Environmental Humanities - Explore A Career
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| Skills needed to succeed in the Environmental Humanities field |
This is a listing of skills that will supplement your college education. Develop them early!
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- Writing
- Communication
- Public Speaking
- Research
- Critical Thinking
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- Computer & Internet
- Conflict Resolution
- Leadership & Problem Solving
- Develop a Portfolio to showcase your work. Include writing samples
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Take elective courses that strengthen your area of interests, e.g.:
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- Philosophy
- Art, Photography
- Environmental Policy
- History
- Anthropology
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- Literature/Folklore
- Writing
- Sustainability/Agriculture
- Business
- Community Revitalization
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| Become involved on campus: |
- Recycling
- Student Government
- Peer Counseling
- Sustainability Committee
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- Service projects
- Community Council
- Tutoring
- Constructive Activists
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| Career Advice |
- ATTEND the Unity Career Fair-talk with the professionals in your field, conduct informational interviews
- TALK with upperclassman - where did they volunteer, intern, and find employment?
- ASK faculty, and CRC about Unity alumni who are employed in the environmental humanities field. Call alumni who are working in an area you want to work; introduce yourself, let them know you are looking for advice, internship, job
- JOIN Campus clubs that appeal to you and get you involved in environmental issues and activities. Sustainability Committee, Constructive Activist, the college newspaper Northern Lights, Student Government, Women's Environmental Leadership Program.
- READ Any and all related popular and semiprofessional magazines or publications that interest you. If you find a subject or article intriguing, do some research on that subject in books or journals.
- CHECK in specialized workshops and courses for professionals. Examples fund-raising, legal research conflict resolution, soil analysis, water quality air quality, wetlands, GIS, etc.
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| Jobs for Environmental Humanities Students |
- Idealist - Action Without Borders " to find practical solutions to social and environmental problems"--volunteer, internship, employment listings
- Orion Grassroot Network - Employment and internship listings throughout the US.
- Sustainable Business.com - Business Jobs - Environmental Jobs - Environmentally Responsible Employers. Great site with a variety of positions all over the US.
- Student Conservation Association Complete one application - SCA matches you to positions with federal, state or non profit environmental/conservations agencies. Website has searchable database. Positions available for 16, 26 or 52 weeks.
- Public Service Internships - Public policy summer internship
- Maine Association of Non-profits - Non-profits groups in Maine, not all are environmental.
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| What types of positions can I work in? |
Positions to look for during college to gain experience and skills:
- Local land trust, advocacy group, or conservation groups volunteer to do anything to get your foot in the door: answer phones, file, data entry, bulk mailings, organize events, fund raise, etc.
- Summer Camp naturalist position or any position with strengthens your knowledge of the natural world
- Solid Waste/Recycling firm or plant Hands on positions or positions in public relations/education office. Many towns have recycling committees, see if they need a volunteer
- Volunteer a day or two at a time with professionals in the field. It may take quite a bit of effort to be accepted as a volunteer - visit the agency/organization office a few times.
Volunteering even half a day a week for the summer will provide you with valuable
experience. You may need to ask repeatedly before being taken on as a volunteer.
When you have some experience and are looking for an internship of summer position:
Season, part-time and temporary positions - Apply at the the places suggested as volunteer options; if you volunteered for the organization the previous summer or school break your chances of employment are greatly increased Washington Semester - Environmental Internship
The Washington Center arranges semester or summer internship with federal and nonprofit environmental State environmental regulatory agencies
All have a department, bureau or division within state government that deal with environmental issues, regulations and protection. Most state and federal agencies have a public relations and /or legislative relations office which can provide interesting opportunities. Land trusts and non-profit environmental organizations
All type of opportunities are available. Organizations often need writers for their newsletters, outreach and organization skills for advocacy and fundraising work, many will have outdoor jobs as well!
Intern or volunteer Try to get in on a basic internship or seasonal volunteer positions even if it is only for a few weeks.
Consider a semester or summer abroad
- Study a language
- Seek out a foreign-exchange opportunities
Become knowledgeable about your field
- CONDUCT "informational interviews"; build contacts, network.
Remember it's all about NETWORKING. If you don't network how is anybody to know who you are and what you have to offer? Volunteering is where you are given the chance to schmooze with the professionals, use it wisely. This is where a lot of people get their first jobs.
Definition of "NETWORKING"- Introducing yourself to, and getting to know, people who might be able to tell you about a job. "An estimated 80% of all jobs are filled by word of mouth eventhough they may be advertised." The Career Search Handbook
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| After Unity, what do alumni do? |
Title and Organization
- GIS Analyst, Tele Atlas North America
- Arts, Entertainment Industry, and Media Organizer, Environment California
Visit the CRC and get contact information for alums so
you can get advice from former Unity students.
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| Develop a gift wish list |
If anyone asks what you would like for your birthday, Christmas, Chanukah, graduation etc. suggest the following
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- Computer
- $ for specialized workshops
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- $ for attending regional/national conferences
- Reference Books
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Need some equipment in the meantime? Stop by the equipment room in the OAC. With a $20.00 refundable deposit you can take out equipment including canoes, backpacks, snowshoes, skis, wet suits and much more!
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| Grad School Links |
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| Professional Association Links |
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For more information about the Environmental Humanities
degree at Unity College click here
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