I see three green job conversations going on right now in the country, which causes confusion for most job seekers. I first must caution to watch out for all of the hype. There is a blue collar to green collar job movement which is defined by our manufacturing sectors migrating, for example, to build the wind and solar industry supply chains, those maintaining our wind farms, and those retrofitting our houses and commercial buildings to be more energy efficient, including installing solar panels. These jobs might require some specific training and seem to be included in the discussion surrounding environmental justice. I see steady growth in this sector and certainly include sales, managerial and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Secondly, the light green collar involves higher and deeper levels of skills, education and experience. These jobs are not new and the amount is not growing overwhelmingly these days. These jobs include those that develop wind farms, those involved in the carbon sector, environmental engineering, energy and water technologies, etc. There are opportunities for graduates in this sector and requires the proper motivation and focused job searching skills. Entrepreneurship opportunities abound here.
The third conversation involves how we are building sustainability (green) into every industry, every company and every job in the country over the next ten years. This is where the ”green economy” become a real movement with its greatest impact. Green is being defined in real business terms and processes right now across the nation. Learning what this means to you and your industries is vital. There are green jobs out there for those who understand how they personally fit, therein, and have exceptional job hunting skills.
It is important to understand that many of the jobs and careers we have lost recently will not be coming back as they were. As we build the green economy, the language and skills we will need to get a job and then to build a career are different than before – for both employees and employers. We now talk in cradle2cradle terms about the jobs we do and the career we build. We truly no longer have linear job paths; rather, we take charge and create our own sustainable careers.
Recommended Green Career Resources:
VAULT GUILD TO ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS> – Career Intelligence on Environmental Careers with a 360-degree approach that includes employee insights and employer perspectives.
SIX STRATEGIES TO FIND YOUR GREEN CAREER – This free ebook by Carol McClelland PhD is a step-by-step process helping green career seekers use their passions, interests, experience, and training to plug into the green economy.
THE COMPLETE GREEN JOB GUIDE 2009: SECRETS FOR GETTING THE JOB YOUR WANT – Discover How To Unlock The Booming Green Economy For Your Job Search And Future Financial Security with the 10 Breakthrough Steps You Need To Know To Find And Land A Green Job Quickly.
CLEANTECHIES RESUME AND COVER LETTER WRITING SERVICE – Cleantechies help job seekers ease the transition from mainstream to Cleantech. Learn More!
