Major: Environmental Studies
What do you do?
Environmental Consulting
How did you get your current job?
My first consulting job, which was near Boston, I found through the Middlebury job web-site. My second consulting job, which is in Bozeman Montana, I found by researching consulting companies (yellow pages, talking w/ people who work locally in the field) and calling around a lot. I also talked w/ some local alumni through the Midd-Net and got new ideas and the inside scope on different consulting companies.
What do you like about your position?
I like writing reports and being out in the field doing field work. I also like researching environmental regulations and policies.
What do you dislike about your position?
Sometimes, the projects do not have a conclusive end, especially w/ larger projects. There can be a lot of revisions on a project from the client, as well as reviewing environmental agencies. Deadlines and report production can be a bit stressful. There is a pretty big focus on having billable time and not going over project budgets.
What kind of people do well in your career field?
It is a diverse field. However, in my experience, I see people with strong technical backgrounds, as well as writing, communication and people skills doing well (not the most common combination).
What activities where you involved in while at Middlebury?
Ski racing, running, the Outing Club.
Did any of your summer jobs or internships influence your thinking about careers after college?
I had a j-term internship my senior year w/ NY Department of Environmental Conservation in Lake Placid, NY. My supervisor recommended looking into environmental consulting.
What advice would you give to students interested in working in your field?
Research different consulting companies. Find one that focusing on work you are most interested in. Understand that all environmental consulting companies are not "environmentally-minded". Make sure you work for one that does not conflict w/ your environmental ideals, if that is important to you.
How can students best prepare themselves while still in college?
Get a summer internship w/ a consulting company. Try to specialize your studies a bit in a certain area (plants, chemistry, geology). General ES is okay, but some specialized knowledge seems helpful in getting a job (and getting you out in the field).
What would you do differently?
I wish I took some more more biology and field ecology classes (plant identification is a skill I wish I developed more).
What are your future plans?
I am planning on doing a law internship w/ a state environmental agency in Lake Placid, NY this fall. After that, I will study for the LSATS and apply to law school, to focus in environmental law. Ultimately, I would like to practice environmental law for a state or federal environmental regulatory agency, or an environmental non-profit.