A step-by-step guide to landing a second career in protecting the planet
Step one: Assess your existing skills
The most important starting point is to assess what you have learned to date, what experience you have gleaned so far, what skills you may have under your belt and how your education may transfer and open opportunities for a new job.
The assessment should establish a baseline and help you stretch your existing skill set and educational background to make a switch. Ideally, if possible, you would want to build on your foundation.”
You have probably developed skills on your job, such as analysis or report writing. Also consider “soft” skills, like managing your time, managing projects, working with a team, or conflict resolution? Take some time to reflect and write down a list of the skills you’ve gained over the years.
Now consider your skills and ask yourself – how you would use them to help the planet? Every potential skill may find a job opportunity. Think big and wide. Don’t limit your options.
Next, think about the type of organization where you’d like to work. It’s a good idea to distinguish between sustainability roles and sustainability organizations.
For example, an accounting position may be in a sustainable company, or not. Think about your ideal day-to-day and the ethos of your ideal company.
Step two: Read postings on green job boards
Start with entry-level job openings that may leverage your existing or potential skill set and passions.
Search the Internet and read job postings, especially the job descriptions. Speak to everyone you know who might be able to guide you on job options and how they really work. At this stage, you’re gathering information about what it’s like to work in these jobs and about the qualifications required: What are the common entry-level job titles, and are those the right fit for you? Which skills, subject-area knowledge, or degrees are typically necessary for successful candidates — and how well do those requirements align with your qualifications?
To find job postings, explore the job boards at Climatebase.
Step three: Build your resume for a green career
Many green careers require both concrete skills and subject-area knowledge. As you peruse job listings, for example, you may discover that solar firms prefer to hire financial analysts who can both work with financial models and have knowledge of the renewable-energy sector. You’ll likely need to build your resume in one or both of those areas.
Volunteering can be one way to gain experience and get a foot in the door. It’s a good way to get to meet people who are in that space. It’s a good way to understand what opportunities exist and understand the organizations in the space and understand which ones are most impactful.
Don’t be afraid to pitch a specific project to an organization, A person with experience in communications, for example, might volunteer to revise the organization’s brochure or update its communications strategy.
You can also beef up your resume by joining professional associations, pursuing certificate programs, or completing a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.
Step four: Write a cover letter that tells your story
When you’re ready to apply for an environmental job, take particular care with your cover letter. Some employers might overlook you if they don’t understand why you’re switching to a different field or may worry that you don’t have a clear career path in mind.
To address that issue, make sure your cover letter clearly explains your personal story. Give a genuine example of why you’re making the switch. That will help prospective employers understand the connection between the jobs listed on your resume and the field you’re hoping to join.
