subject: Pace Yourself On The Climb To Your Green Career [print this page] In my ongoing conversations over the past two years with Green Career Central members and audiences, I've discovered that many people are approaching their transition into the green economy as though it is just another job search.
Deciding you want to move your career into the green economy is a significant decision. It's not the same as deciding you want to get a job or find a new job. It's not a one-time job search that puts you in a new job. It's a decision that defines both your short term and your long term future.
What makes finding a career in the green economy different?
- The green economy is just beginning to take form. New green industries are beginning to develop and existing industries are beginning to transition into green, but not all companies are ready to hire people into green jobs right now. New innovations, policies, and regulations that are yet to be defined will help shape where the green economy is going.
- It's likely you'll need new knowledge and skills to succeed in the green economy. Developing yourself in these ways takes time.
- Traditional job search techniques and resources aren't likely to be as effective in helping you find a green career. The basic steps of your job search are likely to be the same, but how you gain information about green industries, green companies, and green job openings is likely to require a bit more creativity and time.
Having a realistic picture of where you are headed and understanding the steps you can take today to make your journey easier can make all the difference.
Finding Your Green Career Is Like Climbing a Mountain
Imagine you are setting out to reach the summit of substantial mountain. You no doubt have your image of how it will feel to be atop the mountain, celebrating your accomplishment and taking in the amazing view.
To achieve your goal, you have a couple of options:
- Start climbing! You can see the top of the mountain so you know where you are going. You find the trail head and bravely set out.
If you chose this option, my guess is you'd have a very difficult trek. Without the proper equipment, food, map, and advice, it's likely you'd have a difficult journey at best. Depending on the intensity of the climb, you might not even reach your destination.
OR
- Plan for your climb. You might begin assessing your goal by talking to others who have succeeded in reaching the summit. Then with this solid information as your starting point, you'd begin creating your plan for a climb several months out. You'd think about how you'd like to train, what equipment and training you need, and who you want to climb with. Then you'd begin implementing your plan, one step at a time.
Although it may not sound as glamorous and exciting as setting out spontaneously on a hike, your chances of success are much greater in this case. In fact, with the proper preparations, you may actually enjoy the entire experience more fully because you are prepared, confident, and knowledgeable about what it's going to take to succeed.
Identifying your green focus and then implementing your vision requires a plan as well.
- You must choose a destination - your green career niche or focus - You must research your destination to know whether it's the right goal for you, and what it's going to take to achieve your goal. - You must prepare for your journey. Building your skills and gaining experience are critical for your ultimate success. - You must build a network of people who have been to the same destination or a similar one so that you can learn from their experience. - You must develop your ability to spot changes in your environment and to take action to avoid problems or capitalize on opportunities.
What This Means to You
Transitioning into the green economy takes time, focus, and dedication. It's not going to happen overnight just because you want to be in a green career.
Taking a long term view of your green career may sound hard, but it actually makes it easier! With a long lead time you can take your transition step by step, gaining momentum and successes along the way. Over time you'll have experiences to put on your resume, classes to point to during your interview, and the clarity to be enthusiastic about your future.
by: Carol McClelland
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