5 answers
Miftahul
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
Question
Asked
1875 views
Is environmental engineering a good career to go into?
I've always cared about the climate and I've always had an interest in engineering so I want to know if environmental engineering is a good career choice #career
Login to comment
5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Miftahul environmental studies or environmental science (ES) majors study a broad range of topics and may have several types of professional options. If you are a student in these fields, you'll need the scientific aptitude to understand and apply complex concepts in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics and will learn to apply both quantitative and qualitative analytical skills to solving problems and interpreting research data. Your creativity will be tapped as you design research models to study environmental issues.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYST • The average Environmental Analyst salary in the United States is $55,500 as of June 28, 2020
Environmental analysts work for federal, state or local government agencies to determine appropriate land uses, monitor chemical or biological levels in the environment and create and regulate policy changes. Private companies also employ analysts to determine the environmental impact of corporate practices and ensure regulatory compliance. Environmental analysts may specialize in specific fields, such as soil analysis, hydrology, geology, biology, air pollution analysis or mineralogy. Environmental analysts focus on data collection and interpretation, using the information to create solutions to environmental problems. They typically divide their time between fieldwork and laboratory testing. Scientists examine surveys and samples collected on-site and perform historical research to determine the extent and causes of environmental changes. The educational requirements of environmental analysts vary depending on their specialization, the duties expected of them and their employer. Typically, analysts qualify for entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree in environmental science. Several schools offer the programs with concentrations in a number of disciplines, such as biology, geology or hydrology. Preparation for a career in environmental analysis includes proficiency in mathematics, chemistry, physics and statistics.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER • The average Environmental Engineer salary in the United States is $68,500 as of June 28, 2020
Environmental engineers devise solutions to issues involving pollution and public health, such as contaminated drinking water and acid rain. They must be able to identify hazards and create plans for containment. Environmental engineers often spend time in the field observing conditions and collecting samples to conduct tests on. Depending on their employer and career interests, they may work on local or international issues. Environmental engineers must be efficient in math and science, primarily biology and chemistry. They may be employed by public or private companies. Individuals who work for government agencies may perform regulatory duties or ensure that guidelines are being followed. Environmental engineers work with other professionals including construction workers, city employees and other engineers. For most entry-level positions, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement. Undergraduate students in environmental engineering programs can expect to take courses like environmental microbiology, chemistry, water treatment, environmental ethics and environmental engineering design. Students can also complete master's and doctoral degree programs in this field.
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNER • The average Environmental Designer salary in the United States is $72,000 as of June 28, 2020
The role of an environmental designer is to build structures and use materials that are environmentally friendly. These designers typically work with commercial buildings and homes - helping develop the right infrastructures. A lot of these careers use high-tech software to design structures and come up with ideas. In order to work as an environmental designer, students need to get their bachelor's and potentially master's in a geography or urban planning field. Individuals with good spatial and creative-thinking skills are great candidates for this type of career. A lot of designers need to get their license, and sometimes even a certification. Completion of a bachelor's degree program may qualify a graduate for some planning positions, but most require the completion of a master's degree program in urban planning or a related field like geography. Professionals who satisfy the education and experience requirements can validate their expertise by testing for the American Institute of Certified Planners' Certified Environmental Planner designation.
Miftahul your ultimate career path will depend on the unique configuration of skills, interests, and values you bring to the table, but it will help if you are passionate about topics like sustainability, conservation, ecology, global warming, and alternative energy sources.
Hope this was Helpful Miftahul
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYST • The average Environmental Analyst salary in the United States is $55,500 as of June 28, 2020
Environmental analysts work for federal, state or local government agencies to determine appropriate land uses, monitor chemical or biological levels in the environment and create and regulate policy changes. Private companies also employ analysts to determine the environmental impact of corporate practices and ensure regulatory compliance. Environmental analysts may specialize in specific fields, such as soil analysis, hydrology, geology, biology, air pollution analysis or mineralogy. Environmental analysts focus on data collection and interpretation, using the information to create solutions to environmental problems. They typically divide their time between fieldwork and laboratory testing. Scientists examine surveys and samples collected on-site and perform historical research to determine the extent and causes of environmental changes. The educational requirements of environmental analysts vary depending on their specialization, the duties expected of them and their employer. Typically, analysts qualify for entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree in environmental science. Several schools offer the programs with concentrations in a number of disciplines, such as biology, geology or hydrology. Preparation for a career in environmental analysis includes proficiency in mathematics, chemistry, physics and statistics.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER • The average Environmental Engineer salary in the United States is $68,500 as of June 28, 2020
Environmental engineers devise solutions to issues involving pollution and public health, such as contaminated drinking water and acid rain. They must be able to identify hazards and create plans for containment. Environmental engineers often spend time in the field observing conditions and collecting samples to conduct tests on. Depending on their employer and career interests, they may work on local or international issues. Environmental engineers must be efficient in math and science, primarily biology and chemistry. They may be employed by public or private companies. Individuals who work for government agencies may perform regulatory duties or ensure that guidelines are being followed. Environmental engineers work with other professionals including construction workers, city employees and other engineers. For most entry-level positions, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement. Undergraduate students in environmental engineering programs can expect to take courses like environmental microbiology, chemistry, water treatment, environmental ethics and environmental engineering design. Students can also complete master's and doctoral degree programs in this field.
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNER • The average Environmental Designer salary in the United States is $72,000 as of June 28, 2020
The role of an environmental designer is to build structures and use materials that are environmentally friendly. These designers typically work with commercial buildings and homes - helping develop the right infrastructures. A lot of these careers use high-tech software to design structures and come up with ideas. In order to work as an environmental designer, students need to get their bachelor's and potentially master's in a geography or urban planning field. Individuals with good spatial and creative-thinking skills are great candidates for this type of career. A lot of designers need to get their license, and sometimes even a certification. Completion of a bachelor's degree program may qualify a graduate for some planning positions, but most require the completion of a master's degree program in urban planning or a related field like geography. Professionals who satisfy the education and experience requirements can validate their expertise by testing for the American Institute of Certified Planners' Certified Environmental Planner designation.
Miftahul your ultimate career path will depend on the unique configuration of skills, interests, and values you bring to the table, but it will help if you are passionate about topics like sustainability, conservation, ecology, global warming, and alternative energy sources.
Hope this was Helpful Miftahul
Thank you so much!
Dr. Sudeep Mohandas
Advisor, Board Member, Author, Soccer Coach, Consultant
43
Answers
Cockeysville, Maryland
Updated
Dr. Sudeep’s Answer
If this is your first degree, the straight answer is yes. However, you must understand climate change is a very broad issue and entails many things, from brown issues to green issues or from conservation to environment protection and even sustainability. I believe you are taking the right step by starting with building your fundamentals first. Once you cross this hurdle then my advise is not to stop there but to consider as part of your internship to join a Nonprofit, or company that does work on climate change. Then take the next step and pursue a post graduate in an area that is more specific and geared to the passion and desire of what you really want to do or contribute when it comes to climate change.
Vanessa Piña Cahill
Student
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
I think this area is going to be very prevalent in our career time. Companies in every industry from tech to agriculture are going to prioritize sustainability. We can come at sustainability from all angels, and I think studying environmental engineering would build a strong foundation to understand the current challenges being faced regarding environmental sustainability. You mentioned that you care about climate, and I think there needs to be more general concern about the thin atmosphere, which is keeping us from getting vacuumed into space, deteriorating from human activity! This sounds like such a fun field to enter since there will be endless opportunities to make human's habitat a safer place to thrive.
Nicole Jordan MBA (Ethics and Compliance)
Unemployed - relocating
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Nicole Jordan’s Answer
I will allow you to make a determination if the Environmental Engineering job is a good choice. There are many variables in determining this, so I'll just give you information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to help you make that assessment (you know the details as to what will make you happy/satisfied):
Job Outlook
Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 4,000 openings for environmental engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Job Outlook
Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 4,000 openings for environmental engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
John Wei
CTO
12
Answers
Troy, Michigan
Updated
John’s Answer
If by good job, you mean:
1. You find the work purposeful and meaningful
2. Stable and reasonable income for a respectful career
Then Yes.
This field does not really grow much, perhaps a bit slower even than the population growth rate. Much of the positions are tied to government or government associated entities like Water Treatment, Waste Management and Land Cultivation etc, which literally can impact impact lives of millions. Government generally does not pay as much as private industry employers. Compared to chemical engineers, environment engineer is paid a bit less.
However, these sort of jobs usually are considered part of the critical infrastructure and not outsourced. Many of the projects have 10 to 30 year lifecycle. When economy is not, there is little upside. When economy is bad, people still need water, food etc. so, it is much more stable.
Overall, I would say if you find meaning and purpose in this f.ield, then go for it.
1. You find the work purposeful and meaningful
2. Stable and reasonable income for a respectful career
Then Yes.
This field does not really grow much, perhaps a bit slower even than the population growth rate. Much of the positions are tied to government or government associated entities like Water Treatment, Waste Management and Land Cultivation etc, which literally can impact impact lives of millions. Government generally does not pay as much as private industry employers. Compared to chemical engineers, environment engineer is paid a bit less.
However, these sort of jobs usually are considered part of the critical infrastructure and not outsourced. Many of the projects have 10 to 30 year lifecycle. When economy is not, there is little upside. When economy is bad, people still need water, food etc. so, it is much more stable.
Overall, I would say if you find meaning and purpose in this f.ield, then go for it.