How to make a career in enviromental science

Earth just cannot support seven billion human beings! Find out how you can use science, social awareness and data analytics to come up with sustainable solutions.

FAST FACTS

Course: Environmental science education
Participating institutions: Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra; Jiwaji University, Gwalior
Duration: Three years
Eligibility: Class 12 pass
Selection process: Usually students are admitted on the basis of marks obtained in Class 12
Recruiters: Central and State Pollution Control Boards (CPCB), biodiversity boards, environmental laboratories, national parks, biosphere reserves, water resource department, soil department, travel and tourism departments, centres for science and environment, NGOs and agriculture agencies

In the past few years, there have been many debates over environmental issues around the world.

“The fact that Mother Earth faces an environmental crisis is indisputable. It is also clear that much of it is due to our unsustainable use of natural resources. The Earth just cannot support seven billion (and growing) human beings. No wonder all our resources, from water to petrochemicals, are being depleted at an alarming rate,” says professor Vasant Natarajan, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in an article published in The Hindu.

Even corporate houses and businesses have realised the need to find sustainable solutions.

“There has been a growing realisation among industry and the corporate world that they will have to keep the environment and related social and economic aspects in mind when they go to start any new project,” shares Dr Rajiv Seth, Registrar, TERI University, New Delhi.

The UNESCO and other International agencies have taken steps to establish an international programmes in Environment and Energy, which are interdisciplinary in approach.

Many Indian universities, too, offer bachelor’s and master’s level programmes in environmental science and related areas.

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Experts say that Environment Studies is an exciting field and diverse, too.

Many opportunities open up for young graduates if they take the course not just as a career option, but as a vocation.

After joining the course one has a better idea about environmental issues and can address them with conviction.

“People take it as a profession but they should understand that one should have good insight and only then he/she can become an expert in such an important subject,” says Rahul Malik, an Environment Planner.

Diverse curriculum and interdisciplinary approach

During the three-year course, students have to study many aspects of environment.

They study about natural resources, environmental pollution, ecosystem and population ecology, tools and techniques in environmental science, biodiversity conservation, environmental laws and environmental biotechnology, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), environmental economics, chemistry and also about environmental movements. It’s very important to develop an interdisciplinary approach, and students must look at not only the “science” part but also understand the related social, economic and legal aspects.

You can opt for a BSc majoring in Environment and Water Management at the University of Burdwan or pursue BSc Chemistry specialising in Environment and Water Management at the Mahatama Gandhi University in Kottayam, Kerala.

Learning on the job

When it comes to Environmental Studies, the outside world is your lab.

Though, in an undergraduate programme, there is more of theory than practical, in this particular course the requisites are such that you get to spend most of your time experimenting in the field.

“We went to Greater Shillong for studying about the region’s incredible biodiversity and it was an amazing experience. But I think that the students should be taken for more field visits at the undergraduate level,” says Vishesh Leon Diengdoh, third year student at St Edmund’s College, Shillong.

Master your skills

The Bachelor programme in environmental sciences helps in building a strong foundation for attaining specific knowledge, so it makes sense for you to go for a Master’s.

“Most students after graduation opt for postgraduation in order to do a specialisation. The students can specialise in Environmental Pollution, Resource Conservation, GIS and Remote Sensing, Biodiversity, Geoscience, Ethno-botany, EIA, Urban Management etc.,” shares Rahul.

Passion drives people

To excel in this domain, one should have passion for the environment.

One should be ready for hard work and be very patient because here you need to acquire years of experience to become an expert.

Students may be employed in Government departments like the Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB), Environmental Laboratories, National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Various government departments (water resources, soils, agriculture etc) as well as NGOs and in the sustainability cells of the corporate sector.

A professional working in environment boards and labs has a responsibility to generate data for environment.

“Students who wish to be Environmental Consultants need a Master’s degree in Environmental Science or Engineering, and should have a deep knowledge of environmental regulations. Services for industries/companies/agencies would include environmental assessment, site remediation, natural resource management, environmental auditing, waste management, environment policy development, etc.,” shares JT Sawian, Head, Department of Environmental Science, St. Edmund’s College, Shillong.

Opportunities abroad

The preservation of the environment is a global concern and there is a demand for environment professionals all across the world.

Even with a low GRE score you can get admission for Master’s abroad.

“Definitely, there are options aplenty and we look at options such as environment engineers, consultants, research and even journalism as career choices for candidates who pursue this course,” says Amit Baruah, Programme Director – Education & Training, Centre for Science and Environment.

Remuneration

It varies, based on the organisation or sector that you gain employment in, and the assigned task.

A fresh graduate may get around Rs 8,000 per month while a postgraduate, just out of the college can earn between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000.

Challenges

Environmental Science has a data analysis dimension to it.

You will work in a diverse field, so being open-minded is a must.

Also, you will have to be aware of the technical aspects that would help in resolving issues faster. And lastly one should not forget that it’s a profession that requires a lot of focus.