As industries and businesses have grown more environmentally conscious, the government seeks to better monitor the environmental impact of water use and fuel extraction, as well as adopt stronger environmental legislation, environmental science and engineering experts are in higher demand than ever. Environmental science is anticipated to rise by 19 percent over the next decade, adding 16,700 jobs, while environmental engineering is expected to grow by 22 percent, adding 11,300 jobs. This is an excellent opportunity for students who want to contribute to environmental protection and research to find work and earn good, competitive pay.

While the increase in job opportunities is one reason to pursue a career in environmental science or engineering, those who are truly interested in improving the quality and preservation of ecosystems in the country and around the world may also find this to be a field in which they can pursue their environmentalist passion. Environmental scientists and engineers have comparable responsibilities, such as investigating potential environmental risks and developing strategies to reduce them. Though the specific responsibilities of each post may differ, environmental engineers and scientists are both concerned with finding practical solutions to environmental issues. This can range from developing a more efficient recycling system to ensuring that communities have access to clean, pollution-free drinking water.

Education and Training

Students must first get an undergraduate degree in environmental engineering or science, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, or the geosciences in order to work as an environmental engineer or scientist. Courses in hydrology, fluid mechanics, waste management, and environmental policy and regulation subjects should be included in any training programme as well. While master's degrees are not generally required for entry-level positions in the environmental sciences, they are frequently favoured by employers. This will necessitate two to three additional years of post-graduate study. Graduate-level education should place a strong emphasis on research and applications, and internships or working with an advisor is frequently not just advantageous but also compulsory. A master's degree is usually sufficient to advance in this subject, but a doctoral degree is required for college-level teaching and some research roles.

Skills to Develop

Students will need to develop these abilities through courses and hands-on experiences in order to be successful as an environmental engineer or scientist.

Reading Comprehension: Those working in the environmental sciences must be able to read complicated papers from a number of subjects.

Analytical Skills: Environmental scientists must be able to examine scientific data acquired in the field with care.

Problem Solving: Environmental scientists and engineers must frequently collaborate to solve environmental issues, which necessitate excellent problem-solving abilities.

Communication Skills: Working in the environmental sciences necessitates a high level of communication. Individuals must be able to work well in a group, talk in public, and create detailed reports outlining findings and recommendations.

Career Advice from the Experts

It's vital to pay attention to licensure and certification if you want to pursue a career in environmental engineering. Environmental engineers must acquire a degree from an approved school, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering exams, and have necessary job experience to get licenced. Additional accreditation from a recognised institution of Environmental Engineers might also aid in the start-up of a career.

Internships can also aid in the job search for young engineers and scientists. In these professions, experience with computer modelling, data analysis, and GIS might help an applicant stand out, as these abilities are frequently used in environmental research. Employers value those who have a working grasp of these abilities since they save time and money on training. Even if internships aren't directly relevant to the environment, laboratory or field-based experience is a must-have résumé highlight that students should pursue both while and after school.

However, in environmental engineering and science, education, training, and experience will only get you so far. When it comes to hiring, Scott Yanover, a recruiter with the consulting business Environmental Resources Management in the United States, says he looks for candidates with personality and interest. Speaking a second language, having hobbies, and even participating in sports can help engineers stand out as well-rounded and enthusiastic individuals.