Graduate entry routes for environment jobs

Getting a graduate job in the environment sector rarely involves filling in an online application form or attending an assessment centre, as many vacancies are unadvertised. Small and local businesses and voluntary organisations make up a significant proportion of employers offering careers in conservation, ecology, biodiversity and sustainability.

Think about where within the environment sector you want to work

Before you start writing, you need to work out what sort of environmental role you want, then identify organisations that might offer you the right opportunity. Do you want to work for a traditional environment employer such as a conservation charity, or take up a corporate social responsibility (CSR) position within a multinational retail group?

What are the entry routes?

The range of careers means that there isn’t a typical entry route into the environmental sector. If you want to work in the environmental aspects of another field, find out about the best entry routes from the relevant sector pages. As with any job, look out for adverts – check out magazines concerned with the environment, the national and regional press, and take a look at online environmental job sites.

If there are specific organisations that you’d like to work for, it’s well worth making speculative applications. Volunteering can be a way to get your foot in the door – if you demonstrate your excellence as a volunteer, you might be offered a paid position when one becomes available.

How competitive is it?

The heightened awareness of environmental issues means that there are an increasing number of jobs in the sector. It also means that more people are studying environmental subjects, creating more competition for graduate positions. The sector employs 1.5 million people, and more than 25,000 new employees will be needed in the next five years, according to Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector. It’s important to recognise that you don’t have to work in the environmental sector – you will be able to practise and promote sustainable development in practically any career. 

How can I stand out from the crowd?

There are lots of ways that you can make yourself attractive to potential employers:

• Student membership of relevant societies will not only increase your knowledge of the sector and show your commitment, but also give you opportunities to network and make useful contacts.
• Keeping track of developments in your field and staying informed of issues again shows your commitment and interest.
• Volunteering is a great opportunity to gain some experience, which all employers love to see.
• If your chosen career requires certain skills, take courses to ensure you have the right ones. IT skills are essential in almost all fields so make sure yours are up to scratch. It’s worth the investment if it helps you get a job!