Environment and Energy

If issues like global warming, deforestation and fuel wastage make your blood boil, why not consider a career in the field of environmental studies? Not only will you do your bit for Mother Earth but chart out a career in an area that you are passionate about.

Know your domain: Environmental sciences initially dealt with scientific issues such as water pollution, toxicity, mineral properties etc. But as industrialisation began to impact human life by way of climate change, instant floods and desertification, the discipline began to embrace economic and social issues as well.

So two pathways are possible in this sector. One is to specialise in the science of environment and attempt to identify solutions to problems. The other is to look at the issue holistically and work for changes in a wider economic or social realm. In both cases, a certain understanding of both sides is necessary, though the level of expertise might vary depending on the choice of one’s area of specialisation.

Be eligible:   A Master’s degree requires a BSc or equivalent degree in natural sciences, chemistry, environmental science, agriculture, geography, environmental economics or engineering.

Work experience is preferred by some institutes when you opt for an MSc in environmental science.

Job prospects: There are job opportunities in private and public sector companies, as well as in NGOs. “They exist across industries,” says Dr. Rajiv Seth, Registrar, TERI University, which offers postgraduate programmes.

“Our students have been placed at ACC, Coca Cola, Ernst & Young and Suzlon among others,” he says.

A qualified student can have a career in areas such as research and development, engineering, business management, education and training, environmental activism and tourism, among others.

One can also become an ecologist, who studies and understands the environment, or else a soil and water conservationist working on crop rotation, reforestation among other areas, on recycling, fish and wild life or as an environmental scientist.

An added qualification in architecture or urban planning can also open up a fruitful career in these two areas, especially when the trend these days leans towards ‘green’ buildings. 

Where to study: The Indian Institute of Social Welfare & Business Management, Kolkata, offers courses in environment management, energy management and transportation and logistics management, TERI University conducts a Master’s programme in four disciplines, the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai offers a PG Diploma in Industrial Safety & Environmental Management.

Entry level salaries: Graduates could  earn anywhere between Rs. 8,000-12000 at domestic NGOs such as Toxic Links, approxiately Rs. 15,000- 25,000 at an international organisation like WaterAid, and up to Rs. 75,000, if you are lucky enough to work for an international  funding organisation such as Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) or International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The entry level salaries in private companies are usually  better.

“The average salary is Rs 9.60 lakhs per annum,” says Professor Ashok K Pundir, Associate Dean (Placement) at the NITIE, Mumbai,  Typically, postgraduates from NITIE would move into mitigation jobs in the environmental sector, where the objective is to reduce and manage environmental pollution.