I am a rising junior in college, and until recently my plan was to become a teacher. However, my mom does not approve so I will no longer be going down this route. I am currently majoring in marine science, and am interested in learning about environmental analysis and policy as well, potentially leading to a job in this field. The problem, however, is I am not sure how much experience I will have coming out of school, and I am not sure what kind of jobs are available. Are there any jobs in this area? Do they pay well (50-55k)? I am so stressed thinking about trying to get a job in just a few years, any insight would be appreciated!
A lot of jobs in that field require an advanced degree, just something to be aware of. Generally speaking it’s not a high paying field, especially without an advanced degree.
A lot of jobs in that field require an advanced degree, just something to be aware of. Generally speaking it’s not a high paying field, especially without an advanced degree.
You can use payscale.com to get an idea of possible Environmental jobs and their pay scale.
I agree that do get a well paying job in the Environmental field that an advanced degree is necessary.
I will give you my perspective as a parent of a current Environmental graduate (BS). He graduated with an Environmental Science and Resource Management degree which basically encompasses an overall generalist emphasis on anything environmental. He had classes in policy/urban planning/wildlife conservation and ecological restoration.
He had 3 internships at his university which included ecological restoration, plant cultivation/identification and salmon survey/research.
Originally his job hunt focused on consulting firms. Since all his internships leaned towards research/academia, his resume was lacking in “real world experience” in the field and in the office. Most firms either wanted 1-2 internships which focused on consulting along with some field experience.
His preferred internship was with his Salmon research and so he has targeted jobs in the fisheries.
He has opted to do a 2 month internship focused on trout and after than has secured a 2 month job in the Salmon industry, hoping to get some field experience in the so-called “real” world and parlay this into a more permanent position along the same lines.
Morale to my long winded story, is that you should try to line up some internships in outside companies/non-profits etc… and explore what possible jobs are available for your current interests.
My son eventually plans to go back for Grad school but wants to make sure he is set on which direction to take for a Masters.
So first of all, your career is your decision. Your mom may not approve, but that doesn’t mean you should completely change your career plans. You are the only one who has to go to work every day and do what you choose as a career. If she’s saying she won’t pay for you to get the required certifications, you can choose a major that will allow you to teach and then get your certification later. At some point you have to break away from your parents’ expectations for your career and choose for yourself.
Second of all, yes, there are lots of jobs in environmental policy and they do eventually pay in the range that you want (although most of them don’t start out that way). I think it’s more realistic as a new college grad in this area to expect to make in the $30-45K range, with an eye towards eventually making $50-60K in a few years.
But a general job search on Indeed for “environmental policy” turned up over 80,000 jobs. Most of the ones I clicked on in the first 3 pages only required a bachelor’s degree.
You should definitely try to do an internship this summer, and potentially even pick up one during the school year.