Think you have to wait until you are ready to change careers or change jobs to get involved in the green economy?

Think again!

The Process of Finding Your Green Career

Uncovering where your skills fit within the green economy is a journey of discovery. By combining your favorite skills and interests with what you know about how your target industry works, you discover where you are meant to be.

The bulk of this process can be done before anyone else knows you want to change jobs. You can learn about the general green economy, identify what parts of the green economy engage you, and conduct online research about your target industry without alerting anyone about your desire to change careers.

As you know more and become more confident about your green career goal, you can choose whom to tell. In some situations you may be able to talk about your interests in a casual way that allows you to connect with others who share your interests and passions.

You choose when you announce your intentions. You'll know when the time has come to actively pursue your new career. When you are ready to activate your job search, you'll need to be willing to talk with your contacts about your ultimate goal.

The Benefits of Getting Involved Now

By engaging in green/clean/sustainable opportunities sooner rather than later you have a wonderful opportunity to prepare for your future green career over time.

• Pay attention to who you meet at various green events, volunteer gigs, and classes. If you are strategic and mindful about your networking in these settings, you'll have a built-in network when it comes time to activate your job search.

• Take classes to gain a general understanding of relevant issues and topics. Having a well-rounded education on key sustainability concepts and issues will help you stand out during the interview process. Imagine the impact you'll have when you speak confidently and coherently about key issues facing your target industry and company!

• Get involved within your community. Volunteering within your community is a triple win. You meet people who share your interests (ie, great contacts for the future), you gain valuable experience for your resume, and try out roles within a variety of organizations that can help you make decisions about your future career. To get the biggest payoff for your efforts, choose green volunteer activities that are relevant to your target green career. In other words, be strategic when you choose where to commit your volunteer time.

• Start learning about your target industry. Understanding the ins and outs of a new industry takes time. You need to follow developments by reading relevant blogs, try out professional organizations to find the ones that align with your interests, and learn the language. Doing this gradually over time allows you to integrate what you discover so that it's a part of you when it comes time for interviews.

• Green the job you already have. Another way to prepare for your future career is to begin gaining experience, right now, in the company where you work! Keep your eyes open for opportunities to contribute and make a difference in your company's efforts to become more sustainable.

The beauty of having a job now is that you have time to plan your future. Begin by getting a clear picture of your future green career goal, and then focus on building your resume so that you are ready to make a big impression when it's time to make your move.

• Not sure where to start?
  
• Unclear about what steps to take?
  
• Trying to figure out where your skills fit within the green economy?