Career Information
Students with degrees in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies have a broad range of career options. There are two primary sources of support for ESM students who are seeking information about careers. Students are encouraged to contact the Advising and Career Services which can assist in developing a resume, identifying potential employers, interviewing skills, etc. Secondly, ESM offers periodic information sessions for undergrads involving representatives from area agencies and organizations who employ individuals with backgrounds in environmental science/studies. These sessions are an excellent way to network and to learn directly from professionals in the field the kinds of skills and experience they recommend you obtain in preparation for securing a job.
Below is a partial listing of places where ESM alumni have found jobs:
- City of Portland
- Metro
- Clackamas County
- Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality
- Oregon Dept of State Lands
- Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife
- Oregon Dept of Transportation
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Consulting Firms
- Nike
- Other private industries
In addition, ESM offers information sessions for students who are considering graduate work in environmental science. Applying to graduate school is much more complex than applying to undergraduate school. Here are some suggestions:
- Participate in research with a faculty member or grad student
- Inquire about current research being conducted by faculty in your area of interest
- Begin researching graduate programs your junior year (many graduate programs have application deadlines in early winter prior to a fall start date)
- Begin preparing for the GRE no later than your junior year
- Suggested coursework for students considering graduate work:
- One year of Biology (2 semesters or 3 quarters)
- One year of Chemistry (2 semesters or 3 quarters)
- One course in Physics
- Courses in differential and integral calculus
- At least one course in statistics
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