printer or low cost online. In addition to your contact information (email, phone number), carefully consider if you want to include a title or position under your name. One rule of thumb is to not use a title for which you are not fully qualified or one you have held. Instead, consider the following titles (if used at all on your card): Independent Environmental Researcher, Independent Environmental Consultant, Recent Environmental Graduate, or similar. In addition to or instead of a home address, you might also consider including “Willing to Relocate” on your card. Set a weekly or monthly number of cards you will distribute – the best way to accomplish something is to make it measurable and achievable. A professional card that you can leave with those you meet on a daily basis gets your name out there and certainly cannot hurt your chances of finding your dream job!
Find at Least One New Mentor in Your Chosen Field. Sometimes you find a mentor in the most surprising places. Talk to relatives and friends about your career aspirations. Engage current or past instructors from college, high school, or other training and ask their advice on getting into a new field. Don’t be afraid to ask for their help and advice – they’ve been there and have a lot to offer and often they don’t need to be in environmental careers to assist. If they are, of course, you can get more focused advice. I think you’d be surprised at how many people you will meet that are willing to help you!
Commit to a Career Strategy in Writing. Finally, I highly recommend following the first rule of keeping resolutions – make a plan and stick to it! This one takes some thought and a bit of time, but is a key step in entering a new career. It may be hard to get started, but take some of the suggestions here and go from there. Make sure your plan is written, contains clear goals and objectives, and includes outcomes that are measurable. Include regularly scheduled reviews of your accomplishments so that you can modify your plan as you go.
Here is a template of a career plan that will help you get started: Sample Career Plan
Best Wishes for the New Year!
Dr. Carol A. Pollio
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