Experiences of environmental professionals in practice

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the labor market position of environmental science graduates and the core competencies of these environmental professionals related to their working practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out two surveys amongst alumni of the integrated environmental science program of Utrecht University and their employers. The surveys addressed alumni's working experiences and employers' assessment of the core competencies of environmental science graduates.

Findings

The surveys indicated that environmental science graduates have a fairly strong position on the labor market. They are employed in a diverse range of functions and working sectors, including consultancy agencies, research institutions, governmental organizations and NGOs. Graduates as well as employers consider a number of generic academic skills (e.g. intellectual qualities, communication skills) as well as discipline specific professional knowledge and practical skills as important competencies for the working practice of environmental scientists.

Practical implications

These insights can be used for the improvement of environmental science curricula in order to increase the employability of their graduates.

Originality/value

This paper presents data on the labor market position of graduates of “integrated” environmental science programs and provides insights into the core competencies of these graduates.

Citation

Bootsma, M. and Vermeulen, W. (2011), "Experiences of environmental professionals in practice", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 163-176. https://doi.org/10.1108/14676371111118219