klybrand’s Recent Comments

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  Green Snobbery

  As an actual environmental professional, I often sense a certain amount of snobbery about just how "green" you have to be to be considered environmental.  Kevin's construct is very helpful in suggesting a spectrum of green-ness, but let's be careful about marginalizing those that can't do a full conversion.

  There will only ever be a certain number of actual, on-the-ground environmental jobs.  The truly transformative power of greening is not just making the head of an environmental regulatory agency green, but rather to make the head of a large, super-profitable oil company (insert name here) green.

  I suggest that we focus on transforming the big picture through its employees and leaders, rather than trying to sort out whether or not I am "green enough" in my current job, because so long as you are working in some way towards that big picture, you are green, with all the coolness that comes with it.On What jobs are included in the environmental field? posted 3 years, 5 months ago 14 Responses

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  Right Back Atcha'

  And for those that are pretty darn happy and successful doing what they do, and are sharing that happiness with others by mentoring them to new heights, may I add Thanks for bringing us more like you!

  For not only is it the "mentee" that gets the benefit of coaching and advice, but the mentor gets to develop an often-overlooked success skill: succession planning.  Yup, you really might get to retire and/or move on some day, and guess who might step in after you to develop the next earth-shattering environmental thingy...?

  Kay LyBrand, Manager, Emerging Leaders
  National Wildlife FederationOn Advice on making the move to a new eco-career posted 3 years, 9 months ago 1 Response

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  Government and for-profit can be cool, too.

  No, really.  There are a number of companies working on clean energy solutions, green consumer products and other aspects of environmental solutions that would be great workplaces for those with activism experience and a green heart - just click around this website's ads for a few examples.

  If you need stability, there's going to be plenty of room at the Feds as well.  According to U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) estimates, about 44 percent of the entire Federal workforce will be eligible for retirement in the next few years.  Not 10 years from now - five or less.

  So, think broadly about what you want to do.  Not-for-profit is but one of many choices.

  Kay LyBrand
  Manager, Emerging Leaders
  National Wildlife FederationOn New column offers advice to eco-job-seekers posted 3 years, 10 months ago 4 Responses