Green Is Good Work

May 22, 2008

Ryan Rivet
rrivet@tulane.edu

Another class of new Tulane graduates is heading out into the world, and many are turning to the environmental sector for their first jobs. Melanie Davidson from Glen Rock, N.J., earned a B.A. in environmental studies, and she says she believes a surge in “green-collar” jobs is a trend that will continue.

“I feel like the current is there,” says Davidson. “Now that I’m graduating it seems like everyone is talking about it and is excited about it.”

Davidson plans to head back to the East Coast this summer to work on a sustainable farm on Long Island, N.Y., before returning to New Orleans to work as an environmental analyst for FEMA. She says she is looking forward to using what she has learned in a practical application in both jobs.

“They will be good hands-on experiences to balance the strong academics I’ve gotten here,” Davidson says.

Davidson’s plan to return to New Orleans reflects a burgeoning green industry in the city as part of rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina.

Prisca Weems, an alumna of Tulane’s School of Architecture and principal of FutureProof, a sustainable design consultancy in New Orleans, believes this is a trend that will continue with the recovery.

“New Orleans is one of the greatest opportunities for people with vision,” says Weems. “When you have great tumult, you have great opportunity. We really found this is a chance to create a green industry in this city.”

As an owner of a startup, Weems says she sees growth in green industry.

“The number of companies committed to sustainable practice is growing every year,” Weems says. “Major corporate shifts have been because one person has lobbied for change. It’s no longer a niche market, it is scattered among many industries. It’s easier and easier, within a corporate culture to make substantial progress.”

That is a sentiment echoed by Geoffrey Parker, an associate professor with the A. B. Freeman School of Business and director of the Entergy-Tulane Energy Institute.

“We’re trying to expose the students to a set of environmental issues within certain industry contexts,” Parker says. “A lot of firms are increasing awareness and have people with environmental training on their staff. We’re not seeing many students go into direct environmental management roles. But we are seeing them carry a broader perspective into other environments because we are trying to cover environmental management in the curriculum.”

Parker says he also sees entrepreneurs eyeing the environmental sector.

“There are a lot of opportunities in both green-collar and traditional industries. Many are in startup, entrepreneurial areas. … The goal is to figure out how to make money while doing good.”

For students considering green-collar jobs following graduation, Davidson recommends a curriculum that includes science classes. She also feels Tulane is a good place to prepare for a more environmentally focused job market.

“Tulane has the potential to educate people in the state about green policy. They can bring the different groups together and do some really wonderful things. The professors are really passionate and knowledgeable. They are a great resource for the city.”