How to Become an Environmentalist

Though a Master's degree in environmental science serves the purpose, some people also do an MBA programme in business sustainability or related areas. The job market is still not very well organised in this sector because of its small size, but professionals come from diverse backgrounds, like the life sciences, engineering and economics.

Payoff

The starting salary is usually between Rs 20,000 and 30,000. Working in NGOs or start-ups means a relatively low salary, but the work is satisfying. To earn more, one can freelance as a consultant. After a couple years in the sector, one can earn Rs 7-10 lakh a year.

Skills

• Good in science, inclination for research, habit of questioning and analysing everything endlessly
• Great communication skills. You might be required to deal with people at the grassroots level to learn from or teach them effective farming/ agriculture technology. You might also have to interact with prominent national or global personalities if you are advocating policy changes, etc
• Good analytical skills
• Ability to handle adversities and move on. Land, water, forests and agriculture are crucial for the environment. Big industries have big stakes in these segments. Taking them on, advocating policy changes, fighting endless court battles, taking out rallies and sitting in dharnas requires patience and perseverance and large dollops of courage.
• Sometimes you might lose the battle, but to win the war you have no option but to soldier on. It can get frustrating but you should have the patience and diplomatic skills to handle it all

Important facts

• The job calls for a social conscience.
• A professional feels immense satisfaction.
• The job is exciting as it involves scientific research and dwelling on the civic and urban demands of people.
• It is a unique profession that combines subjects like economics, anthropology, sociology and science.
• The job is not so well paying at the beginning and the sector is still growing.