College Crunch

The field of environmental policy and management has become increasingly more important and prevalent over the last century. Initially, the field of environmental policy and management focused on conserving and preserving valuable natural resources. As societies become more complex and technologically and mechanically evolved, pollution became a major area of concern. And eventually, with the new knowledge attained through research, the field of environmental policy and management expanded to include the prevention of diseases caused by environmental factors. Today, the environmental policy and management field is responsible for a significant range of matters of vital importance to the health and welfare of all species of life on the planet including controlling global warming, wetlands protection, management of water resources and the aforementioned issues of resource conservation, disease control and pollution.

Developing sound, sensible and effective environmental policies is no longer a luxury for governments, organizations or companies. It is now essential. Warnings of the environmental dangers are being demonstrated and exhibited in frightening and foreboding ways. Too much knowledge has emerged forewarning society of the disastrous effects which will occur if the warnings are not heeded. Government agencies around the world have responded to the need for developing environmental policies by creating legislation and regulations which address critical issues and concerns. Businesses must adhere to the policies in order to prevent punitive enforcement actions from being taken against them. Educated and knowledgeable professionals trained in the field of environmental policy and management are needed to develop new innovative policies in response to the need and to recommend the appropriate actions necessary to assist businesses in adhering to existing policies.

Careers in environmental policy and management are found in businesses, diverse organizations including research and non-profits and in private sector and international companies. Businesses require individuals who can work in departments dedicated to environmental compliance and developing business effective environmental strategies. Some companies are dedicated environmental consulting agencies which provide professionals who are able to advise in these areas. However, the majority of job offerings in the industry are generally found within various government agencies. Agencies most commonly seeking professionals trained in environmental policy and management include the U.S. Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of State, US Food and Drug Administration and US Agency for International Development and the Environmental Protection Agency.

High School

Preparation for a career in environmental policy and management begins early. Individuals intending to pursue a career in the field will need to have an aptitude for most core subjects; mathematics, science, social studies and English. Students need to understand the basic concepts of each. A variety of science courses should be taken to ensure students receive a solid foundation in and gain a firm understanding of the field. Students will need to study life sciences, earth sciences as well as chemistry and physics. English courses will develop strong written communication and comprehension skills. Mathematics will ensure students will be able to develop a proficiency in statistics. And social studies will provide a basis of understanding of society, cultures and history. All of these subjects are also required in order to gain admission to college. In addition to these basic courses, students will need to complete courses in technology and two years in foreign language study. The college preparatory curriculum equips students with skills in reasoning, analytical and critical thinking and problem solving.

In addition to the high school academics, there are a number of steps which can be taken by students to further their career goals. Some organizations offer promising high school students the opportunity to participate in programs, internships or even summer jobs. The Department of Environmental Protection offers a program known as the Student Temporary Employment Program or STEP. The program employs students for a limited term, usually for the summer months. Students must be 16 years old and enrolled in high school, technical school or college. The EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance also offers a program for students 16 years or older known as the Student Career Experience Program or SCEP. Students who prefer to begin completing college credits early can check with their school guidance counselor to learn of any arrangements with local colleges offering high school students the opportunity to take college courses or complete their freshman year of college simultaneously with their senior year of high school.

Responsible behavior should always be a priority for all youth. A decision made early in life can significantly impact opportunities and success in the future. It is especially important for individuals intending to enter the field of environmental policy and planning to maintain a record clear of unethical or criminal conduct. Since the majority of the job openings in the field are within governmental agencies, security checks are commonly completed prior to extending an offer of employment. A misstep as a juvenile could have permanent ramifications for the future of the individual. Unfortunately, even the excuse that one was only a minor when the incident occurred will not result in forgiveness by the potential governmental employer. Certain infractions are considered unforgivable in terms of governmental employment. Decisions should be made carefully with serious consideration given to what it would mean for the future if the individual were to be found culpable of an illegal action or offense.

College

Professionals in the field of environmental policy and management have backgrounds in a range of academic fields. Students may major in such diverse areas as mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering. The environmental policy and management field requires individuals with a range of expertise who possess an inherent understanding of the areas most relevant to the aspect of the environment the policy will affect. An expertise in a specific area of the field will allow the individual to develop policies based on certain knowledge that it will produce the desired positive outcome. Individuals with technical, academic, business and management knowledge will be a great asset to any organization. Choosing a major in any of the fields of study with environmental relevance will provide the necessary knowledge and training to become successful and dedicated professionals capable of creating effective changes.

It is important to choose a college with a strong department in the environmental sciences. Numerous colleges offer programs specifically in environmental policy and management. The curriculum for the environmental policy and management program is designed to encompass all of the academic areas of study necessary for an individual to prepare for a career in the field. The generalized knowledge will ensure graduates will be ready to face the challenges which will inevitably confront them in whichever professional capacity they choose to serve in environmental policy and management. The curriculum in this type of degree program can include courses in policy making, government, survey operations, statistical research methods, data collection and analysis, public management statistics and policy analysis. All of these areas are of importance to an individual intending to maintain a position in policy or management. A policy or management professional must understand the principles and essential concepts of their role in order to meet their responsibilities.

Some colleges permit students to pursue a double major. Though challenging, a dual degree program can be very beneficial for someone in the environmental policy and management field. Students could combine a major in environmental policy and in one of the areas previously mentioned; mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, geology. All of these areas along with many others provide students with knowledge of the processes, systems and concepts of a field which has a significant impact on the environment and earth as a whole. Informed decisions are easier when the professional understands how the policy will impact the environment and to what degree it will make a difference. From a management perspective, the degree in policy and management will ensure the individual understands what implementing the policy will involve and how to effectively accomplish the implementation without significant or costly disruption of general operations.

Graduate degrees are essential for an individual aspiring to advanced positions or positions of authority. A bachelor degree will afford entry level opportunities. However, the positions of authority in the majority of environmental policy and management professional settings are relegated to individuals who attain a graduate degree. The volume of knowledge and training required to make policy decisions impacting operations of large domestic and international companies, government entities and various other organizations. Specialized knowledge is often required for many of the fields; especially international. Understanding the economic and political atmosphere of the region of which the decisions being made will affect is exceedingly important to gain the cooperation of the decision makers with whom you will be working. Graduate degrees in the field of environmental policy and management often offer areas of specialization which can be pursued. If an individual knows in which aspect of the field he/she will pursue employment, it can be useful to complete the focus in a relevant area.

Internships

The field of environmental policy and management is complex. Understanding is gained through immersion. Academic study and pursuits alone will not result in the development of an expertise. Working alongside those with experience in the field will provide invaluable insight, familiarity and comprehension. Multilateral solutions and diplomatic relations are inherent aspects to successful policy development and solutions. Observing the employment of these skills in conjunction with the utilization of academic knowledge by experts in the field will endow an intern with unique perspective. The opportunity to implement these skills may present itself in the course of the internship. Interns may be afforded the opportunity to contribute ideas or labor to collaborative projects or practice presenting the ideas of a group orally or in writing; both of which are essential skills for successful leaders in the field.

Most colleges provide students with information regarding internship opportunities. Colleges develop affiliations with companies or governmental organizations which offer opportunities for research or internships. Students can also research internship opportunities on their own. Check on the websites of the various organizations which have relevance to the environmental policy field. Many of them offer various opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. Students can check the qualifications necessary for consideration to ensure they will be met. With the field of environmental policy constantly evolving due to advancements in knowledge, new jobs within the field are regularly emerging. Check with your college for updates throughout your time of enrollment to see if an internship with a new company or organization may become relevant to your education.

Employment

Finding employment in the field of environmental policy and planning can be intimidating and exciting. The opportunities are innumerable and responsibilities immeasurable. Individuals can work in private consulting firms, non-profit organizations, departments within corporations or other businesses or any of the various local, federal or international government agencies requiring the services of a professional with this particular skill set. The private companies and consulting firms need individuals who are able to work in their environmental compliance department or, if the company doesn’t have such a section, to provide guidance and manage that particular aspect. Additionally, these companies require persons who will be able to develop effective strategies to meet the environmental policy requirements or for the purpose of social responsibility and/or efficiency.

Government agencies require knowledgeable professionals capable of responding to the evolving needs in the environmental field. As new issues are discovered, the need for qualified individuals who understand the problem and are capable of developing a solution produces new job opportunities. This has consistently occurred in the field. Global warming, the hole in the ozone, melting of the polar ice caps are all environmental issues which created a need for new professionals and new policies. This trend is expected to continue. In addition to requiring individuals capable of developing environmental policies and managing the implementation of such policies, government agencies also require individuals with an understanding of how to effectively communicate and appropriately interact with professionals in various settings.

The majority of the jobs in the environmental policy and management field will fall into two categories; environmental experts or environmentalists. Environmental experts will have a specialized, highly developed proficiency in a specific area of the field. Generally, this expertise is in a certain scientific field. The highest paid individuals are generally the experts with the specialized knowledge. These individuals are needed to help develop solutions to the constantly evolving and emerging issues and to respond to man made problems such as clean up efforts or to prevention or regulatory actions. The environmentalists generally work for the non-profit organizations. These professionals usually have an aptitude for communication and a comprehension of the causes and effects of environmental threats. These individuals bring a passion, often taking a moral or ethical position in regards to specific issues. These individuals are generally not paid as well as the experts but usually take away a higher level of job satisfaction.