The Recession Doesn't Need to Stop Your Green Career Dreams!
Carol McClelland
23rd October 2008
Author: Carol McClelland, PhD
It's hard to ignore new stories about the state of our economy. Oil
prices, the mortgage crisis, the loss of non-farming jobs all indicate
we are on shaky ground at best.
Although you may be tempted, in light of the economic news, to hunker
down in your current job and put aside your dream of having a green
career, this is not the time to step back from your green career goals.
In fact, there are a number of reasons to suggest it is actually a
great time to continue your quest for a green career.
Large Scale Economic Reasons
- Certain areas of the green economy are hopping! Companies
in these industries can't find enough employees to meet their demand.
Think solar and wind power (especially in states that offer financial
incentives for homeowners and commercial sites). Consider sustainable
building as a whole, especially retrofitting outfits and companies that
provide real-time tracking of energy usage.
- The government has already committed funds to create green
economy training programs. The Green Jobs Act (H.R. 2847) was passed
last August and authorizes up to $125 million in funding to establish
national and state job training programs to help address job shortages
that are impairing growth in green industries, such as energy efficient
buildings and construction, renewable electric power, energy efficient
vehicles, and biofuels development. Although these programs are
specifically for green collar jobs, professional job opportunities will
grow out of this as well. Training, hiring, and managing the new
workforce will require people with professional skills. As a more
robust, well-trained workforce is in place, more sales and marketing
specialists will be needed to keep the growth going.
- Other industries are just about ready to pop. Venture
capital investments show a lot of movement in the industries I've
already cited above (solar, wind, energy efficiency), as well as the
cleantech industries such as electric/hybrid cars, hydrogen and fuel
cells, and advanced batteries. Although there's no surefire way to
predict how future trends will unfold, the venture capital investors
are banking on some fairly impressive growth in these industries.
Depending on your target career, you may need to bide your time while
the industry of your choice matures to a point where it will be ready
to hire you.
Some other sectors to watch
include:
- Greener computing where computer equipment is more energy
efficient, uses fewer toxins, and can be more easily reused at the end
of its life.
- Large multi-national companies like Clorox are adding green
beauty and cleaning lines to their offerings by buying established
green companies.
- Local food production and distribution is also showing
signs of growth, above and beyond even organic foods.
(If you aren't a scientist, don't be alarmed. As these industries take
off, companies will be hiring a wide array of employees to bring their
products and technologies to market.)
Personal, Close to Home Reasons:
- This is a great time to explore, investigate, and decide on
your target green career-all without leaving the security of your
current job. Identifying your green niche, exploring your options, and
preparing for a new career may take time. Why not begin now?
- As more and more people see the opportunity for green jobs,
the competition is going to pick up. Starting your quest now will put
you at the front of the line for a green job.
- One of the best ways to increase your chances of getting a
green job is to become active in your community. Volunteer with a
non-profit or community group to make a green impact locally. The
experience you gain and the network you build will be invaluable when
you are ready to activate your job search.
- If going back to school is part of your plan to plug into
the green economy, now might be a great time to fulfill that goal.
Investing in yourself and your future will have a great return as long
as you have done your homework and know that the courses, certificate,
or degree are indeed going to position you well for the green job you
want.
- As you immerse yourself in your target industry or field
and as you become active in your local community you will be surrounded
by people who are excited about the green economy. Being part of a
community of like-minded people who share your values and goals is a
profound gift. Suddenly you are not alone, you are part of a greater
whole that is motivating, inspiring, and demonstrating that change
really can happen. The hope and confidence you gain will allow you to
exude more confidence and clarity when you begin networking and
interviewing for your green career.
Don't let the bad news
about the economy keep you from following your dream. If you want a
green career, stay focused on identifying your green niche, immersing
yourself in that field, and doing what you must to be well-positioned
when your target industry/company is ready to hire!
Opportunities still exist even in a rough economy. Keep your eyes open
as you track developments in your target industry/company and be all
set to move when you see an opening!
________
Green Career Expert, Carol McClelland, PhD, is the author of Your Dream
Career For Dummies and founder and executive director of Green Career
Central, a virtual career center with a distilled and organized set of
easy-to-use resources, programs, and events to help you identify your
green niche, find a green job, start a green business or get a green
education. Visit GreenCareerCentral.com
to request our free report -- "Six Strategies to Find Your Green Career"
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