The growing interest in environmental protection and management in the last decade has led to a large number of environmental graduates in schools around the world. There are many jobs available for environmental graduates, although it takes a bit of imagination to find the right industries. There are several environmental services companies and consultancies in Europe, although jobs for environmental graduates in these companies are very competitive. Your interest in environmental jobs should lead you to several options before submitting your applications.

Legislative bodies and government agencies seek exceptional environmental graduates to provide support and advice on new legislation. These positions are limited in number, but provide graduates with the opportunity to influence fuel efficiency standards and waste management practices that affect millions. This path is recommended for graduates who want a career in public life, including parliamentary representation and local politics.

Graduates who are interested in remaining in the private sector while dealing with the regulatory aspects of environmental protection may work in corporate compliance departments. These departments hire entry-level professionals to review corporate documents and provide regular reports to supervisors on the company’s compliance with environmental regulations. A young professional who wants to pursue a legal career can use these experiences in law school as a way to narrow the focus of law school.

The full range of graduate environmental jobs is not limited to regulatory positions. Public and private organizations interested in the environment hire scientists and researchers to analyze technical issues. Government agencies organize research services from private laboratories to study the problem of pollutant runoff into rivers. Retailers hire scientists to analyze the impact of product components on human health, as well as new ways to make products that don’t harm the environment.

There are several graduate environmental jobs available in the nonprofit advocacy arena for professionals willing to take a pay bump. Environmental groups are seeking scientists to provide independent verification of corporate reports on the cleanliness of air, water and soil. These positions are funded by donations, grants, and other funds from parties interested in maintaining accountability. Many graduates who want to find work right after school look for jobs as environmental researchers, organizers, or public advocates. The important factor for professionals who want to find the right graduate environmental jobs is selecting a profession that balances personal ethics with long-term career goals.