How can someone with a degree in a physical science start a career in the environmental field?
Answer:
Well that's actually exactly what I did. I've got a BS in astrophysics and an MS in physics, and I went directly from grad school to become an Environmental Scientist.
It's not easy to do. I only had a few undergrad classes in environmental science, so despite my interest in the field, I wasn't very qualified. I tried to get help from job placement agencies, but they basically told me I wasn't qualified and made little to no effort to find me a job.
As I live in California, I took and passed the state exam to qualify as an Environmental Scientist, though no such state jobs opened up. I applied for a job at the DTSC after passing that exam, and they told me I wasn't sufficiently qualified. I also applied directly to some environmental companies with entry level job openings. Finally one gave me an interview and then a job, but it took several months.
I was fortunate that they didn't necessarily need someone with an environmental science degree, but just a smart person who could learn the job quickly. My job is to research potential environmental hazards at various sites and then write up a report about it. It doesn't really require much if any environmental science education. I've been here for a year now and am one of the best at what I do. Just got a promotion and the maximum raise at my annual review.
So basically my suggestion is to learn what you can about the field. My sister-in-law was an environmental engineer, so I got her to teach me a bit about her job and what entry level people do. Passing the state exam looked good on my resume, so if that's an option where you live try to do something like that. Then apply to any entry level positions you can find. On your resume make sure you talk about why you want an environmental job even though you have a physical science degree, because they wonder about that. If you get an interview they'll ask you that, so make sure you have a good answer.
If you have any more questions feel free to email me. My email is available in my profile. Hope that helped, and good luck.
I found my luck looking to jobs with government regulation agencies. You could start looking at the Environmental Protection Agency, or your local state government charged with environmental regulation, such as the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Many of these agencies offer job opportunities for recent college graduates such as formal training on federal and state environmental regulations, required environmental safety training, and an introduction to many of the local environmental consulting firms in your area. This is a great place to expand your knowledge on environmental issues, environmental regulation, and environmental compliance and enforcement programs. This is a great opportunity to learn about the environmental industry, get some experience in the environmental world, learn about what regulators expect, and what this business is all about. Also, many government agencies offer good health and retirement benefits as well!
try doing some volunteer work for environmental groups during your spare time.
but realy, it all depends on what type of work you want to do.
any science degree should be able to find a place in environmental careers.
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