Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
February 27, 2021
Given the change of course that has happened in the world, we wanted to provide expert opinions on what aspiring graduates can do to start off their careers in an uncertain economic climate. We wanted to know what skills will be more important, where the economy is doing relatively well, and if there will be any lasting effects on the job market.
Companies are looking for candidates that can handle the new responsibilities of the job market. Recent graduates actually have an advantage because they are comfortable using newer technologies and have been communicating virtually their whole lives. They can take what they've learned and apply it immediately.
We spoke to professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the job market for recent graduates is heading, as well as how young graduates entering the industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our Panel of Experts
Michigan State University
Humboldt State University
Michigan State University
University of Guam
Yale University
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Natural Resource Specialists?
Dr. Rebecca Jordan: The pandemic will impact us all for years to come. Students who were initially trained one way very likely had to finish their degrees in an entirely different manner. The internships and the ways in which these students were prepared for jobs were also quite different. This being said, not all sectors of the economy suffered at the same level. This means that opportunities do and will exist for students.
What's a day at work look like for a Natural Resource Specialist?
Dr. Rebecca Jordan: Students who are often attracted to sustainability related careers tend to have two things in common (in my view): an enjoyment of the outdoors and a strong sense of community development. In many ways the former will continue to happen but for the near term in separate transportation, with masks, and likely with restricted travel. The latter, working with communities, will likely look very different over the coming year or two. Individuals are going to be online more and conversations and community building events will be smaller.
What will help Natural Resource Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Rebecca Jordan: I am not sure this has changed with the pandemic, but certainly strong communication skills, a clear abilty to adapt and problem-solve and likely a mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection skills will be important.
Steven Martin Ph.D.
Professor & Department ChairHumboldt State University
Department of Environmental Science and Management
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Natural Resource Specialists?
Steven Martin Ph.D.: Courses or certificates in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or more broadly anything in the field of geospatial science, which would include GIS, remote sensing, cartography, mobile mapping, and geospatial programming, would be a great addition to a degree in natural resources management or environmental science. Many if not most natural resource managers and environmental scientists use GIS themselves, or at least work closely with geospatial specialists. Having some background in GIS or the geospatial sciences in general will make an applicant that much more desirable to an employer. I'd also put in a plug for courses in statistics, environmental methods, and data analysis. Students sometimes tend to shy away from those if given a choice, but they are really valuable and would be desirable to most employers.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Natural Resource Specialists?
Richard Kobe Ph.D.: Aside from broad societal level changes such as greater opportunities to work remotely, I don't think that the pandemic will have an enduring impact on forestry graduates, particularly employment levels. There has been a shortage of foresters for several years - we place nearly 100% of all graduates in positions. If anything, demand for forestry expertise has increased during the pandemic with a need for sustainably managing forests to produce wood for those many home-based construction projects that people pursued during the pandemic. Furthermore, climate change is again become a societal focal point, with the recognition that sustainable forest management and substituting wood for other materials - like concrete and steel - can have huge climate benefits.
What's a good job out of college for Natural Resource Specialists?
Richard Kobe Ph.D.: There are so many great options with a forestry degree. Some of our graduates start as field foresters in wild areas, developing forest management plans. Others work for the tree care industry and advise property owners and supervise crews on how to best care for urban and suburban trees. Others manage projects for using trees to take up carbon from the atmosphere and mitigate climate change. Students can also pursue a research career through graduate school or may go in the direction of a more policy focused position.
What will help Natural Resource Specialists increase their earning potential?
Richard Kobe Ph.D.: Educate yourself broadly. Forestry is an interdisciplinary field. Just learning about how to grow trees could limit career growth. Learn how to collaborate and work in teams and communicate effectively. Learn the ecological, economic and social dimensions of forests for all the great benefits they provide - clean water, recreation, wood products and fighting climate change.
Joseph Tuquero
Extension Agent III / InstructorUniversity of Guam
Cooperative Extension & Outreach
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Natural Resource Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Joseph Tuquero: I think the job market trends in Ag and related environmental fields will increase or remain consistent in that opportunities have occurred throughout the pandemic. Environmental job opportunities have been on the rise here and with the pandemic, small scale agriculture may rise in relation to food security.
What skills stand out on Natural Resource Specialist resumes?
Joseph Tuquero: Some horticultural, pest and disease monitoring, and computer skills including overall knowledge of sustaining natural resources.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Natural Resource Specialists to find work opportunities?
Joseph Tuquero: Universities, US federal agencies (Dept of Defense, USDA, Dept. Of Interior, US Forest Service), state agriculture, biology, and environmental agencies, and private environmental/conservation/agricultural companies/organizations, public and private schools (sciences).
What general advice would you give to a Natural Resource Specialist?
Mark Ashton: Be flexible and adaptable in selecting your first job, and gain from that experience so that, even if it is not exactly what you want to do, it provides you the experience and a resume portfolio that makes you more attractive for getting the position that you do really want later.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Natural Resource Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Mark Ashton: Remote sensing and measurements of natural resources.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Natural Resource Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Mark Ashton: Mediocre. Starting salaries vary a lot by region and kind of job. A field forester or natural resource manager in a rural location - 40-55k; In a city 55-65k.
