Education Makes a Difference
Late last week I interviewed an Environmental Studies Instructor as part of my ongoing Cool Green Careers Series. Her final piece of advice to those seeking a green career was to get a green education. I agree wholeheartedly.
Now before you think this tip isn't relevant to you take a moment to test your own assumptions.
I know how hard it is to even think about going back to school for a four-year or a two-year degree. There's a good reason for discounting education as part of your path to your green career--getting a full degree takes a lot of time, energy, and financial resources.
>What if I told you there are some other options? Options that won't take you years to complete? Would you be more interested?
>What if I told you there are additional benefits to taking classes that go far beyond having newletters after your name?
The Solid Case for Green Education
Global warming is a very complex, multi-faceted, scientific issue. We have no prior experience with this situation to know for certain how to deal with it. Even scientists, who study climate change for a living, are learning new information about this issue. (see my blog about Global Dimming for an example.)
Solutions must be created from an interdisciplinary framework. One industry or one profession doesn't have and can't have all the answers. We must all work together to move forward.
Furthermore, we can't wait until we have the perfect solution worked out. We must begin taking action now and course correct as new data become available.
If you want to make a difference and contribute to turning this situation around, you must educate yourself on the key issues. You must understand the consequences of various actions and solutions. Even if you aren't the scientist who studies the problem first hand, you must be informed enough to be able to follow the logic and arguments and to assess the possible outcomes of different options.
Green jobs used to sit by themselves as a separate part of a company's organizational chart. Now companies are seeing green issues as a key part of their overall strategy and operations. This means, to be competitive, you must be able to take on green/sustainable issues within your job function.
Are you ready?
A Full Range of Educational Options
Scan this list of educational options to see which one fits your needs and lifestyle.
- Graduate degree - Although the green MBA is seen most frequently in the news, there are a number of graduate programs that are cropping up to address the global warming/environmental issues. We've just completely revamped our graduate school listings to provide examples of programs in a variety of different disciplines.
- Undergraduate degree - If you are just starting out or thinking of returning to school to complete your undergraduate degree, explore the green options available to you. A number of schools are offering intriguing joint majors that blend two programs. Another sign that interdisciplinary efforts are critical to solving the global warming situation.
- Certificate program - Fill in the gaps in your understanding of the business world - Dominican University in California is launching a new Sustainable Enterprise Certificate that takes only 6 months to complete. They'll even bring the course work to your company if ten or more managers sign up to participate.
- Courses - Even taking a few relevant courses on your own can strengthen your resume. Look to your community college or industry association for course work that will take you where you want to go.
- On the Job Training - In this case, the employer pays for you to get the training you need to do the job you've been hired to do. In some cases this is retraining, in other cases it's training for those who are just starting out. You are more likely to see this sort of training for trade jobs. A number of exciting programs are in the works. Keep your eye out for them in your area.
- Leadership Training - Watch for opportunities to gain leadership skills in the green, sustainable sector. In our area, Acterra is well known for their Be the Change Program. This leadership forum meets one weekend a month for nine months and helps the participants define their passion, create a project, and build a network within the community.
Benefits of Getting More Green Education
Participating in any of the educational options above will give you a number of benefits.
- Knowledge - Getting a solid grasp on key topics and issues gives you a firm foundation upon which to grow your green career. Remember, knowledge is power!
- Network - When you embark on an education program you establish very close relationships with others in your cohort. As you move into the work world, you can always reach out to your network to help you make connections, find solutions, brainstorm, and identify opportunities. Don't ever underestimate the power of knowing a group of like-minded people.
- Experience - Through your assignments and projects you'll get hands on experience in a variety of settings. You'll be able to take that experience and leverage it in the real world.
- Perceptiveness - Your ability to see opportunities and the confidence to act on them will be enhanced by your training.
Whether you use your education to land a green job or to green the job you have, you'll know you are making a difference. As you build your knowledge about green/sustainable issues, look for formal green job openings and opportunities to create a green position within your company. Use what you know to show the company what they can do better.
Your enterprising spirit, that comes from the knowledge and experience gained through your education, is going to set you apart from others who haven't taken this step to prepare for the new green world of work.
Copyright © 2008 Transition Dynamics Enterprises, Inc
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