Careersthatdontsuck.com’s 2009 Career Prediction #4

Posted on | December 31, 2008 | No Comments

BIG GREEN THING

No self-respecting futurist would create a list of 2009 career predictions without including something about “green”.  My take on where green is going in 2009 is that it will continue to spread like a virus, especially with President Obama’s commitment to climate change, the introduction of more R&D and startup incentives from the Fed, state governments, venture capitalists and others.

In the short run, most green goodies will continue to be the ultimate expressions of status and enlightenment for the well-heeled and aspirants.  They will continue to overpay for food labeled “organic” , “free range” and “compassionately raised”.  They will continue to pay a “feel good” premium for products and services offered by sellers promising to share their gains with green/charitable organizations or causes.  They’ll continue to buy hybrids and drive the “energy independence” movement.

Career & Business Opportunities

With more governors taking on green as their pet projects–authorizing rebates for solar panel installation, wood-burning stove/fireplace conversions and purchases of energy-efficient appliances/equipment–expect “green-collar” jobs to go mainstream, to be more widely available to more than a few folks in California.  State government agencies will hire more biologists, scientists, engineers, urban planners, solar electricians and community relations folks to help them green their buildings, structures and operations, and to sell it all to the public.

Expect energy and utility companies to take the lead in the green movement, if for no other reason than so as not to be left out of the big green payday.  More gas and utility companies will hire environmental engineers, biologists, scientists, climatologists, physicists, even naturalists to help them create more eco-friendly energy sources and find better ways to reduce negative environmental impacts.

Expect more businesses to roll out “green” products/services, and to hire and train more employees to sell green products or perform green services–green janitorial/maid services, green diapers, green dry-cleaning, green clothing and shoes, green consulting.

To get in on the big, green bonanza, you’ll need to take a hard look at your business’ products, services and processes and do what it takes to “up-green” them.  Reclaimed water/irrigation systems, recycled wood products, clothing made of recycled and organic materials and green business conferences will be hot products.  Green audits, waste management consulting, business process improvement consulting and supply chain management will be hot services.

Want to learn more about green career and business opportunities, get a copy of Everybody Else’s Guide to Green & Socially Responsible Careers.

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