Green Career Tip - Where, Oh Where, Are the Non-Technical Green Careers?
Many of the jobs discussed in the media are scientific and scientific in nature.
But what about the jobs that aren't so technical? They are out there, but you may need to take a slightly different tactic as you search them out.
Can You List the Top Ten Green Careers?
I'm often asked to answer a question like this. Although I'll answer this question if pushed, I find lists like this provide a very limited view of the green economy.
Here's my thinking.
- Most of the jobs within the green economy have the same job titles they have in the traditional economy. You aren't going to be able to spot them just by their title. Marketing/Finance jobs within a green industry or company are examples.
- Furthermore, each industry had a full range of job titles...and by green career researcher, Jim Cassio's (http://www.cassio.com/) analysis there are over 125 green industries...so trying to pinpoint a handful of job titles as the hot careers feels insufficient.
- What's the best job for one person might be the worst job for another person, even when they have similar skills.
What Can I Do If I'm Not Technical?
Although the industries getting the press at the moment are technical/scientific in nature, don't despair.
Here are several ways you can see yourself in the green economy.
- As the green industries mature, they are going to need all the functions that thriving companies in the traditional economy need
o Managers
o Marketing
o Sales
o Operations
o Human resources
o Training and development
o Finance
- There are also a number of functions that can be directed toward green efforts in just about any green industry.
o Advocacy
o Policy
o Law
o Regulation
o Writing
o Public relations
o Education
- We must also remember the green services that play a part in the green economy.
o Real estate
o Hospitality
o Travel
o Printing
o Cleaning
o And more
What's My Next Step?
If you want to fulfill one of these non-technical roles within the green economy, use the following steps as your map.
- Take a look at your skills, experience, and education to determine the parts of your past you can leverage into the green economy.
- Pay attention to your interests and passions within the green economy. What green industry interests you most?
- Identify what you need to learn about your target industry to contribute within your skill set.
- Target companies in your area that are mature enough to hire someone with your talents. If you can't find companies that are ready to hire you full time, consider whether there's enough business to launch a consulting company.
- If the timing isn't quite right, use the intervening time to build your skills, strengthen your network, and gain knowledge about your target industry.
About the Author
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 one-stop website with easy-to-use programs and effective targeted information to help you identify your green niche, find a green job, start a green business or get a green education. Visit http://www.GreenCareerCentral.com to request our free report - "Six Strategies to Find Your Green Career"
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