Earth Day 2021: As the world returns to normal, we can't go back to business-as-usual

Posted on by Kirsty Thornton

Woman sitting outside in nature in front of a beautiful green background of leaves in the sun. She is talking and smiling to a man that has his back turned towards the viewer.

In celebration of Earth Day 2021, we take a look at how you can choose a career that can help make a positive difference to our world.

Are you passionate about protecting the environment or keen to play a key part in lessening humanity’s impact on the planet? A ‘green’ career may be the right option for you. You can choose to specialise in a career where your work will be directly related to environmental concerns, or you can find an employer in any sector that is working to be more sustainable.

The benefit of choosing a career that so closely aligns with your core passions and values is that you are more likely to find the work fulfilling and enjoy the job that you do, and let’s face it, the ultimate career goal for most people is to find a job that you love.

What are green careers?

Green careers are focused on sustainability, ecology and the protection of the environment. Climate change and other ecological concerns are pressing political issues, and there is a global push by governments, charities and other organisations to increase investment in this ‘green economy’. This means that although some employment sectors may be suffering at the moment, we are likely to see an increase in roles in this sector as the world starts to shift towards a focus on sustainability.

These roles can not only be found in companies that focus explicitly on protection of the environment or green technologies (such as conservation charities or renewable energy companies for example) but with a vast array of employers who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and make their operations more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Lancaster Environment Centre alumni, Caroline Mckittrick (Geography BA), started her career on the Aspire Graduate programme at Barratt Developments, specialising in Corporate Sustainability. She is now employed by Barratt as Sustainability Coordinator making a real positive difference to the company’s operations and strategy development. Working for the UKs largest housebuilder, who by default, has the scope to create large scale improvements, Caroline saw the opportunity to make a huge difference in helping to achieve a sustainable future in this sector.

Caroline’s role involves shaping the ambitions, processes and long term roadmap required to operate ethically and responsibly, both now and in the future, as they work towards their ambition of being the leading national sustainable housebuilder. As part of this goal, Barratt is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, 100% of their own electricity to be renewable by 2025 and new home design to be zero carbon from 2030. Many other companies are also making investment in sustainable business practices and looking for passionate, environmentally conscious graduates to help them achieve their goals.

Most degree subjects will allow you to go on to choose a career that helps make a positive difference to the environment. However, some more specialist roles will require you to have studied a directly relevant subject. To make this transition, you could consider a postgraduate qualification in a related field. Employers also really value work experience so have a look at the opportunities available to broaden your skills.


Gaining relevant work experience

Aside from formal internships and placements with organisations, there are lots of opportunities for volunteering in this sector. There are lots of opportunities to get involved on campus through initiatives run by the Students’ Union and Green Lancaster. Check the websites of local and national conservation organisations or your local council for other opportunities. Sites like Do-It are also great for sourcing volunteering opportunities near you.

The FST internships programme has paid opportunities available and LEC students can also participate in the LEC Skills Development Programme.

The Employment and Recruitment Service also advertise paid roles on campus and in the local area so keep an eye on their jobs board for green opportunities.

Green careers

The following websites are an excellent source of information on opportunities available for students and graduates:

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Kirsty Thornton is a Careers Consultant at Lancaster University, specialising in supporting FST and FHM students with their employability and career development through tailored in-curricular provision and 1-1 guidance. Prior to working in Careers, she worked in Recruitment, matching the right people to the right jobs.

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