Green Jobs: Your Future Career Path?

Green jobs are predicted by many to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the US economy for the future decades (Global Insight, 2008, report to The United States Conference of Mayors and the Mayors Climate Protection Center).  In fact, the O*NET Center (US Department of Labor) has identified 215 “green” occupations in 12 major industrial sectors, with more to be added.

These facts came to my attention as the result of reading “Building Windmills in the Green Economy” by Dr. Janet E. Wall in the most recent NCDA Career Developments publication (Winter 2009). Her article is available to NCDA members exclusively. 

Dr. Wall’s background as a career development expert, O*NET consultant, and one of the founders of the first Earth Day in Texas, demonstrates her experience and passion about career development and green careers. Her comprehensive article is a goldmine of green jobs information.

For example, she reports that the greening economy will directly impact the further development of existing occupations, as well as the emergence of new occupations, most consistently in 12 industrial sectors, such as Renewable Energy Generation, Transportation, Green Construction, Agriculture and Forestry, Environmental Protection, and Government and Regulatory Administration. Resources she cites include the Green Jobs Guidebook by the Environmental Defense Fund,  The Occupational Outlook Quarterly (Summer 2009 issue), and the US Department of Labor’s Career Voyages green jobs portal.

Reporting about green jobs and useful resources is also close to my heart, especially since I grew up on a farm where recycling and “green” job tasks were abundant. In addition, as a professional career counselor,  I have encouraged career development and career management based on being knowledgeable about yourself and future careers. With the fast pace of change, those future careers could be right around the corner for many of you!

Read my “Follow the Green Jobs Road” post (April, 2009), as well as The Reach Personal Branding Career Advice Guide on Green Careers, to get up to speed quickly on the essentials. Do not let the greening of the economy leave you and your career in the dust!

Comments

[jamie]

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