The Daily Recruiter

As you know more about your ideal green career destination, there are a number of ways you can move your career in that direction.

Are there any skills you need to add to help you step into your new career?

You can learn new skills in a variety of ways. Consider taking a class, taking on new responsibilities in the job you have, volunteer in your community or find a mentor.

Do you need to nurture a different network to build a stepping stone to your new career?

Join a national professional association, attend meetings at the local chapter meetings, and join a relevant volunteer project to plug into the active green network in your area. Combining these three tactics can strengthen your network.

Do you have a way to track the cutting edge developments in your target profession and industry?

Be on the look out for newsletters, blogs, and trade magazines you can read on a regular basis to keep up with the news. When you have the opportunity, talk with others in your field to get their take on developments. Devote some time each month to doing your own online research to see what you can learn.

Do you have a strategy to make the transition into this new industry?

Although it might be nice to imagine that you can flip a switch to transform your career, there’s a more reliable way. Be strategic as you choreograph your moves. Is there a way you can leverage your experience and current expertise? Could you find a way to intern or work on a project with someone who could serve as your mentor? Would it be beneficial to return to school for a few classes, a certificate, or another degree?

Do you know who the key players are in this industry?

When you know the answer to this question you can begin to make sense of the industry dynamics, track major announcements, and gain a sense of the history of the field. Although you can search online to find the key players in your industry, you can also talk with people you meet while attending conferences. If you aren’t able to attend a conference, you can still gain a lot of insights by studying at the conference website.

How would you characterize the state of your target industry right now?

Is the industry in a research and development phase? In which case they may not be ready to hire you.

Is the industry in its infancy or just ramping up? Depending on your skills, they may be hiring.

Is the industry maturing? If this is the case, you’ll probably find it easier to find a place for your skills.

Don’t despair if your industry of choice isn’t quite ready for you.

We are at the very beginning of a huge wave. Thomas Friedman, the author of Hot, Flat and Crowded, equates the impact of the new green economy with the changes that happened at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. The world of work and our world are going to shift dramatically over the next few decades.

Although unnerving to some, the flux in our economy means that opportunities are out there if you are looking for them!

About the Author:

Green Career Expert Carol McClelland, PhD, is the author of the forthcoming book Green Careers For Dummies and founder of Green Career Central, a membership website with useful programs, 400+ pages of effective, targeted information to help you identify your green niche, find a green job, start a business or further your education. Visit http://www.GreenCareerCentral.com to request our free report - “Six Strategies to Find Your Green Career.”