More and more, the environment is rapidly becoming a “hot topic”. With so many changes happening on Guyana’s environmental landscape, undoubtedly, there is a greater need, now more than ever, to increase your knowledge in this field. Further, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like to encourage you to do more than just read literature surrounding issues affecting the environment, and rather, become part of the solution.
With all the national examinations completed and some students still awaiting their final results, many are probably somewhat indecisive on a next step to either propel in their professional or academic career. The EPA wishes to encourage you to consider an exciting and fulfilling career in environmental field. Here are a few questions to consider before you jump in:
* Do you love the outdoors?
* Are you concerned about the state of the environment?
* Do you long to make a difference in the world?
If your answers to these questions are yes, then pursuing an environmental career may just be ideal for you!
The environment field is wide and involves Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Law, Education, Research, Geography, Agriculture, Engineering, etc. While all of these disciplines may link to the environment, each has its own unique content and skills.
Let’s take a look at some types of jobs in the environmental field that are possible for persons studying various disciplines.
* Physics and Chemistry: These persons can be involved in identifying chemical or industrial pollution problems and their solutions.
* Biology: There is much scope for these persons to focus on methods to protect, conserve, and manage animals and plants (life). A Biologist studies the underlying principles which govern life on earth.
* Engineers: Such persons fit in well with jobs that involve waste management, environmental infrastructure and technology, building design and construction and emergency response. With the oil and gas prospects being high, engineers with various areas of specialty will be needed.
* Health and Computer Science: Graduates in these disciplines can occupy jobs in environment such as record keeping and reporting, internet and web designs, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), public health and sanitation and education.
* Environmental Education: Working in this field will equip you with the skills to design and developed programmes to aid awareness building to influence attitudes and change behaviour of people everywhere.
Special skills needed
While it is possible for persons to enter the environmental field through various disciplines, becoming an advanced environmental professional usually makes it necessary to pursue higher studies with an environmental focus, that is, hydrology, environmental chemistry, geo-physics, environmental engineering, petroleum engineering, environmental and public health, environmental science, environment education, etc. There are also many fields of study that have evolved to address specific needs in the environmental field. These include environmental management, wildlife management, protected areas management, biodiversity conservation, etc.
Environmental professionals work in offices, on oil rigs, shore base services, laboratories, outdoors in the field, etc. In our country, environmental professionals travel throughout country to monitor the environment, conduct research, evaluate developmental activities and educate and inform people about environmental conservation and management. To function in the field of environment, it is important to have an understanding of the physical sciences and the biological sciences and how these affect the environment.
Interpersonal skills
Becoming an environmental professional is not only about academics. Persons aiming to work in the environment field need to have or develop their interpersonal skills. This is important for working with other people to resolve issues and obtain consensus on laws and practices that safeguard the environment and human health.
Reporting and presentation skills are also essential to explain research findings; so are oral and writing skills. Computer literacy is also a requisite skill for studying the environment as models are now being used to study and predict impacts on the environment influenced by man or nature.
To prepare yourself for an environmental career, you can start taking an interest in science, mathematics, and computer science. You can also get familiar with topics such as rocks, the earth, and the environment. Reading books about these subjects and watching videos and documentaries on environmental issues, nature, science, among others is also recommended.
We hope this week’s article provided that “light-bulb” moment to get you on the right track to pursuing a career in the environmental sector. It’s never too early or late to plan for your future.
You can make contact to the Agency on 225-5471-2; www.epaguyana.org or epaguyana on Facebook, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown should you have questions regarding Environmental Authorisation
