kittynolikeyou

I was wondering if anyone had advice about how to get a job in environmental or sustainability issues, preferably in public or nonprofit sector.

Right now I'm a rising college senior with a major in linguistics and a minor in Asian studies. It's only recently that I've finally been able to figure out what I want to do after college, and I'd really like to work at a job that has something to do with protecting and conserving the environment. Because it's my last year, I don't have time to add an environmental studies minor or major--will I be screwed or looked over for hiring because of my major?

I don't have a lot of work experience (it consists of my campus job and babysitting), but I will have some experiences sort of relevant to environmental issues (studying/working on an organic farm in Japan, helping to start an organic farm at my college) as well as writing my thesis on the intersection between language and ecology. Also, I'll have taken two environmental classes in college (ecology this coming semester, and probably an environmental policy class in the spring).

Do you think this is good enough to get me an environmental job? I'm not looking for a job as an environmental engineer or doing lab work. I'd just like to get an entry-level type environmental job somewhere, hopefully in a nonprofit organization, with opportunity to move up. Is there something more I should do to prepare? Any kind of advice is welcome (I really need it!)

toblerone

First of all, congratulations on finding what you want to do after graduation! I, on the other hand, am still unsure of what to do.

Second, it shouldn't be too hard. Try your state government, I'm sure they have all kinds of environmental departments, such as a Conservation department, or a department that monitors business' emission of pollutant, etc.

If you are not worried about money, then go ahead and apply for those non-profit organizations. The downside is that you won't get paid, and the pay after you graduate if you join them will be very low.

Hopefully that helps!