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.

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?

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 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

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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 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.

“ 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/