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Published by Leonardo Calcagno
Finding a job that aligns with your values can be difficult. You of course need to earn money to pay the bills and put food on the table. But you don’t want to sell your soul to a company that causes harm to the planet or violates the rights of human beings.
You need to find the right balance between financial reward and sustainable practices. But it’s not always so easy to achieve. It’s hard enough to find a job in this economy, let alone one whose values exactly match up with your own. And not all companies are transparent about their environmental or human rights track records, so you could start working for a firm only to find out about their unethical practices later on.
To help you make the right career decisions while staying true to your conscience at the same time, here are four tips for finding a green job.
Follow your passion
If you are committed to protecting the natural world, it’s likely that your passions can direct you to a sustainable career. Perhaps you are an animal lover, in which case you could apply for jobs working for wildlife charities or conservation organizations. Maybe plants and trees are your thing, in which case you may be suited to botany or forestry work. Any career with a focus on the environment is likely to have a far more positive impact on the world than other jobs. Follow your passion and you won’t go wrong. Of course, you don’t have to work in the environmental sector to make an impact. All kinds of companies, whether it’s a global bank or a hot melt adhesive manufacturer, have a choice whether to be sustainable in their materials and their processes.
Do your research
You will generally find that the companies that adopt sustainable practices are very open about it, and it should be easy to find this information on their websites. Do some research before applying so you can get an idea of their ethics and values. If you can’t find anything, it’s possible they have something to hide. Don’t be afraid to ask interviewers about their practises. After all, it is as much an interview for you as it is for them.
Make yourself more employable
Even if you have found the perfect organization to work for, you’re not necessarily guaranteed a job offer. You need to show, through your application and your interview, that you are worthy of employment. Bolster your CV with extracurricular and volunteer work, and make sure to impress them in the interview by being prepared and doing your research. Demonstrate your commitment to the environment and how you can make a difference.
Make change internally
If a company is not completely eco-friendly, it doesn’t have to be a lost cause. Unsustainable practices are not always a sign of malicious or neglectful intent. It could simply be down to a lack of awareness or education. If you find yourself working for a company like this, you can provide the first spark of change. Use your knowledge to influence policy and try to push them towards more ethical ways of working. By your actions, you can create your very own green job.