We Gotta Get Outta This Place/If It's The Last Thing We Ever Do...

[athelind]

I'm stuck.

It's been five years since I got my degree. In that time, I've managed to land two short-term jobs that are actually in my field.

From what I can see, Silicon Valley is a LOUSY place to land a job in environmental science. It's also a pretty wretched place to try to retire, so we're really looking to break out of here within the next decade.

Really, if you want to land ANYTHING in the sciences, you have to be prepared to relocate.

The problem is, I simply don't have the resources to go haring across the country for job interviews.

How do people DO this stuff??

Feedback welcome.

Comments

[thoughtsdriftby.livejournal.com]

likely you've seen these:
http://www.ecoemploy.com/
http://www.greenbiz.com/green-careers
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/about_us/employment/apply.shtml
--
As others have stated, if they want you they pay for travel however you have to provide the time.

One alternative for a scientist is to be self-directed and apply for a research grant. Brownfield related companies might be another. The problem is the ideal job is unlikely to be listed anywhere, so with some combination of research and referrals you'll have to send letters introducing what you can do and asking for advice and or another referral. Also, plan on making cold calls to visit companies that interest you. Show up, as for a few minutes of (insert name of VIP or supervisor in your field that you researched) wanting a few minutes of his time covering your interest in their company. It often takes an insider to pave the way for you.

Who's doing work you're really interested in, introduce yourself. Like with the dragons and furries you know, networks of people build slowly with time. This part isn't to ask for a job but to know and be known. Thinking you know more real dragons than scientists, doubting scientists are as rare.

Agreed it is becoming a poor place to retire and the decaying infrastructure is soon to become a problem.

[athelind.livejournal.com]

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/about_us/employment/apply.shtml

Wow, they have whole websites for people who want to waterboard for the government??

Seriously, though, those are good suggestions. Part of my big problem has been that my Google Fu is weak: I haven't quite figured out how to find companies that I'm interested in working for. Networking has never been my strong suit, either. Both areas to work on.

[thoughtsdriftby.livejournal.com]

Start with networking then and try to distill a twenty-second description of the the work you're looking for (along with the long form version). You'll have to work out a short blurp on why you're the ideal candidate for the position while you're at it. You'll end up with ten or more job descriptions, three or more resumes, and any number of introduction/inquiry letters.

You'll need a business card with name, title, and an email address. A piece of related artwork and if you're up for it a simple slogan. It's a corporate you image thing. Like having a button shirt and tie, at least dockers, and a business card case.

Classmates, instructors, contacts from your paper, and those two short term jobs. Say hi, see what they know, ask who they know, and gather contact information. As for Google Fu you seem to have a network of beings who use computers from time to time, post a few descriptions and talk it through a few times. You'll have to sort through the ideas and suggestions then see how they fit with your own thinking and those close to you.

So, lab work? field work? research? waterways? fish? birds? plants? human impact? all of the above? write grant proposals? publish? change public view? propose new environmental laws? Let the introspection begin. :-)