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In our first market research survey, we discovered that one of the most important issues for our respondents was finding a green career in their local area. Obviously the answer to that question varies by your location and how green your local economy is.
Although it's probably tempting to just start searching for job openings, remember, you'll have far better results if you get clear about your interests first.
- You'll have a better idea where to look for opportunities
- When you network with people in your area you'll articulate your goal more clearly.
- You'll have a better sense of which opportunities are going to be a good fit for you and which ones you should pass on.
#1 Strategy: Plug into the Local Green Network
You've probably hear the phrase "It's all in who you know." Well that's certainly true when you are in job search mode. The more you get out to meet and talk with people who share your interests, the more likely you are to find key contacts and job openings.
So the question is, where do you find people in your town, city, or region who share your interests? Start your exploration by looking at these maps. Drill down to see what's happening in your area.
Then take a look at organizations in your area to identify non-profit organizations and communities that are working to make a difference. Make contact, find a way to become active, and get to know others. The people you meet share your interests, values, and goals. They know people you want to get to know. You may be surprised at how quickly you can plug into the network in your area.
#2 Strategy: Scan Job Boards to Find Local Green/Sustainable/Socially Responsible Companies
Do a broad search for jobs in your local region. Use your zip code or region name to pull up jobs that are in your area. Remember, your purpose at this point is not to look for a job opening, but to get a feel for what's available in your area.
As you search each job board, scan the list to identify key employers. Make a list of these employers as you go.
Be sure to explore a variety of job boards:
- General job boards with appropriate key words
- Governmental job boards
- Regional job boards
- Profession specific job boards
(If you need help identifying green job boards, join Green Career Central. We've researched over 50 job boards listed in these categories.)
When you know your green career direction and are ready to find a job opening, return to the job boards that had jobs in your area. Just remember, as with traditional jobs, only a fraction of the job openings end up on job boards. Job boards are not THE solution…they are a part of your exploration.
#3 Strategy: Identify Additional Green Companies in Your Area
There are a number of other ways to identify green companies in your region.
- Read the local/regional newspapers for articles that profile green companies
- Look at sponsors for local green events
- Scan green business directories - Coop America is an example.
- Check out association member lists -- Social Venture Network…not listed by state, but does give you a list of companies that are socially responsible. You might also look at their list of partner organizations for additional member lists.
#4 Strategy: Become an Ecopreneur!
If you aren't finding a job in your area that interests you, consider starting a green business or greening an existing business. Become familiar with the needs of your community and create a venture to fulfill that need. If your community isn't likely to support such a venture, think virtual! Do you see a way to have an online business that fulfills a green need in your area?
To find a business of interest, start by looking at your own interests and experience. Leverage your background and passion to create something that will make a difference and prosper.
Although it may feel as though this process is going to be hard, don't let that stop you. The process actually gets easier as you connect to your local green network. The more involved you get, the more you'll learn about the green movement in your area. You'll also gain confidence as you build relationships with key players in your region.
Copyright © 2008 Transition Dynamics Enterprises, Inc
Green Career Central, Transition Dynamics, Career Clarity Program, Seasons of Change are all trademarks of Transition Dynamics Enterprises, Inc.