The Grass May Be Greener….Do your research first!
A couple requests were sent by readers inquiring about green industries and green technology. What are green jobs and how can one prepare for a career shift in these fields? The field is devoted to producing renewable energy or products and providing environmentally sound products and services. It’s not solely about science and research although they encompass many of the jobs found when making this career choice. Currently, green industry careers are for all backgrounds and skill sets. Jobs can be found as customer service reps, accountants, business managers, engineers, service providers and multiple types of entrepreneurs.
There are 8.5 million jobs currently, according to the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). Specialties within the green industry that are doing well include energy efficiency, recycling, water, solar, and wind conservation, clean technology, and all efforts to create products and services that improve performance, productivity, and efficiency while at the same time reducing cost and pollution
Still interested? Try visiting a few green technology sites, conduct an informational interview (discussed more fully in prior blogs), get introduced to basic concepts of green technology, energy innovation, and clean tech trends. The more awareness you gain, the more opportunities you can tap. Online provides a great place to start. Go to Google and scan topics, blogs, articles, trade journals and visit specific chat rooms on linkedin. In 2010, the top green jobs were comprised of Land use planning, Environmental Law, Solar Panel Installation, Environmental design building and construction, environmental engineering, Green venture capital, green building management and ecotour operations.
A good website to launch your inquiry is www.eere.energy-gov, the U.S. Gov’t.’s Dept. of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). Green technology is not just for adults. Check out options like www.teensturninggreen.org This is a student led movement devoted to education and advocacy around environmentally and socially responsible choices for individuals, schools and communities. See particulars like Project Green Clean at elementary schools, Dirty Thirty (toxic products we use all the time), Safe Cosmetics ,and Safe Cell Phone Use. Get knowledgeable; get everyone involved. The cause is sound!
