3 Free Ways I Took Control of My Environmental Career’s Development

by Monica Seidel

​#1. Using Facebook Strategically
 
I have had a Facebook account since 2010 (yikes), which means over the years, I have “liked” tons of pages and “joined” many groups. All those have value, which I’ve only recently started discovering. When I recently re-started my job search, I created a mental list of “dream” companies that I would like to work for. Once I created that list (your list may not be companies, but dream job titles, job locations, etc.), I began following them on all platforms. I started commenting on some of their posts and messaging them with questions. Why? To get noticed. Even when those companies weren’t posting new job opportunities, I wanted them to see my name, contributing to positive and intelligent discussions, or asking smart questions. That way if and when I applied to a position in the near future to that company, I could potentially be recognized by someone there. Facebook is also the place where many companies post jobs and training opportunities first, so it can make your time online feel productive if you have a specific goal in mind (comment on one post today, find a new local company doing work you love, etc.).

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​#2. LinkedIn challenge
 
Throughout university, I tried updating my LinkedIn page on a regular basis, but honestly, it took a backseat to everything else that was going on in my life. Once I had a full-time job, I didn’t think that I needed to update it regularly because I was happily employed (sigh). I’ve smartened up since then. I set a goal for myself to find relevant articles to my field of work and share them with my LinkedIn network every day. I included relevant hashtags because I’ve recently read online that this is an upcoming way to let potential employers find you. While I only have a basic LinkedIn profile (the free one), I do get notifications that someone outside of my network is finding me in searches and viewing my profile. And for now, those are wins for me.

​#3. Free Professional Development
 
Along with making a list of my dream companies, I made a list of key, unique phrases to help me hone in on relevant jobs during my search. I want specific jobs in specific cities, and I don’t want to spend hours looking for them. While I’m looking for another great job in my field, I want to stay on top of upcoming trends and desirable skills, even if I am under- or un-employed. This means I have to find professional development opportunities myself. I’ve found that once you have your list of ideal employers, you can more easily find opportunities than just Googling into the wind. Is National Geographic one of your ideal employers? Try checking out their free online courses in education outreach and learning. I also found the Jane Goodall Institute had a really great free course focusing on effective service learning, which is applicable even if you aren’t a teacher. The important thing with these free courses is they are often only offered once or twice a year, so make sure to either check back on the website frequently, write it in your agenda, or sign up for emails from them to make sure you don’t miss that free enrollment period.

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​Constantly updating your resume and sets of marketable skills is no one’s responsibility except your own. Whether you are employed, under-employed, or un-employed, there are ways to make sure you’re always learning and showing initiative. Online courses can give some structure to your day even if you’re not working, and online networking is seriously never a bad idea, even if you have a full-time job. You show potential future employers important marketable skills by constantly working on yourself, all while learning about things you are passionate about, a true win-win situation!

About the Author

Monica is a passionate environmental educator and communicator who loves connecting people with nature and wildlife. She has worked with conservation authorities, wildlife rehabilitation centres, and non-profit organizations to lead fundraising and communications programs, and spark curiosity and engagement in people of all ages.