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Hi, I'm majoring in sustainability/geography and am not sure what I'd like to do exactly, but am thinking something like environmental consulting and mapping. If you have experience in the environmental sector, what specific knowledge/skills would you suggest someone entering it learn? I already plan to get acquainted with using ArcGis (once I buy myself a non-Macbook computer, anyway, since it doesn't run on Mac).
GIS is good. But also your writing skills. Get familiar with Environmental Impact Reports and biological/geological studies. Be familiar with all federal environmental laws (NEPA, ESA etc.) and your respective state (for me CEQA, California Environmental Quality Act).
And try get a government job, the private industry is cutthroat.
I majored in Meteorology and had jobs in resource conservation, tribal environmental programs, and air quality. GIS does help. I recieved a certificated in GIS at a local community college while working during the ArcGIS 9.x series. If you want to start free, try QGIS. Works on a mac too. Even mastering Google Earth (regular or pro) is very helpful, as many environmental based jobs use that nowadays. Just like most jobs...expert knowledge of the MS Office Package is useful (Excel, Word, Access, PPT). I'm looking into developing my database development / basic computer programming skills to help my career. It helps when you're working with a lot of data.
There's a professional certification know as the QEP (Qualified Environmental Professional) issued by IPEP that looks good on the resume. Once you have at least 5 years experience you can test for this. They also have a credential for new professionals / students called the EPI.
There are also professional organizations such as the AWMA (Air and Waste Management Association) that offer memberships and professional development to new professionals. I'm sure there's something similar for Water Quality, Env. Justice, and other Env. fields.
If you join with a non-profit, grant writing is a good skill to pick up too.
Good Luck!
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