Essentials Skills to Succeed in an Environmental Career
At a time when the climate is changing rapidly and the human impact on the global environment has never been more obvious, environmental studies have become critically important. The top careers for environmental studies allow aspiring professionals to study the environment and develop creative solutions that can help improve our world for the generations to come.
Choosing a degree program that allows you to build the most critical environmental skills can give you the competitive advantage as you seek to launch your career.
Launching Your Environmental Career
Environmental studies are defined by Indeed as an academic discipline that blends together the scientific fields of biology, ecology, geology and human life, allowing those interested in careers for environmental studies to pursue a wide range of opportunities. While many pursue careers in research or academia, others go on to work for local governments, non-profit organizations or educational institutions.
As scientists, government officials and business leaders work together to address the complex challenges of the climate change era, there is heightened demand for intuitive and skilled environmental scientists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for environmental scientists is expected to increase by 6 percent over the course of the next decade, with nearly 5,000 new environmental scientist jobs expected to be created each year between 2022 and 2032.
While demand continues to grow for environmental scientists, it’s essential for aspiring professionals to prioritize skill development through ongoing education and professional training. Recognizing the most in-demand environmental science skills can help you invest in professional development programs that will allow you to advance your career.
Technical Know-How: Science Skills That Make a Difference
Technical skills rest at the core of any scientific career, including careers for environmental studies. These are some of the most critical technical skills for those who want to work in the environmental science field:
- Strong foundation in natural sciences: Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field, but it is anchored by the natural sciences. Those who want to pursue environmental science jobs will want to select a degree program that offers a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics and geology.
- Data analysis and interpretation: This scientific field relies heavily on research in order to make advancements, requiring aspiring professionals to become experts in data analysis and interpretation. It is crucial to become proficient in statistical software and GIS.
- Environmental monitoring and assessment: Monitoring and assessment plays a crucial role in the research process, requiring environmental scientists to gain experience with field sampling, data collection, and analysis.
- Knowledge of environmental regulations and policies: While other academic and scientific areas are not always regulated by the government, environmental scientists often have to work within the guidelines and policies imposed by governmental agencies and organizations. As a result, environmental scientists must have an expert understanding of the legal frameworks and their implications.
The Human Element: Soft Skills That Set You Apart
While technical and scientific skills enable scientists to perform their job duties in the field, it’s the interpersonal skills that truly propel their career advancement.
- Communication skills: Groundbreaking research and developments in environmental studies often lead to revised practices that everyone should adopt, making it imperative for environmental scientists to have effective communication skills. Professionals in this field must be able to clearly convey complex scientific information to diverse audiences, ensuring that everyone can understand the advancements in the field and global implications.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving: Collecting data is only the first step. Scientists in this field also must be able to identify and analyze complex environmental problems in order to develop innovative and impactful solutions.
- Teamwork and collaboration: Given the interdisciplinary nature of this field, it’s not surprising that there is a significant amount of collaboration involved. Environmental professionals should be able to work effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
- Adaptability and resilience: The environment itself is changing rapidly, forcing scientists to continue to adapt to the shifting conditions and the fluid nature of the best environmental practices. In order to thrive in this dynamic field, environmental professionals need to be adaptable and resilient.
Specializations: Carving Your Niche in the Environmental Field
These are some of the top careers for future environmental professionals to consider:
- Environmental scientist/researcher: Often working directly in the field, scientists and researchers conduct research, analyze data, and sometimes publish their findings.
- Environmental engineer: For those who prefer to take an analytical and creative approach to environmental studies, an environmental engineer position allows them to design and implement innovative solutions to complex environmental problems.
- Environmental consultant: Environmental professionals who prefer to work at their own pace and develop their own schedule can be environmental consultants, providing expertise to businesses, governments, and organizations.
- Environmental educator: Environmental educators work with students and professionals to raise awareness about environmental issues and help people understand the steps they can take to improve their local, regional, national, and global environment.
- Environmental policy analyst: Perfect for those passionate about change at a societal level, environmental policy analyst positions allow professionals to evaluate and analyze environmental policies while advocating for change.
- Sustainability specialist: Becoming more in-demand by the day, sustainability specialists are professionals who help organizations reduce their environmental impact and achieve their sustainability goals.
Building Your Toolkit: How to Gain and Enhance Your Skills
As you seek to develop the most in-demand skills for environmental scientists, you should take actionable steps to help grow your career. This typically involves:
- Education: Pursue a degree in one of the many environmental fields. Environmental science degrees not only provide you with the scientific foundation needed for these fields, but they give you the ability to discover the niche that interests you most.
- Experience: Gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, and entry-level positions. Professional experience allows you to develop the technical and soft environmental science skills needed within this field.
- Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications to demonstrate your expertise, such as LEED or Certified Environmental Professional.
- Networking: Build relationships with professionals in the field and attend industry events. Your professional network can unlock the door to new and exciting opportunities within the field of environmental science.
- Continuous learning: Stay up to date with the latest developments and trends in environmental science. For example, an ecoliteracy course can help you stay informed about the changing landscape of this dynamic industry.
Cultivating a Thriving Environmental Career
The most in-demand skills for environmental scientists include technical, practical, and soft skills that allow professionals to take a hands-on approach to environmental studies. Regardless of the careers for environmental studies that you are considering, you will want to invest in ongoing professional development that effectively prepares you for the challenging and dynamic landscape of the environmental science field.
At Unity Environmental University — Distance Education, we offer an ecoliteracy course that takes an in-depth look at the cycles that sustain life on our planet and the key practices that will support ecodiversity in every region of our world. As a foundational course aimed specifically at skill development, it’s the ideal starting point for those looking to develop the in-demand skills for environmental scientists.
Request more information about our online degree programs and courses today.
