With energy prices on the rise and the prospect of global warming on the horizon, it's no wonder green jobs are becoming more and more a part of the employment market. Renewable energy, environmental engineering, and even green car development are just a few of the more earth friendly opportunities that await those that are hoping to enter a greener career. Of course, there are a number of ways you can green your current career as well, with a little creativity and ambition. Here are 100 resources we've put together to help you find a career that suits your desire for better, greener employment.
Tips
Begin with these basic tips to get you on the road to a green career.
- Think of ways to green your current career. There are ways for nearly every career to become greener. A teacher could start educating students about recycling or business owners can encourage employees to carpool and cut down on paper waste. Even little changes can make a difference towards your ultimate career goals.
- Cut down on the commute. Whether you're working at a green job or any other job, try to think of ways you can cut down on the commute you have to make. Consider moving to a closer office, telecommuting a few days a week, or even biking to work.
- Network with green businesses. If you're looking to make the move into a greener career, start by getting to know local green businesses that you could find employment with.
- Look for ways to green your own community. If you can't make the jump directly into a greener career try starting out with volunteering. You'll get experience and you'll have a great project to work on in your spare time. Who knows, it may even lead to your own green business.
- Find something you're passionate about. Taking a green job just because it's green and not because you love it isn't going to make you feel any happier in the long run. Just like with any kind of job, make sure it's something you truly want to do.
- Go back to school. Many people find that they don't have the education or skills required to do the jobs they truly want. Take classes at night or on the weekends to help bulk up your resume and give you some additional skills that will help you work towards your goals.
- Figure out what you want. Don't just jump into the green career market headfirst without first sitting down to think about what kind of career you really want. Figure out what it is you're passionate about and start working towards that career.
- Be creative. There are a lot of obvious green careers out there and a lot that aren't so obvious too. Keep your mind open and be creative about ways you can work in a profitable, green field.
- Start small. You don't have to make a huge change overnight. Start small with your goals and keep working until you've arrived where you want to be.
- Don't let obstacles slow you down. There will undoubtedly be some obstacles on your path to a greener career, but don't let these put you off if it's what you truly want to do.
- Do your research. Before heading into the green collar job market, do a little research about it first. Find out what careers are growing the fastest and what will provide you with the most options and potential for success.
- Start your own business. If you can't find the job you want why not become your own boss? New green businesses are popping up all the time so if you've got some business savvy and a great idea you could be on the road to a successful career.
- Find a niche. Whether you're running your own business or marketing yourself to potential employers find a niche of the green market to specialize in. It will be a valuable asset no matter what kind of business you're pursuing.
Web Resources
Check out these sites for loads of help and advice when it comes to starting a green career.
- Green Career Central: You'll find tips, support, guidance and more on this site dedicated to helping you find a career that helps you make a difference.
- Green Career Tracks: Career coach Barbara Parks can help point you in the right direction to finding the green career of your dreams on this site.
- Apollo Alliance: This alliance is dedicated to working together to find clean energy sources and reducing dependence on foreign oil. You can find numerous companies that are members that can be great choices for green careers.
- Blue Green Alliance: The United Steel Workers and the Sierra Club have come together to form this alliance, which promotes green jobs in all sectors and can be a great starting point when looking for a greener job.
- Green for All: Green for All is dedicated to helping countries around the world build up their economies with earth-friendly jobs and industries. If you're looking for work that truly has a conscience and maybe to see the world, check out their site.
- Green Energy Career Guide: If you're looking for a job in the green energy sector, this site can provide an invaluable guide to the basics of renewable energy and what it will take to get ahead in the field.
- Green Job Network: This site is all about helping connect those who want to go green with their careers with green businesses looking for employees.
- virid.us: Chat and network with others who are looking for or who already have green jobs on this great business networking and collaboration site.
- California Green Solutions: Residents of California can benefit from this list of green employers, while the rest of the country can take advantage of the list of sectors in which to look for green employment.
- Green Business.net: This site is an online community for entrepreneurs working to protect the environment. You'll find investors, other entrepreneurs and marketing firms when you join.
- Climate Biz: If climate change is your concern, check out this site, dedicated to helping businesses be more conscious of their impact on the environment. You'll even find a list of green jobs and resources to help you out.
- Green Collar Economy: Going green doesn't mean having to go broke, and this site deals with that directly, showing that green businesses can be profitable while still being sustainable. You'll find job listings and a forum as well.
- Green Century Funds: If you're starting your own business and are looking for some investors, try out this fund which specializes in investing in green initiatives.
- Green Business Alliance: This alliance brings together businesses that are working to ensure that they and their employees are doing what they can to be more sustainable. You can use it for a starting place to find green businesses nationwide.
Blogs
Get some advice from others who've entered the green job market on these helpful and insightful blogs.
- Green Collar Blog: This blog is dedicated to providing listings and advice on finding green collar jobs in a variety of sectors.
- Journey Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Ever wanted to quit your job and pursue work that promotes a greener future? That's just what this blogger did and you can read about his trials and triumphs in this blog.
- Easier Being Green: This new college grad and California resident explores why it may just be easier to be green than you thought.
- R-Squared Energy Blog: Check out this blog by a chemical engineer who has spent many years working in energy related fields. You'll find commentary about current energy issues and maybe even learn a few ways you can conserve.
- GreenCareerCentral Blog: Get suggestions on how to find the green job of your dreams from this blog.
- Gristmill: This green-centric blog discusses a lot of different issues, but has regular posts on green careers and green collar jobs that can be very helpful for those looking for a career switch.
- Green Careers with Karen McClelland: This blog is focused on showing you ways you can make your career greener, whether you work directly with the environment or just want to reduce your environmental impact.
- Green Your Future: This multi-author blog discusses a variety of green initiatives that can educate and give inspiration on finding a new career.
- Eco Tips Blog: Get some simple tips on how you can make everything in your life greener from your shower head to your next work party.
- Greening Jobs: Here you'll find postings of current green job openings, news on the green sector and advice from experts.
- VeloCommuter Blog: If you're thinking of becoming a bike commuter, check out this blog for tips and advice on making the most of your bike ride.
- Social Enterprise Blog: Socially responsible businesses can also be a great way to feel better about the work you're doing. This blog is dedicated to highlighting businesses and individuals engaged in this kind of work.
- Clean PR: Educate yourself on the clean tech industry and get advice and information of all kinds on this blog.
- 21st Century Ecopreneur: Here you can learn about jobs and products that can help you make the world a better place.
- Greener Assets: If you already have a business or are looking to start one soon, check out this blog for suggestions on creating a cleaner and more green working environment.
- Ecopreneurist: On this blog you'll find news and advice on sustainable and social entrepreneurship that can help you make the move into a greener future.
- Earth2Tech: Those working in tech fields who'd like to go a little greener can check out this blog for news and information that can provide inspiration for making the switch.
- Marketing Green: This blog is a great resource for green business owners. It discusses how to go about building and marketing a green brand, to make your business more profitable while staying green at the same time.
Helpful Articles
Find out the basic facts and information behind green careers and why one can be great for you by reading these informative articles.
- 25 Jobs That Let You Go Green: Career Builder has put together this list of jobs that can provide you a great and rewarding career while still allowing you to go green.
- Remake a Career: Green Career Tips for Locavores: Get some tips on how to build a green career right in your own community from this article posted on Grist.
- Green Collar Jobs In America's Cities: Read this article to learn what job opportunities are growing in America for green jobs and how you can help build this industry.
- Green Jobs: Towards Sustainable Work In a Low-Carbon World: Check out this article on how the UN is working towards promoting green jobs around the world to build up local economies.
- Job Opportunities for the Green Economy: This article discusses the numerous job opportunities that are available in the growing green industry and can be a great place to get some inspiration on jobs you can make part of your future.
- What Are Green Collar Jobs? : Not quite sure what green collar means? Take a look at this article which can help clarify the meaning behind the term.
- Why Green Is Good for Your Career: Going green may not just make you feel better about the work you do, it can actually be profitable and beneficial to your career as well as this article discusses.
- Green and Growing: Environmental Jobs: Monster.com highlights some green jobs that are currently growing and could be hiring in your area.
- Switching to Green Collar Jobs: If you want some advice on making the switch to a greener and more sustainably minded career, give this article from Business Week a read.
- Go Green With Your Career Search: Those looking for some small ways to make their careers a little greener can get some valuable advice from this article.
- Green Careers: Ten Guides to Getting a Green Job: The Huffington Post has put together a list of books to read if you're in search of a new, greener career.
- How to Land a Green-Collar Job: The American Solar Energy Society has compiled a list of 15 things that can help you get the green job you want.
- Green Your Commute: Check out this article for ways you can make your current commute to work more earth-friendly.
- More Women Look to Environment for Careers: Green jobs can provide a lot of opportunities for women in the workforce. Learn how women are forming an essential part of the green industry in this article.
- 15 Green Business Founders: Get some inspiration from other business owners who've chosen to go the green route and made a great profit in the process.
- Green Business Guide: The US Government has put out this helpful guide for business owners who are looking to start a green business or make their current business more environmentally friendly.
- Home Sourcing Trend Could Get You a Green Job: Because of the high cost of oil, many companies are opening up branches close to the end destination for their products. Check out this article to see how that can help you land a new job.
Job Boards
Find the green job you've been dreaming of with the help of these earth-friendly job boards.
- GreenBiz: This large green business site provides not only news and articles but a helpful job board as well for those seeking employment in the green sector.
- SustainAbility: Here you'll find some suggestions of places to start looking for green employment from job boards to recruitment agencies.
- Green Job List: Join this email list to get opportunities in green careers sent right to your inbox.
- GreenJobSearch: Use this simple search engine to find jobs in a city or career field of your choice.
- CleanLoop: Dedicated to clean and sustainable technologies, this site provides a great resource for techies, engineers and chemists looking to move into a greener career.
- TreeHugger Job Board: This popular green blog provides not only great reading material but a helpful job board as well.
- Sustainable Business Green Dream Jobs: Check out this site for great search features in finding a job in fields that range from PR to finance.
- SustainJobs.com: The jobs listed on this site focus on renewable energy and climate change.
- SolarJobs.com: If solar energy and other forms of renewable energy are of interest to you, visit this site for regularly updated job postings.
- Renewable Energy World Jobs: Find employment in the renewable energy field by checking out this site to search through jobs and post your resume.
- Net Impact Career Center: Sign up for this site to help you find a job that can meet both your financial and social responsibility needs.
- JustMeans Jobs: Become a member of this site to access loads of jobs at socially responsible companies.
- Idealist.org: This site has a blog with great ideas and commentary and also a job posting board with opportunities in fields like consulting, nonprofits and more.
- Environmental Career Center: Find local career events, environmentally conscious employers and, of course, hundreds of listings for environmental jobs.
- Center for Social Responsibility Jobs: On this site, you'll find a number of high profile jobs that will pay well and allow you to work for a socially responsible company at the same time.
- CleanTech Human Capital: This site is dedicating to finding human resources for the clean technology industries.
- Careers in Wind: If you want to pursue a career in the growing field of wind energy, you can find job postings and put up your own resume on this site.
- Care2 Job Finder: Billed as the largest listing of jobs with socially responsible companies, this site can provide numerous resources and opportunities for finding employment.
- Workcabin Green Jobs: Canadians, or those looking to move to Canada, should take a look at this site. It provides a comprehensive listing of green jobs all over Canada.
- Big Green Switch: This UK based search engine can help you find jobs in sectors like environmental law, ecology, renewable energy and more.
- EcoEmploy.com: Check out this basic site for job postings, government jobs, lists of green employers and even what you can expect to get paid.
Green Recruiters
Did you know there are people out there actively seeking you out for a green job? Check out these recruiters to find a multitude of career opportunities.
- Bright Green Talent: This is the most well-known of the green recruiting agencies and can be a great place to post your resume if you're looking for greener employment.
- Ellen Weinreb Recruiting: Those in the business who are looking to change jobs or want something more socially conscious can check out this recruiting firm dedicated to finding socially responsible corporate employees.
- Viridian Search: Find a job in a sustainable field by checking out the services offered by this recruiting firm.
- Natural Life Employment Services: If you love nature and have the skills to work in a field related to it, give this company a try. They specialize in green career placement.
- The Green Career Show: While this isn't a recruitment firm per se, it does provide a large number of opportunities to meet and network with green businesses from all over the US and Canada.
Books
Add these books to your bookshelf to get a great background and some helpful advice on getting and loving a green career.
- Careers in Renewable Energy: Get a Green Energy Job: With oil prices continuing to rise, renewable energy is becoming even more of a hot topic. Learn how you can find a job in solar or wind energy, biofuels, geothermal energy, hydrogen fuel cells and much more in this book.
- Making a Living While Making a Difference: Conscious Careers in an Era of Interdependence: Find loads of information on green entrepreneurship and technologies and socially responsible businesses in this invaluable resource. You'll find optimistic advice on how you can follow your career dreams and make an impact in your home town and around the world.
- Great Jobs for Environmental Studies Majors: Wondering what you can do with that environmental studies degree? This book provides loads of careers where you can make use of your degree as well as advice on finding the best career for you and building a great resume.
- Green Careers: Those hoping to enter the green sector can find information on where to start looking for green jobs, profiles of real people in the workforce, advice on whether or not to go back to school and much more.
- Green Jobs: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Employment: This book helps to lay out what jobs are available in a wide range of green industries and will let you know what training you'll need to pursue them. You'll also find helpful information on starting your very own green business.
- Saving the Earth as a Career: Advice on Becoming a Conservation Professional: If conservation is your passion, this book can be a great addition to your bookshelf. You'll find advice and guidance on finding work in a wide variety of fields from law to ecology.
- Green at Work: Finding a Business Career That Works With the Environment: This guide explains how many green businesses are in need of applicants with skills in business like accountants, financial experts, managers and marketer and advice on how you can turn your business skills into a green career.
- Everybody Else's Guide to Green and Socially Responsible Careers: This book features a comprehensive list of green and socially responsible careers and aims to help you know where to look, what skills you'll need and how you can get started.
- The ECO Guide to Careers That Make a Difference: In this book you'll find profiles of green businesses and the employees that work there so you can get an idea of what it's really like to work in the green sector from making organic foods to researching environmental initiatives.
- Green Machine: A Career Guide for the Young Professional: Those fresh out of college can get some advice on where to look to find great green business opportunities. You'll learn how to market yourself to green businesses and set goals for yourself with the help of this book.
- 75 Green Businesses You Can Start to Make Money and Make a Difference: If you're looking to start your own green business, this book can be a great resource on what industries you're likely to have the most success with and how you can get started.
- The Complete Guide to Environmental Careers in the 21st Century: This book, put out by the Environmental Careers Organization, provides stats and career strategies on the biggest environmental jobs out there whether you want to work as an academic or in the clean energy sector.
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