There are a growing number of industries and sectors are making concerted efforts to rethink their business practice. It is important to be aware of the full range of your options when positioning yourself for green career change or you could be limiting yourself. To make sense of the industries and sectors that make up the green economy take a look at the green economy map.
by Carol McClelland, PhD, author of Green Careers For Dummies and Founder of Green Career Central
Post your green career questions in the comments section below. Carol will be checking in on Green Economy Post throughout the day, on Tuesday March 23, to answer your questions and to help you figure out how to advance your green career.
As you consider career options in the new economy, are you aware of the full range of options or are you thinking your options are limited because the green economy is made up of renewable energy, energy efficient buildings, and the smart grid? I have been astounded by how many industries and sectors are making concerted efforts to rethink their business practices.
Although some green industries aren’t as mature as the ones that make the mainstream press on a regular basis, there are an amazing number of green/sustainable developments in the works. As time unfolds, we’ll see more and more evidence of these green initiatives throughout our economy.
To make sense of the industries and sectors that make up the green economy, I created a visual representation to provide career changers with to view the green economy at a glance. The following bullet points provide a description of these sectors in broad brush strokes.
Our Environment (top half of map)
- Natural Environment – Traditional green careers fall in this category and range from environmental scientists in a variety of disciplines to careers in natural resource management. Knowing how the natural ecosystems work and how to manage natural resources in sustainable ways are sought after skills as we shift to the green economy.
- Built Environment – As you move around your city and neighborhood, you interact with the built environment – the electric grid, information technology systems, buildings, and transportation systems. In many instances our current built environment, which provides comfort and convenience, also emits a large proportion of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. By rethinking how we design, build, and operate our built environment, we have the opportunity to curb greenhouse gas emissions and handle other green, sustainable goals such as waste reduction, water conservation, and more.
Our Tangible Products (lower right side of map)
As you scan your surroundings while reading this blog post, it’s likely you are surrounded by a huge array of manufactured products from your electronic devices, the clothes you are wearing, the furniture you are sitting on, the food you are eating, and building you are in. Manufacturing all of the items that create our world generates greenhouse gases and waste.
Rethinking and redesigning the entire manufacturing process from raw materials, manufacturing processes, transportation, packaging, and waste management can have a huge impact on our cultural carbon footprint.
Our Experience of the Green Economy (lower left side of map)
If you are looking for non-technical careers in the green economy, you’ll be interested in this quadrant of the Green Economy Map. (Keep in mind that as companies in the other quadrants mature, they’ll also be hiring people in various non-technical functions to help their companies thrive.)
- Shaping the Green Economy – One of the most important sectors right now are the professionals who are working hard to define policies, regulations, certifications, and financing options to give form to the green economy. Although people in these jobs don’t have a direct impact on greenhouse gas emissions or waste production, their work defines the playing field so that companies and communities know what they need to accomplish by when.
- Educating, Inspiring, Motivating, Persuading – Another group of professionals are those that are encouraging individuals, groups, companies, and industries to take greener, more sustainable actions. The people in these careers are likely to be using environmental education, media, marketing, and consulting to shift people’s thinking about their actions.
- Green Services and Experiences – In this sector, industries that provide a service or create an experience for their customers are revising their businesses to offer a greener experience. Think restaurants, hotel, spas, cleaning services, and travel as a starting point.
By having the full picture of the green economy in mind as you consider your career options, you’ll have a better sense of where your skills fit in.
To learn more about the industries that make up each of the sectors I’ve described here, go to the interactive version of the Green Economy Map and click on each sector.
Don’t forget to post your green career questions in the comments section below. I will be checking in on Green Economy Post throughout the day, on Tuesday March 23, to answer your questions and to help you figure out how to advance your green career.
Recommended Green Career Resources Provided by Carol
SEVEN STEPS TO YOUR GREEN CAREER AUDIO – In this recorded audio program, Carol McClelland, shares a seven step plan you can follow to find your green career. In this audio you’ll discover: How to shorten the path to your green career with our 7-Step Action Plan; Tips to keep you moving forward to your goal; and answers to your questions about your next steps.
HOW TO SHORTEN YOUR PATH TO YOUR GREEN CAREER – This free ebook is a step-by-step process helping green career seekers use their passions, interests, experience, and training to plug into the green economy.
UNCOVERING YOUR GREEN NICHE – One of the most important skills you can have as a green career seeker is being able to articulate your green career niche. This free ebook shares the secrets of finding your green niche.
SIX STRATEGIES TO FIND YOUR GREEN CAREER – This free ebook is a step-by-step process helping green career seekers use their passions, interests, experience, and training to plug into the green economy.
