What career path should I pursue? Sustainability/education edition

Post date: 2022-12-04 07:58:40

I am a returning college student in my early 30s, currently in an undergraduate degree program in environmental studies. My previous work background is in education-related paraprofessional roles. I would love to find a way to combine my interests in sustainability, environmental justice, and evidence-based education and/or communications, but I am not certain what roles and academic preparation would be a good fit. I greatly appreciate suggestions for how to narrow and focus my academic and career path.

Possibly-helpful details:

I have a previous associate's degree in math & science (physics/mathematics/chemistry focus) and I have been taking biology, environmental science, environmental studies, and biochemistry coursework in working on my current degree program

I have enjoyed most of the subjects I have studied about equally, but have especially appreciated the direct relevance to present environmental and societal needs in my current coursework

I have worked and/or volunteered with all age groups from preschool through adulthood - I love working with people and it's hard for me to choose a favorite age group

I am especially interested in human-environment interactions, sustainable planning, environmental advocacy, and psychology of environmental communications. I have found Dr. Katharine Hayhoe's work on talking about climate change particularly inspiring. I would particularly like to find ways to help environmental and sustainability work feel more meaningful, efficacious, and connected, and decrease the sense of isolation, shame, and fear a lot of us, of all ages, feel when thinking about environmental needs.

I have a lot of flexibility in choosing the coursework within my environmental studies degree; I could also still switch my major at this point in time if a different major makes more sense.

I am not sure if I want to pursue graduate work after I complete my bachelor's degree. I would only want to do so if there is a good career-relevant reason to do so, but I am open to preparing for graduate school if that is what makes the most sense.

Thank you so much!

Please click Here to read the full story.