This document discusses careers in environmental fields. It outlines the evolution of environmental education programs over the past four decades in fields like engineering, life sciences, chemistry, architecture, and economics. It provides examples of post-graduate environmental programs in India in engineering and sciences. It discusses desirable course subjects and considerations for choosing a research thesis. Finally, it offers strategies for entering the job market and progressing in an environmental career.

1. PLANNING CAREERS IN
ENVIRONMENT
Post graduate education and Beyond
Prasad Modak

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Evolution ..
Environment as a formal post graduate
education programme has evolved over the
past four decades…
...Civil Engg – Sanitary and Public Health Engg –
concerned more about water supply and sewage;
municipal solid wastes, managing public health
Life sciences/chemistry – ecology,
environmental sciences
Architects – environmental planning,
environmental policy, choice of materials

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Evolution ..
Chemical Engg – Pollution control, pollution
prevention, cleaner technologies…
...Product design – ECO-design – designing for
environment
Economics – Environmental economics,
policy
Environmental management – preventive
environmental management, business and
sustainability, trade and environment

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Post-Graduate Programmes in
Environmental Engg in India
IITs – IIT Kanpur, IIT Mumbai, IIT
Delhi, IIT Chennai, IIT KGP,
IIT Roorkee
RECs- VRCE, : NITs –
MNIT, Suratkal
Universities – Jadhavpur, Anna
University, Sangli College, Delhi
College of Engg, S J College of
Engg, Kolhapur IT

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Post-Graduate Programmes in
Environmental Sciences in India
JNU, Pune, Mumbai, Kochin,
Usmania, Kolkatta
Management
Central University, Hyderabad, IIM A
and B, Symbiosis, TERI University

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Observations
 Engg Programmes generally civil engg biased; very
few chemical engg driven courses,
 some hybrid courses like CESE, IIT, Mumbai that are
truly interdisciplinary;
 Science programmes generally lack engg and
management perspective
 Availability of full time faculty is a constraint for many
recently initiated programmes

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Key core subjects
 Ecology (Environmental Assessment)
 Environmental Chemistry
 Principles of Environmental Engg
 Transport, Dispersion and Fate of Pollutants
 Environmental Law

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Subjects that are desirable ….
 EIA
 Preventive Environmental Management
(Pollution prevention, Sustainable Consumption,
Environmental Management Systems)
 Health and Safety
 Principles of Environmental Economics
 Environmental Policy and Planning

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Choosing Research Thesis
Should be topical..
Design of activated sludge based sewage treatment plant for
Miraj OR
Technology selection chart for sewage treatment
Should have a good mentor ..
Who has time, interest, commitment and a network with
practioners
If you don’t have one at your Univ, look “outside”
Should be manageable in time and available resources
Do not embark on something ambitious alone – try for a group
project

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Choosing Research Thesis
Should not be mere survey/sampling work
Air Pollution Profile of Pune
Should not be too trivial
Comparative assessment of solid waste characteristics of
Mumbai and Thane
Should adequately demonstrate your acquired skills
Assessment of public hearings in EIA
Passive air quality monitoring in urban areas
Designing eco-restoration schemes

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www.enviroeducation.com

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http://environment.about.com/od/environmentaljobs/

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www.envindia.com

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http://www.worldwidelearn.com/environment.htm

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Options for Job
 Consulting companies
 Industries
 Research organizations
 Training/Education organizations
 Environmental NGOs
 International development agencies
 Financing institutions

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Stepping in …
Research Associate, Intern
Staff on probation
Associate, Junior Consultant
Full time staff

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Some Strategies
 Networking – know the business and regulatory world!
 Memberships
 Group projects
 Documentation – build your own library
 Keep habit of regular surfing
 Remain updated on issues – have your “own” views
 Don’t just stay on the superficial knowledge – get into the
depth (distinguish yourself)

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Environment is often considered as “survival
science” for tomorrow
Boundaries between economic, social and
environmental issues are fast blurring
Opportunities in environment field often get
created … there are rarely stacked to pick!
You sometimes need to provide the stimulus
Remember…