Despite the graduates' reported interest in pursuing environmental careers, environmental employers are alarmed by the number of environmental studies applicants that are targeting narrowly-defined technical jobs when the graduates do not possess the appropriate background for the position. In turn, alumni report not having adequate information about environmental careers or the applicability of their degree to properly structure a job search. Much of this can be attributed to a paucity of career knowledge and advice from career services offices and academic advisors. A healthy balance between idealism and realism Many of these skills are available through internship experiences, which the study has identified as the single most important factor beyond the curriculum for helping environmental studies graduates find environmental employment. Additionally, employers prefer to see evidence of student achievement through a senior thesis or project, and many stress the importance of a graduate degree in helping both securing employment and advance through an organization.
Employers are also worried about the lack of applicants of color.
Organizations that stress diversifying their workforce are finding that few non-white applicants are available. However, a more reasonable balance seems to have been established in terms of gender over the last ten years. Strategies Consider the requirement of a focus or concentration as part of the program. Encourage students to become double majors or develop a minor. Require a rigorous student project or thesis to demonstrate competency, content, and focus of the student's undergraduate program.