I'm experiencing a really unique and novel struggle right now, so just try to wrap your heads around this: I'm struggling to find a job after graduation.

🎻😿 I know.

But what really bites me is that I've only gotten one interview this entire year. One (and I panicked and flunked it to be completely honest with you).

I graduated last December with a BS in Environmental Studies and an undergraduate certificate in GIS. I had two internships (one that I'm currently still in) and two temp jobs, all in the environmental and/or GIS fields. I was also the president of a registered student organization during my senior year, had plenty of volunteer experiences with environmental organizations and government agencies, and studied abroad for one of my GIS courses.

I've submitted over 50 applications and tailor all of my resumes to the job listing, and I use quantifiable, measurable impacts that I've made at all of my jobs and coursework. I've refined my resumes to the point where my university's career center literally told me they don't know how else I can improve them. I also consulted the career center to improve my LinkedIn profile, adding nearly all of my professional and educational experience on it.

With the exception of roles that have a lot of field-work (because I incurred chronic medical issues after graduation :/), I apply to nearly any opportunities that I can tie to my qualifications, whether it be in environmental science/studies, GIS, data science, research, or project management. I apply to jobs that require substantial experience, some experience, and no experience.

I still can't get an damned interview.

It's really taken a gigantic toll on my confidence, even though I know it shouldn't since I didn't have trouble getting multiple interviews and job/internship offers last year, before I even graduated.

I know there's areas I can improve upon and gain qualifications, like learning SQL, improving my python skills, gaining some other environmental science skills, but I feel I have to be doing something wrong with my applications to be in this bad of a rut. Seeing former classmates and fellow interns get full-time roles doesn't help to say the least.

This isn't just a vent, I'd greatly appreciate any advice. I'm open to share more details if needed.

“ Eco-social work—also called environmental or green social work—is a practice field that connects human well-being with the health of the natural environment to fight for ecological and social justice. “

https://naswpress.org/product/ecosocial-work/

I got a job working for state/local government as an environmental compliance inspector. Part of the job involves complaint investigations.

Training for complaint investigation consists solely of one-on-one coaching with a manager for our first few complaints. After that, we're pretty much expected to handle investigation on our own, although we can ask for advice if we get a more complex complaint.

I looked all through our training library and only found a couple of videos on how to de-escalate someone who is already complaining to me. I can already handle that really well, so that didn't help me.

There was no training on how to initiate, guide, and conclude a conversation. Nothing about field safety, what to do if someone becomes especially defensive/belligerent, or anything like that. To be fair, if we anticipate possible issues, we can request a security officer or law enforcement accompaniment, but that's only for on-site visits and only if we know in advance that we may need it. I also asked my manager if there was more training and was basically told they don't have anything beyond what I'd already found.

I know I tend to be more conflict-averse. I'm completely fine answering a phone call from someone who is already mad, but there is something about me having to call someone else to essentially deliver bad news/make someone else mad that gives me anxiety.

Is this amount of training (or lack thereof) normal for environmental compliance jobs?

Does everyone struggle with complaint investigation, or am I really not suited for this job? I have given it almost a year. I don't know if that's enough time? Would it get better with more time?

Environmental science| Pakistan

Hey, I'm an Environmental Sciences graduate currently pursuing a Masters in environmental science from NUST. I need a beginner role related to my field. I have an interest in HSE, ESG, or GHG reporting. I am inclined towards sustainability research and field work. Kindly comment or dm me if you've any openings at your workplace 🙏 I need a job asap

Job hunting in this field means checking a dozen scattered sites. I built Raven's Roles to pull environmental, GIS, conservation, and natural resources roles into one free board: https://ravensroles.com

After strong demand I just added grad school opportunities and academic positions (postdocs, professorships, research roles) alongside the existing environmental and natural resources listings. There's no signup to browse, and you can set up weekly free alerts.

If you know of good sources I'm missing (state agencies, university listservs, field tech seasonals), I'd like to hear about them.

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Hi Im currently a third year undergraduate student in Environmental Studies and Natural Resources Management at Africa University in Zimbabwe and honestly I have developed a passion for geology and hydrology and also waste water systems. I was wondering if its possible for me to get advice on how to proceed forward with my future career and options on how to proceed as im considering doing a honours and masters in both geology and water resources engineering

I work in environmental consulting so I spend a lot of time away from home travelling to different field sites and staying in random towns. For those in similar situations who struggle with serious mental health problems, how do you manage? Have you ever needed to be sent home over it? If so, what did you do- just say you’re sick?

I used to do alright but I have PMDD and had to change the medication setup that kept me stable for years. I’m experiencing pretty serious mental health episodes sometimes when I’m away from home and it’s a struggle. I’m just totally removed from the supports I need. I’m the type to push through with work when I’m not feeling well but this is a pretty different ballpark than just feeling crappy or a bit under the weather. I’d really like to know what it’s been like for other people with similar issues and how they have handled it.

I also have 10+ years of semi-unrelated professional experience lightly including GIS/mapping tools and government consulting. I’d really like to move into a hybrid/remote position supporting conservation or natural resource work. Any tips would be wonderful, thank you!

Also was just accepted into an MPA program.

I am looking for opportunities to add vakue to teams rather then "please need a job help"

I am trying to fit in where i would like, grow in a decades worth and also be an expert and the best at.

Details are above as have posted in other subs and dont want to repeat.

Environmental Engineering seems so cool to me. Innovation, harnessing the power of plants to make the world more sustainable, doing something good in the crucial battle of climate change...

I am an MD in Europe and while it is an honorable job, my true interests have always been in saving the environment and creating something cool. I am trying to make the best of it by going into public health and potentially collaborating with you guys, so stick with me.

I have a BA in Environmental Studies, and I've always had a passion for the environment. I was in a Masters program, and I had excellent grades for the first semester, but I had to drop out due to medical events in my family and a very sketchy advisor. I've just been doing physical labor jobs since 2024, but I've always been planning my own farm. I'd like to operate multiple farms someday.

I have this idea for a business that could theoretically function as both a massive carbon sink and provide multiple resourcesfor communities around the world. If I tried to explain the whole thing in detail it would take several pages, so to keep it short: All the products would ultimately use the same aquatic plant, which only needs about 6 inches of water to grow in, and feeds off nutrientsfound in leaf litter and other common waste products. It can be grown as food for cows, sheep, poultry, people, and fish.

It can also be used in soil amendments to improve crop health and survival. And it has multiple potential applications in architectural and building applications, when turned into biochar.

My issue is this: I don't know how to introduce it as a product on a wider scale. It's most common use in the USA and Eruope is as a pretty aquarium plant. Certain varieties are eaten in Southeast Asia, but to Europe and the USA it's an unknown.

Should I go to grad school to try and get connections, and get deeper insight into my idea? What kind of grad program should I go for?

Or should I save the money I'd make in nursing or dental hygiene, and use it to open the business on my own?

Hey everyone,

I'm an international applicant (35M, based in Tokyo) planning to move to New York to work in the energy and building decarbonization sector (like LL97 compliance, MRV, Analyst, etc.). I'm trying to figure out if the Ivy League price tag is actually worth it for getting hired.

I'm looking at two options:

1. Columbia University: MS in Sustainability Management (~$100K+)

2. City College of New York (CCNY): MS in Sustainability in the Urban Environment (~$25K)

For context, I already have a BSc in Electronics Engineering and an MSc in Green Science (Japan), but my experience with applications from overseas is not really giving me any good signs. So I am considering taking considering my options by graduating from an institution within the States.

Does the Columbia brand name and network actually translate to a $75K+ advantage in getting hired for these technical roles in NYC? Or will CCNY check the exact same boxes for employers?

Would love to hear from alumni or anyone hiring in the NYC sustainability space. Thanks!

Hey everyone, I recently graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy and I'm trying to get my first full-time job in the environmental field.

I've mainly been applying to entry-level positions in environmental consulting, environmental field work, air quality, environmental compliance, environmental monitoring, and restoration/conservation, no interviews so far 😢

My relevant experience so far is:

• Laguna Ocean Foundation: 80+ hours of coastal fieldwork and 20 intertidal field surveys involving environmental data collection, site observations, standardized field documentation, and data entry.
• Academic experience: Air quality and VOC/NOx emissions analysis using EPA datasets, environmental data analysis, GIS, and technical report writing.
• Other experience: Data management and Excel reporting my schools Graduate Division.
• I also have a California driver's license and personal vehicle.

I'm seeing HAZWOPER come up pretty often in environmental field technician, environmental consulting, remediation, industrial hygiene, and EH&S jobs.

The problem is that the 40-hour course can be pretty expensive if I have to pay for it myself. I've also seen some jobs say it's preferred while others say the employer will provide training.

For people already working in environmental consulting/field work:

Is getting the 40-hour HAZWOPER worth paying for as an entry-level applicant?

Also curious:

• Has HAZWOPER actually helped you get interviews/jobs?
• Are there particular environmental jobs where it's especially valuable?
• Would you prioritize HAZWOPER over something like OSHA 30?

I'm mainly trying to figure out where my money/time would be best spent while trying to get my foot in the door.

Thanks!

Hello, I am in desperate need of some career advice. I am completely lost on what to do and I’m only 16.

TLDR: Is Environmental Science as a career better than Medicine?

(TW for mentions of suicidal thoughts)

I do Chem, Bio, and Art at a levels and I’ve just started year 12, expected 2A* and an A according to my ALIS and GCSEs (straight grade 9s). My entire life I was expected to do medicine. Been to a private school, done the work experience, extracurriculars. Everything!

Issue is I absolutely hate the idea of working in a hospital. The fluorescent lighting and concrete walls for 60 hours a week for the rest of my life terrify me. Even if I took no gap years id be broke for 10 years post a level at the minimum, in which I’d be 28 and expect to have kids, just another sacrifice after F1-F2 and STC3 years. It is the ultimate sacrifice, from what I’ve heard.

I have struggled with depression and anxiety for around 5 years due to high academic pressure and the track of my life (specifically that in medicine) feeling like just sacrifice after sacrifice for money I don’t know if I even want. I have the privilege of never knowing (that much) financial struggle as my parents are both doctors. We never really did family holidays and things like that. I have come to the point where I’d rather just die now than go through all of that just for the money. Is that selfish? I don’t know.

I have a deep love for the environment. It makes me feel human. I enjoy hiking,rain, mud, getting completely lost in the middle of no where for hours. I feel more human staring at bark for 30 minutes straight than I ever have in a city. The moments I can pinpoint where I truly let go of that feeling of “eh death would be preferable to this for the next 50 years” would be when I am outside, in the middle of nowhere, crouched next to a stream and staring whilst water runs over my fingers. It just feels silly to me, going into medicine. We are almost at the tipping point for our climate, why work a job I might possibly hate with the idea of escape in the natural world if it may not exist for much longer? I am of the opinion money can’t buy experience. I have always had a fascination with the unknown, so maybe I’m just dreaming again, but I have a desperation to experience as much of life as possible. A deep craving for it I don’t think I can satisfy in medicine.

I also adore STEM, and have an interest in politics. All of which naturally leads me to environmental science as a career. I just wanted to know the reality of it, the ugly side, if it is truly worth going for instead of medicine, considering that med school would be 100% payed for but a degree for environmental science even at Oxford would have to be funded by myself. My plan to don this would be taking a gap year, doing an online course for maths a level (to qualify) and working to save up to afford my cost of living through university. I already have around £2,000 saved (I know a little odd for a 16 year old but it’s from birthday money and the rest of it)

Advice, personal anecdotes , really anything would be greatly appreciated!! This has been eating me alive for years at this point- parents think I’m just dreaming and being unrealistic, but then again they believe medicine is the only high earning, respectable career in the UK so 🤷🏽‍♀️

Hi,
I’m currently in my undergrad studying wildlife biology. It has been my lifelong passion and as much as I want to have hope that I can make this a career, I’m realizing as time goes on that I don’t know if I want to put myself in a position where I’m basically guaranteed to be unable to find employment. I have years of volunteer experience and several paid internships under my belt with national and state agencies, am helping with various undergraduate research projects, have a 3.2 gpa and I already know I probably want to attend grad school.

However, lately I’ve really been weighing the risks and I’m wondering if it would be a smarter idea to change my path a bit and go to grad school for environmental health and safety instead. I’m particularly interested in air and water pollution monitoring and climate change’s impact on human health. However, I don’t know if it is actually possible for me to make such a pivot in my career path with this Bachelor’s. Has anyone done something similar? What would my steps look like to pivot, if it’s even possible? I’m willing to go to community college before grad school if I am missing prerequisites. I would need to find a graduate assistance-ship as I’m currently debt free and would like to acquire as little debt as possible.