Confessions of a Jobless Environmental Studies Graduate

Heeding The Call of the Wild The Autumnal Equinox

Confessions of a Jobless Environmental Studies Graduate

So much hope at my graduation! So much hope…

When I first chose environmental studies as a major, I envisioned myself in some unknown, fulfilling, dream job. Maybe leading backpacking trips in coastal forests, or lobbying politicians with the Sierra Club, or researching sustainable lifestyles as a world traveler. I loved my classes at the University of Oregon–a mix of science, social studies, humanities, and policy. I had no idea what I would actually do with it all, but as long as my future career was related to the natural world, I would be happy.

And then I graduated.

It wasn’t like getting a science degree, where, when you graduate, you become a scientist. Environmental studies is broad. There are non-profit jobs, government jobs, environmental law possibilities, consulting jobs with corporations, environmental education jobs, academia, or sustainable business ventures. The broadness of this interdisciplinary degree isn’t necessarily a good thing. I didn’t know what to do, at first.

After graduation, I moved back in with my parents. I worked at a Native Plant Nursery for a few months. Then I did an unpaid internship with a local environmental non-profit, Oregon Wild. That was when I realized that that might be my place–environmental/conservation non-profit organizations. And right here in Portland, Oregon–a land of reusable water bottles, bike lanes, and organic food, surrounded by the beauty of wild mountains and dark ocean expanses–it seemed like the perfect place to start a green career.

Six months later, I’m still looking for a job. Non-profits have limited funds, and they need to make sure that the people they hire are a perfect match. In other words, they want people with experience. People they know, who they’ve worked with or seen around. I’ve been told to do informational interviews, attend events, and volunteer. Network. Become a familiar face. Keep up with the news. Be involved.

But, honestly, it’s hard not to get discouraged when I’ve continually been turned down for jobs. Again and again and again I’m turned down with no explanation except that someone else was better qualified. Maybe I should’ve done another internship in college. Maybe I should’ve gotten a part-time job before I graduated, or been more involved with the campus environmental group. I focused on my classes and my writing instead. And, yes, now I’m a published author, but I can’t live off my royalties.

Part of me feels like my degree was for nothing–just go for any job you can get, I sometimes think–but another part of me says never to give up, because I love the earth and the sky and the wild places. Hopefully I’ll find a job that allows me to supports myself while also perpetuating a sustainable lifestyle. I guess I just have to keep trying. And, perhaps, I’ll chronicle my journey along the way.