How Is the Obama Administration Creating Green Jobs?
Scores of recent graduates will spend most of the coming months pounding the pavement looking for work. But with the unemployment rate nearing 9 percent, job prospects are thin, right? Not necessarily.
There's one burgeoning sector that career experts predict will not only improve the overall health of the economy but also the health of the planet. That's "green-collar" jobs.
President Barack Obama has pledged to invest $150 billion over the next 10 years in an effort to raise social awareness and responsibility while creating 5 million new jobs. The clean-energy phase of Obama's plan was initiated with the recent passing of a $50-billion green stimulus package.
Experts estimate 110,000 jobs will be created in solar energy alone by the end of 2010. And if the industry meets Obama's goal of doubling renewable-energy output in the next three years, an objective he's reiterated recently, the wind sector will create 185,000 jobs over the same period.
But Obama isn't stopping there. He is rolling out a new "Green Vet Initiative," aimed at "offering counseling and job placement to help veterans gain the skills to enter this rapidly growing field" and "it will work with industry partners to create career pathways and education programs," states the New Energy for America plan.
What should you know about pursuing a green-collar job?
1. It's not all dirt. There's a misconception that all environmental jobs will require executives to trade their power suits for denim overalls. Not so. From engineers who develop more efficient batteries and smart appliances to technologists who work on solar panels and wind turbines, green-related jobs are available in virtually every sector of the economy.
2. Leverage your diversity. As green jobs grow, people from traditionally underrepresented groups will be needed to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. On your résumé and during job interviews, be sure to leverage your diversity strengths and highlight examples of insights you have provided to past employers.
I would like to get more involved in the Green Economy and Corporate Sustainability. This is a great article and helps to provide for a good starting place for finding corporate positions. Are you able to provide any insight into non-profit opportunities?.
Posted Tuesday Aug 4, 2009 by
Guest;
This is a very informative article for those looking for "green" jobs. This opportunity is going to be huge for many in employing people of different cultures. Green energy has become a hot topic and focus for many businesses today. .
