Get an overview of specializations in:
Environmental Policy & Planning – “The Environmental Policy field centers around the alternation of public policy and social institutions that influence the way we manage the environment and our natural resources. By researching scientific data and current legislation Environmental Policy makers create new laws and legal standards that will better serve shifting environmental demands.
Environmental Planning careers create programs that use land more efficiently with minimal damage to the surrounding environment. They often focus on the use of natural resources and attempt to predict any risks or problems that may arise, and then create plans to combat these risks.”
Sustainability & Green Jobs – “Though the words “sustainability” and “green” often invoke the idea of environmental scientists, this narrow view does not accurately represent the diversity of the field. While these scientific careers are certainly part of the industry, there are many other options for those seeking a Sustainability job or Green profession. In fact, many Sustainability careers are often focused on helping organizations and companies run more efficiently, thereby increasing their profits, pleasing their customer base, and creating a sense of well being among the community.”
Environmental Public Health Careers – “Opportunities in public health are expanding, largely due to the prevalence of preventable diseases and the challenges presented by an aging population, environmental contaminants, and natural disasters. Since the environment plays a major role in our health many career options focus on understanding and improving conditions in both natural and built environments. These are often referred to as occupational and environmental health professions. Workers in these careers keep us safe by inspecting facilities, researching how the environment influences human health and disease, and minimizing environmental health risks.”
Agriculture & Forestry – “Careers in Agriculture and Forestry make up one of the largest industries and sources of long-term employment in the country, providing jobs for millions of Americans. These careers supply us with a multitude of food products and alternative energies, among many other important resources for sustaining our country and contribution to the world economy. In addition, these careers – particularly those associated with Forestry – conserve our natural resources and assure we have bountiful supplies of land to utilize in the future. Many of the careers in the Agriculture and Forestry industry are considered “Green Careers,” meaning that the careers are involved in preserving or protecting our environmental resources.”
Now Explore
- Learn about work environments and functions
- Find out requirements for education and training
- Discover the professional organizations and career outlook
Environmental SCIENCE.org: Use this resource to get started on figuring out how your interests could fit with a possible career path. Learn about education options, detailed descriptions of career paths, plus jobs and more.
US EPA: Become knowledgeable of cutting edge environmental topics and issues, laws and regulations and how the EPA is involved in making key decisions that impact current trends in managing human health and the environment.
Identify skills, job functions, outlook, salary etc…
ONET OnLine: O*NET OnLine has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, researchers, and more!
Occupational Outlook Handbook: The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.
CareerOneStop: A source for career exploration, training & jobs. Sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Labor.
Glassdoor.com: Jobs, Company Reviews, Salaries, Interviews, Know Your Worth.
Build Your Experience & Skills
Use these sites to search for Internships, Volunteer, Part-time/Full-time jobs. Learn position requirements and qualifications to find out what skills and experiences you need for jobs of interest. In addition, search specific state, federal, and private organization websites for other job listings.
Handshake: Find opportunities specifically for UW students and recent grads.
UW-Madison Environmental Science Careers Page – several resources including local, state, and national environmental organization lists and opportunities
The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
UW-Madison Office of Sustainability Jobs & Internships
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Wildlife & Fisheries Job Board
Indeed.com A job search site listing positions at the national level.
LinkedIn: Search human services, mental health.
Idealist.org: Non-profit jobs and internships.
Glassdoor: Search by job title or company.
Wisc.jobs: Find jobs in the State of Wisconsin.
Examples of On Campus Resources
Center for Leadership and Involvement, UW-Madison Student Job Center, International Internship Program, Morgridge Center for Public Service
Graduate School
If I want to work in sustainability and green jobs, conservation and natural resource management and wildlife, do I need to go to graduate school or receive further training or certification? If yes, what is the right program(s) for me? Does it make sense to do a Ph.D. or a professional master’s program? Talk to your career & internship specialist, your academic advisor, and faculty members to learn more and to find out about different programs, here are a few resources to get you started: Sustainability Degrees, Biodiversity and Conservation graduate programs.
Connect with Professionals
LinkedIn: Build your online presence by developing a profile, search for alumni in your major to learn the different paths you could consider, search for opportunities and more!
Use the Higher Education section to access guides on how to best use LinkedIn.
Badger Bridge: Whether you are fresh off Bascom Hill, a seasoned professional, or still a student, Badger Bridge is for you! Consider this your go-to resource for:
- Seeking alumni connections for professional advice
- Making a career change
- Connecting with alumni in your city or cities across the globe
- Considering relocating
Professional Development, License, Training & Additional Resources
A good way to further explore career interests is by checking out professional associations’ career and education resources. You can also learn about relevant events and conferences to attend, which is a great way to meet people in the field and make connections.
- National Association of Environmental Professionals
- International Society of Sustainability Professionals
- Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
- Conservation Certification Resources