From Guest Blogger Anita Ginsburg: Four Careers to Consider for the Environmentally-Conscious Student

Green careers are difficult to categorize because they can range from forestry to environmentally-friendly production methods. Taking a look at these degree programs and careers, you’ll see they’re just the tip of the iceberg on green options for the environmentally-conscious student.

Engineering

Solar, wind and geothermal energy are big and they’re only going to get bigger. They’re all under the umbrella of renewable energy. Solar energy engineers design, develop and implement systems for capturing the sun’s energy for electricity. Wind energy engineers do the same thing with wind turbines and wind farms. Geothermal engineers utilize heat from the earth’s core to produce electricity for homes, offices and industry. Bachelor’s degrees in electrical or mechanical engineering are ordinarily required.

Green Marketer

These individuals manage marketing and promotion of green goods and services for enhancement of a product’s exposure in the market coupled with the sale of those products. Their focus is on environmental factors and consciousness ranging from manufacturing of products, to their packaging, distribution and advertising. They also manage images of companies in boom times, and also when the company is experiencing a crisis. A bachelor’s degree in marketing opens the doors to this career.

Occupational Safety Officer

In this bachelor’s program, studies include occupational safety and health, toxicology, hazardous materials safety and management, safety protocol for occupational environments and environmental compliance. Occupational safety officers work with both the health and safety components of larger organizations and agencies in hazard identification and risk assessment, and then implement appropriate safety controls. A Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety is required for these types of jobs.

Environmental Scientist

This is the grandfather of all of the green degrees. These scientists utilize their broad knowledge of natural science to protect our environment along with the health of the earth’s inhabitants. Environmental science degrees are multidisciplinary in nature. The field’s studies include but aren’t limited to biology, geography, earth and marine science and geology. Work in the field involves international destinations that permit the environmental scientist the opportunity to study different climates, societies and physical geographical data.

Green degrees are pivotal in our environmental and economic future. New industries are emerging with new technologies that will favorably influence the earth’s environmental future. Green tech entrepreneurs will experience strong business growth for at least the next decade. Green careers and environmental awareness will impact these industries and technologies, and contribute to making the planet an improved environment for all of its inhabitants. Environmental degree programs and employment opportunities are as broad as the horizon of the future.