Becoming an environmentalist is a fun and fulfilling way to conserve the world around you. There are many ways in which the Earth needs help, so you can always find ways to contribute that suit your skills and passions. Environmentalists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to safeguard human health and the environment. They clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with the industry to reduce waste.
When performing scientific investigation an environmentalist has to be well-informed of any preceding investigation on the subject you might be studying. This includes making use of time by keeping up with technical journals. As environmental scientists, they use science to find solutions and identify issues that have an impact on humans on the Earth. You might analyze samples of air, soil, food, water, and other resources.
Whatever kind of environmentalist you wish to be, you must have an experience in environmental science, political science, and social sciences as majors. Environmentalism involves understanding how human activities affect nature. It aids in investigating for scientific reasons, engineering, technical discussion, dangerous waste reprocessing and other procedures.
Environmentalist Job Description
The main responsibilities of an environmentalist would rely on the person’s chosen occupation Environmental scientists gather samples and observational data in the field and conduct tests in the lab. As an environmental scientist, you’d need to educate many companies about the environment.
There are numerous kinds of environmentalists like investigators, supplicants, office workers, experts, computer forecasters, ecologists, engineers, examiners and laboratory workers.
How to Become an Environmentalist in Steps
Step 1: Be prepared in High School
When you are in high school, contemplate taking courses in chemistry, biology and biology. In addition, you must take writing projects very earnestly, since numerous environmentalists are needed to write laws, reports, and proposals for finance.
Step 2: Go to College
You should know the problems of the environment like refilling, reprocessing, preservation and deprivation. Degree programs are available in ecological discipline, finances, psychology and political science. You need a degree in environmental science, which guides you in lab techniques, scientific reporting, taking samples, and charting. You must take courses in many natural sciences like physics, atmospheric science, chemistry, geology and earth science.
Step 3: Go for an Advanced Degree
After you are done with the undergraduate studies, you must go ahead to get a master’s degree in environmental planning, public policy, environmentalism and environmental studies. Depending on your strengths and skills, you will have to double your graduate degree subject with your bachelor’s degree for an experienced education. For instance, to become a campaigner, you need to have a degree in political science as this subject will educate you how to promote specific issues.
Step 4: Gain Experience
Joining internship or non-profit organization programs will get you some experience. Added possibility is to work with a non-profit association. Read about environmental and nature science. Many government laboratories hire environmentalists for research purposes. Private labs also do this, while accessing firms need environmentalists to instruct others on greener living, so there are many different jobs you can apply for.
Step 5: Seek Employment
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 9% increase in job opportunities for environmental scientists and specialists from 2019-2029. As populations grow and people become more aware of environmental challenges, companies and the government may frequently seek the expertise of environmental scientists.
Skill Required
- Interest or desire in protecting the environment, should be a self-learner.
- Ability to work for long hours.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Should have an eye for investigation and an understanding of the subject in-depth.
- Should have critical thinking abilities.
- You’ll frequently have to work independently, which will require you to be very focused and motivated.
Environmentalist Salaries and Career Path
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2015 and 2022, the environmentalist market job in the U.S. economy is projected to grow from 145.4 million to 161.0 million. Individuals who aspire to become an environmentalist have a lot of the opportunities available to them under numerous industries and sectors.
Income for such experts varies between industries and sectors. However, the nationwide variety for all the registered positions starts at roughly $50,124 each year to about $90,000 every year. The job outlook for such jobs is anticipated to increase through 2019 because to the rise in population.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Environmentalist?
In total it will take you 4 years to get a bachelor’s degree and additional 2 years to get a master’s degree. Ensure that your degree is connected to the type of work you wish to do in the future for instance, those who wish to become campaigners must go for a master’s in organizational science. (1)
Ambitious environmentalists must pursue voluntary work, so that they could have the chance to get that practical experience; you can look out for an internship that stays for at least one year.
Bottom Line:
A career as an environmentalist is rewarding. An Environmentalist is a large field, there are several different environmentalist careers you can apply for. However, most people who want to become environmentalists don’t do it for the money, but do it to protect the environment. Environmentalists help people make better decisions about using limited natural resources economically.
