4 answers
Kimberly
Student
Brownsville, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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Any interesting jobs involving psychology and the environment?
I am a recent graduate with my bachelors in Psychology. I am currently working at a school for a non-profit organization but I just feel like my heart isn't truly in it. I do like psychology I find it very fascinating but I have a huge passion for the environment. To be specific I am always interested in learning how our choices and actions affect the environment and what we can do to lessen our negative impacts. I'm not sure if there is anything out there that can bring my two passions together so I can work as something I would truly love.
#psychology #career #environment #jobhelp #advice
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4 answers
Alexandra Carpenter
CareerVillage.org TeamData Analyst at CareerVillage.org
15
Answers
Columbia, PA
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Kimberly,
I don't have any specific expertise in the intersection of psychology & environmental topics, but I do have a background in psychology/neuroscience and a very good understanding of why you might be asking this question! A good place to look would be jobs in politics, advocacy, "green" marketing, nonprofits, etc. because any of these industries would benefit from someone with a psych background. There are many opportunities (not to mention a major need) for understanding and applying knowledge about how people think about the environment, and what it takes to effectively address the masses about environmental issues. How do you motivate people to care enough to change their behaviors? How do you communicate science to people who aren't scientists so that they get the same message from the findings that academics do? These are questions for a psychologist, not for scientists alone. As many recent events have demonstrated, it is one thing to be able to acquire the facts, but another entirely to deliver those facts to the public in a responsible and effective way such that people will respond to those facts with behaviors that promote positive change. I would not be surprised if many organizations are more aware of this importance since the beginning of the COVID epidemic (since that has highlighted the MAJOR gaps in people's understanding of science, and many officials' inability to effectively remedy those gaps without inciting pushback and political divide.) So, I definitely encourage you to reference the practical impact of psychology in areas like environmental science as you apply to jobs or opportunities. Sell your psychology background -- emphasize that they NEED you, now more than ever!!
I don't have any specific expertise in the intersection of psychology & environmental topics, but I do have a background in psychology/neuroscience and a very good understanding of why you might be asking this question! A good place to look would be jobs in politics, advocacy, "green" marketing, nonprofits, etc. because any of these industries would benefit from someone with a psych background. There are many opportunities (not to mention a major need) for understanding and applying knowledge about how people think about the environment, and what it takes to effectively address the masses about environmental issues. How do you motivate people to care enough to change their behaviors? How do you communicate science to people who aren't scientists so that they get the same message from the findings that academics do? These are questions for a psychologist, not for scientists alone. As many recent events have demonstrated, it is one thing to be able to acquire the facts, but another entirely to deliver those facts to the public in a responsible and effective way such that people will respond to those facts with behaviors that promote positive change. I would not be surprised if many organizations are more aware of this importance since the beginning of the COVID epidemic (since that has highlighted the MAJOR gaps in people's understanding of science, and many officials' inability to effectively remedy those gaps without inciting pushback and political divide.) So, I definitely encourage you to reference the practical impact of psychology in areas like environmental science as you apply to jobs or opportunities. Sell your psychology background -- emphasize that they NEED you, now more than ever!!
Melissa Kahler
Recruiter
3
Answers
Jefferson City, Missouri
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Have you considered Environmental Psychology or Environmental Psychology Analyst?
It would bring both of your passions together. I have included a link below for research.
Visit https://www.apadivisions.org/division-34
It would bring both of your passions together. I have included a link below for research.
Melissa recommends the following next steps:
Jim Kernodle
Counselor Retired
3
Answers
Burlington, North Carolina
Updated
Jim’s Answer
I would apply with all the companies that Elon Musk is working with. That's a broad answer but he is working with saving the environment and people need to be educated in that direction. Your field of study is on point.
Another thought and new field is AI..what is happening, is that people are being replaced by AI..new field of thought..how will that change the work force and people's perception..he just moved his headquarters to Texas..call and ask for a visit..again, bold is straight forward!
Call the company direct!
Another thought and new field is AI..what is happening, is that people are being replaced by AI..new field of thought..how will that change the work force and people's perception..he just moved his headquarters to Texas..call and ask for a visit..again, bold is straight forward!
Jim recommends the following next steps:
jerry wald
Intellectual Property
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
jerry’s Answer
Melissa's answer is a good one. You can also look on LinkedIn for organizations and professional societies that are in this area. They often will post jobs related to there fields. Similarly, you can search employment websites like ZipRecuriter and Indeed to get a feel of what types of jobs may be available.