Six Tips for Exploring Green Careers
Karen Underhill
There's lots of buzz around green jobs right now. Have you considered moving into a green career field?
"Green" is the term used for jobs that involve either promoting environmental restoration or sustainability, or reducing human environmental impact. Green jobs are found in almost all industries and especially in the energy industry. A variety of different occupations are considered green:
- New and emerging green jobs, like wind turbine technicians and energy auditors.
- Current jobs where the work is changing because of green trends — including electricians, carpenters, and chemical engineers.
- Jobs that are not traditionally considered green, but where demand is increasing because of green trends, like bus drivers, conservation scientists, and insulation installers.
How can you get started on a path to a green job? Consider these six tips:
- Read about green jobs and the industries affected by sustainability business initiatives. Visit the government sites such as the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Energy to learn about new workforce programs and legislation. Also keep track of government initiatives in other states. Learn about how our economy is "greening" and the impact on current and future demand for workers by reading the O*NET "Greening of the World of Work" report. ISEEK has pages to find out more about green careers in Minnesota and green energy careers.
- Prepare for a green career. In addition to traditional occupational skills, green careers will require knowledge of current green technologies and practices. Find out what education training options are offered by
Minnesota colleges and universities to prepare for green jobs. - Looking to switch careers? Find related green occupations. A new tool called the Job Skills Transfer Assessment Tool (JobStat) allows you to enter your current occupation title to see a list of related occupations that use similar skills. The tool also shows if an occupation is green or in demand.
- Review job postings listed on MinnesotaWorks.net to find a job or to learn more about what employers in green industries are looking for from job candidates.
- Research businesses who have made being environmentally friendly a priority. Start by looking for companies that are in green industries, such as the industries on this list of fastest-growing, green-enhanced jobs in Minnesota. Specific employers within these industries can be found using ISEEK's Business Search.
- Join professional organizations and groups with national and local members who work in green industries such as the Blue Green Alliance or the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society.
If your values are in line with green, exploring these career options could be highly satisfying. It could give you the chance to work in a fulfilling career while making a positive difference.
Karen Underhill is an Outreach and Training Specialist for MinnesotaWorks.net.
