Environmental Writing - Explore A Career
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| Skills needed to succeed in the Environmental Writing field |
This is a listing of skills that will supplement your college education. Develop them early!
Learn:
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- Writing
- Internet
- Computer
- Web page development
- Communications
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- Conflict resolution
- Develop a portfolio to showcase your work. Include writing samples
- Legal research
- In-depth knowledge of an environmental issue
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Take elective courses that strengthen your area of interests, e.g.:
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- Philosophy
- Art / Photography
- Environmental Policy
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- Anthropology
- Writing
- Business Management
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| Become involved on campus: |
- Student Newspaper
- Student Government
- Diversity Committee
- Recycling
- Service Projects
- Community Council
- Peer Educators
- Constructive Activist
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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 writing 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. The college newspaper Northern Lights, Sustainability Committee, Constructive Activist, Student Government, Women's Environmental Leadership Program
- READ Any and all related popular and semiprofessional magazines or publications that interest you, such as Terra Nova, Environmental Ethics, and ISLE: Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment. If you find a subject or article intriguing, do some research on that subject in books or journals
- ATTEND writing workshops or conferences.
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| Jobs for Environmental Writing Students |
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| What types of positions can I work in? |
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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.
- Information Centers
for parks/refuges where you would be interacting with the public
- 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.
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 even though they may be advertised." The Career Search Handbook
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| After Unity, what do alumni do? |
- Grant writer for a non-profit
- Journalist for an environmental publication
- Writing or designing publications and materials for organizations such as Fish and Wildlife or a non-profit
- Freelance journalist
- Environmental writer
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 |
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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 |
Some of these links are for research purposes the others can be used for news. It is very, very important that you keep up with current events. Read, read, read.
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For more information about the Environmental Writing degree at Unity College click here
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