"The Stone-Age didn't end because they ran out of rocks..."

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Job Hunt Progress

So, after the first week, here is what I have done so far in my search for gainful employment:


Company
Position
Closing Date
Response
Comments
GERES Junior Energy Expert 27/06/11 Received my application. Nothing further. Date given is expect a reply date. NO LUCK!
WYG Sustainability Consultant 30/06/11 Emailed back on 31/05/11 to say that BREEAM quals were essential.



NO LUCK!
National Trust Senior Ranger 12/07/11 Received my application. Phone AH asap.
IUCN Junior Professional 13/07/11 Received my application. Check status online: https://hrms.iucn.org


ICLEI EcoMObility Projects Officer 31/07/11 Received my application. Expect a reply within 1 month of closing date.
Practical Action Energy Assistant 08/07/11 Received my application. Expect a reply within 1 week of closing date.
Steven Agnew/Green Party Research Officer No idea. No response. Emailed my CV & Cover Letter 08/07/11
Centre for Sustainable Energy Intern 25/07/11 Application received.


I'm not holding my breath. Poor attitude I know, but it just seems like I've maybe aimed the wrong way with my choice of master's degree. Any company in the sustainable development sector seems to be looking for housing surveyors (who have completed expensive courses offered only in England), engineers to maintain wind turbines or plumbers to install solar water heaters. Any consultancy work on offer requires 3-5 years of industrial experience. NONE OF THESE EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR MASTER'S DEGREES ANYMORE! Have a just wasted my time and money doing my postgraduate course??

P.S. Sorry that some of the table is off the page. I'm working on getting it fixed...

Thursday 7 July 2011

Apologies & the Job Hunt

To my two faithful followers, I am truly sorry. It has been far too long since I last had a rant on these pages, but that is hopefully all about to change. I have recently found a little more time in my life to indulge in the frivolities of the virtual world. My postgraduate course is coming to a close and I am currently engaged in the inevitable yet unenviable task of finding a job for myself come September. Hence, I am spending a lot more time online and can wax lyrical about the limited joys and plentiful woes of filling in application forms and drafting cover letters.

It may seem like this has little to do with sustainability, but this is far from the truth. Look on me as your scout into the world of employment in the sustainability sector. Through my efforts you will get a valuable insight into who might and who might not be recruiting, what kind of jobs are coming up more than others, and what kind of feedback potential employers are offering. I'll also put up some good websites for would be job seekers on the right hand side. Stay tuned.