Looking to upgrade your career for more security, opportunity or money? Want to be part of a growth industry? Interested in green jobs? Now is the time.
“Since gas prices went up to $5 a gallon, there has been historic momentum for green jobs,” according to Dr. Kirwan Rockfeller, Director, Sustainability Leadership, UC Irvine Extension.
But what, exactly, is a green job?
1. Green job definition
According to Phil Angelides, chairman of the California-based Apollo Alliance, which brings business, labor and environmental groups together, a green job, "Has to pay decent wages and benefits that can support a family. It has to be part of a real career path, with upward mobility. And it needs to reduce waste and pollution and benefit the environment."
Okay, so what kind of work can you expect?
2. What do you do in a green job?
Green jobs can include designing hybrid cars, developing recycling programs, and working on reducing energy consumption through alternative energies such as solar or wind.
Do I need a degree to work a green job?
3. Blue-collar green jobs
Some of these jobs will also be blue-collar such as building hybrid cars, installing solar panels, and installing and maintaining wind farms. It’s likely that these jobs will require specific skills, but will be open to high school graduates. They also could be better paid than some entry-level jobs currently open.
“Solar panel installer jobs are hot,” says Rockfeller -- excusing the pun.
4. Professional green jobs
Many green jobs will be for job hunters with undergrad or post graduate degree level qualifications. Engineers will need to create the specifications for alternative energy projects. Sales and marketing professionals will need to build markets and acquire customers for these new businesses. And business leaders will need to develop strategic plans to ensure that these green companies are successful.
For someone in career transition, a green job could be a great opportunity either in a new role, or one utilizing transferable skills in a new way, to meet the demands of a green economy.
As Rockfeller puts it, “Green jobs are not a fad – they’re not going away in a year or two.”
http://unex.uci.edu/pressroom/releases/pr.asp?ID=217
David Couper is a career coach and writer who for the last twenty years has worked in Europe, Asia, and the USA with individuals. 100% of his clients have found either a new job or career which is fulfilling for both their heart and mind.
“After meeting with you, I can now say today, no matter what I do for work or how I earn money to live. I proudly can say that I am an Artist and an Educator. That is what I believe in and what makes my heart sing. I am feeling more grounded in who I truly am. So I am on this journey.”
Artist and Educator, Los Angeles, CA
He has successfully coached men and women wanting to change career or develop new opportunities at all levels - including CEOs of major companies wanting a creative challenge, frustrated souls longing to make their dream come true and front-line employees laid off and desperate to get a job.
"David Couper is an honest and sincere coach and an extra special team player. He's like the diamond player in reserve. When you call on him you can be sure that he is going to play full-out for your success and fully believe in you.”
Interactive Hypnotherapist and Fellow of Royal Society, London, UK
David has a degree in Communication, a postgraduate qualification in education, is certified in a number of training technologies, and has a Masters in Spiritual Psychology. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, Society of Human Resources Professional, Writers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television.
“I love your inspiration. Thank you so much. I plan on sharing it with our sons.” -- Award-winning realtor, Los Angeles, CA
David has published seven books. His works on interpersonal skills, counseling in the workplace, and management issues (published by Connaught, Gower, HRD Press, Longman, Macmillan/Pearson Publishing, Oxford University Press) have been translated into Swedish, Polish, and Danish, and published in the UK and the USA.
“Love the work you are doing with X. You really nailed him (in the resume). Very nice work, David.”
Executive, Disney, Burbank, CA
He has dual US/UK citizenship and speaks French and Japanese.
“David offered both advice and encouragement, helping me to understand and adjust to the new context. I have no doubt that his support was vital to my success on that occasion. Without it, would have lacked the confidence required to carry on with what was a very daunting environment.” -- Training Manager and Employee of the Year, Consulting Company, Paris, France
Additional Resources covering Career Change can be found at:
Website Directory for Career Change
Articles on Career Change
Products for Career Change
Discussion Board
David Couper, the Official Guide To Career Change