Services for Sustainability Careers
Portland’s green job scene is both exciting and confusing for the green job seeker. The messages you hear on Green Street are contradictory: Green job opportunities are exploding; green job opportunities are impossibly competitive. Green stimulus money will immediately increase a broad range of green job opportunities; green stimulus money will slowly increase options in construction and engineering.
Because this job sector is so new and changing so quickly, it’s important to have a career counselor who stays current in this dynamic scene. I can guide you in selecting one or two green niches to explore, to immerse yourself in the world of this green niche, and to compete for a job. Alternately, during the recession may be the ideal time for you to become a consultant or start a LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) business as a green caterer, urban farm consultant, green event planner, or health coach. Whether you are a job seeker or entrepreneur, I can help.
VICKI'S GREEN QUALIFICATIONS
Over the past five years Vicki has become a local expert on careers in sustainability. Vicki has offered several career workshops and presentations, including several for the Natural Step Network and Portland Green Drinks. She also offers career consultation for members of ISSP (International Association for Sustainability Professionals). Her expertise is captured in the Portland Green Guide to Network and Jobs (coauthored with Gail Nicholson).
IDENTIFY AND WIN YOUR IDEAL JOB
As we work together, you will begin:
- Deciding on your niche within sustainability: energy, food, green building, natural resources, transportation, waste, clean technology, green business, etc.
- Identifying workplace characteristics that match your values and financial needs. Identifying growth trends stimulated by the new "green money" in the stimulus package
- Targeting and researching priority green departments, organizations, and businesses in your green niche
- Meet with my past clients who work in sustainable organizations
- Identifying websites and networking sources for job leads
- Targeting your resume and cover letter to win interviews
I meet with clients for individual sessions weekly or on alternate weeks. See Services for additional information on Fees, Interviewing, and Resumes.
ATTRACT NEW CLIENTS AS A CONSULTANT OR LOHAS BUSINESS
We will increase your business by:
- Focusing and energizing your vision of success
- Finding and research possible green niches
- Articulating the heartfelt core strengths you offer clients
- Writing a flexible marketing plan, consistent with your personal style
- Improving the presentation of your business card and website
- Connect with my past clients who can help you build your business through referrals
- Keeping you accountable to your marketing plan through individual sessions, phone check-ins, and/or e-mail