How To Break Into a Green Career, Advice From a Recruiter on Transitioning

How can I get the Green's career?

in recent years take their toll on many families, as well as unemployment rates continue to climb with little insight into how the next year or two will be played. As a recruiter in the alternative energy sector, I was seeing things improve by the beginning of the year. Many companies continue to hire, and therefore the growth of receiving daily calls from interested candidates, and the number one question is "How can I get into a green career ?"

What would you do?

examination of the state has about 9 million green jobs currently available in renewable energy and energy efficiency, with many companies is very good to see continued growth. Although a consistent increase in demand for green sector jobs, it's still a competitive job market. Companies that are hiring are looking for a specific industry knowledge and experience, whether wind, solar, biofuels, electric vehicles, batteries, geothermal, or other related industries.

So, the question remains: How can I get a green job

The first thing I recommend that interested candidates to really do some soul searching about what type of career they want and what industries they want to work in. Now, go find people who are currently working in the area and talk with them. Find out what kind of experience they have and how they get their start in that career. Finally consider the roadmap to success and their advice on how to get there.

When you target your next role, go out and find businesses that are focused in this area. What places are hiring for, what sites are in employment, as well as looking to the future of these companies? Compile information that will help you determine the top 4-5 companies that interest you. Begin to connect with professionals in these companies via social media or trade show. Using a search firm is also a great way to get your name in front of the company, as well.

get off the couch!

Now it's time to get involved in your chosen industry. As I mentioned before, companies are looking for people with active experience in the industry. Looking for volunteer work / programs in your area. There are thousands and thousands of groups trying to make social and economic push towards a greener community, and many of them are very short-handed, welcoming many professionals happy to lend his hand.

Here is a list of several excellent non-profit organizations that can help point in the right direction:

• Alliance to Save Energy (ase.org)
  
• American Solar Energy Society (ases.org)
  
• American Wind Energy Association (awea.org)
  
• Geothermal Energy Association (geo-energy.org)
  
• Interstate Renewable Energy Council (irecusa.org)
  
• U.S. Green Building Council (usgbc.org)

Acquisition of industrial know-how

Outside of volunteer work, there are plenty of opportunities to gain industry specific certifications and training. Many of these programs are very affordable and widely recognized by leading companies in the green space. Continuation training is a vital part of career advancement was and if you're looking to make a change this is a great way to pad your resume and continue lifelong learning. Research is important here. Search for a compatible training / certification classes that suit your desired experience and to build on past success / experience.

Here is a list of recognized training / certification courses:

• North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) (nabcep.org)
  
• the U.S. Green Building Council in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) (usgbc.org)
  
• Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) (aeecenter.org)
  
• Project Management Institute (PMI) (pmi.org)

In addition, a small list, many local universities now offer renewable energy or the green or certification courses. Also, in many cases there are federal and state money available for individuals going back to school for additional training in the green sector (studentaid.ed.gov ).

passion equal success

If Green business is really what you want and that is what they are passionate about you will be successful transitioning to his next career path. If you are in it for the money, May you find a more rapid mediocrity, but in the long run you will most likely fail. If you are looking to make a change, be sure that the right course for you personally and take responsibility to make it happen.

"Most successful men have not achieved their distinction by having some new talent or opportunity for them. They have developed a possibility that is at hand." - Bruce Barton