DO YOU love the outdoors? Are you concerned about the state of the environment? Do you long to make a difference in the world? Then pursuing an environmental career may just be ideal for you! The field of environmental science is wide and involves chemistry, biology, physics, law, pollution regulation, ecology, research, environmental education 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 in the wild.
•    Engineers:  Such persons fit in well with jobs that involve waste management, environmental infrastructure and technology, building design and construction, and emergency response.
•    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 Science: A degree in this field makes someone well suited for entering many types of environmental jobs.

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, i.e., environmental physics, environmental chemistry, environmental biology, environmental engineering, environmental 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, laboratories and outdoor in the field. In our country, environmental workers travel into the hinterland to monitor the environment and various development activities and to 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. Earning a degree in environmental science for example, will equip an individual with knowledge about the environment including the air, water, and soil and the interaction of living things with these elements and climate.
Knowledge of pollution and other environmental problems and their solutions is critical for  working in environment. Environment professionals develop ways to solve problems and to take steps to make air, water, and soil safe for humans and other species.
Some environmental professionals make inputs into laws that protect the environment. Such persons help companies to adhere to the laws that government make to control the impact on the environment.
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 in resolving issues and in obtaining consensus on laws and practices that safeguard the environment.
Reporting and presentation skills are also essential to explain research findings, as 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.

Why should you pursue an environmental career?
Pursuing an environmental career can be very fulfilling. It provides a balance of the outdoor and indoor and gives you scope to follow a specific path in this wide field. As you progress in your chosen path you can take advantage of opportunities to participate in training locally and abroad. You can also have the opportunity to represent the country at international meetings and conferences and through these enter a network that can strengthen you as a professional.
Importantly, the environment is critical to all sectors of the working world. This means that environmental professionals would continue to be needed to ensure the integrity of the environment now and in the future. One study has predicted that the number of jobs for environmental scientists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. Therefore, there is added incentive for you to pursue a career in environmental science.

You can share ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com