Environment & Sustainability

• Advocate
• Educator/Community Liason
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Scientist
• Data Analytics
• Conservationist
• Climate Analyst
• Marine Biologist
• Wildlife Biologist
• Sustainability Coordinator
• Museum Scientist: Curators, Conservators, Exhibitors
• Environmental Writer

Majors & Minors

• Ecology & Evolution
• Geology
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Environmental Engineering
• Public & Prof. Writing Minor
• Public Service Minor
• Global Studies Minor
• Bioethics Minor

Certificates

• Geographic Information Systems
• Sustainability
• Public Communication of Science and Technology Science

Take diverse intro courses – Sample classes in ecology, environmental policy, GIS, or climate science to find your focus.
Engage in campus sustainability initiatives – Recycling programs, gardens, or green buildings offer real-world learning.
Explore local fieldwork – Participate in water quality testing, urban ecology walks, or conservation efforts.
Join eco-focused clubs – Environmental student orgs often lead campaigns, host events, and link with community partners.
Understand policy and science intersections – Knowing both can lead to broader careers in advocacy or planning.
Use mapping and data tools – Skills in ArcGIS or Excel strengthen environmental research and career readiness.

• Zoo and Aquarium Intern: Animal Care, Community Engagement, Education, Conservation, Aquatic Animal, Husbandry
• National Aviary Intern: Animal Ambassador, Education, Veterinary Hospital
• National Parks
• Geology
• Environmental Science
• GAI Consultants Inc.
• Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc.
• Companies focusing on “Greentech” such as HDR, The Efficiency Network, Tree Pittsburgh, Roadrunner Recycling a
• Deloitte
• Fieldwork (various)

• PittServes
• Research Toolkit
• Free the Planet
• Students for Sustainability
• Student Office of Sustainability
• Society of Environmental Engineers & Scientists 

Take “Introduction to Environmental Science” or “Environmental Ethics” – Foundational courses for both BA and BS paths.

Volunteer with Pitt Green Team – Get active on waste reduction, green events, etc.

Join the Student Office of Sustainability (SOOS) – Lead or support campus-wide eco-initiatives.

Explore fieldwork via Pitt Ecology Lab or Pymatuning Lab of Ecology – Especially valuable for BS students.

Attend Pitt’s Environment career panels – Connect with professionals in green energy, policy, and consulting.

• Local community parks
• Alumni from Pitt Commons or LinkedIn
• Environmental/Sustinability Nonprofits
• Faculty and Professors
• Museum Staff
• Local Government Organizations
• Science Patents Lawyers
• Local Environmental NGOs
• Professional Sustainability Conferences
• Green Speakeasy Panels
• National Conferences
• Pitt Green Team or Office of Sustainability

• Gain insight into various career paths and day in the life.
• Tap into Pittsburgh’s green network – Building local connections helps secure internships, fieldwork, and volunteer experiences with real impact.
• Build collaborations for community projects – Campus and community leaders often welcome student partners for initiatives.
• Receive support for fellowships and grants – Strong connections lead to quality recommendation letters and project advice.
• Find interdisciplinary perspectives – Networking across departments (urban studies, public health, engineering) strengthens your approach to sustainability.
• Stay current on trends – Professionals can provide insight on new policies, tech, and environmental challenges you won’t find in class.

Talk to professionals through info interviews – Ask alumni or faculty about their roles in nonprofits, government, or green tech.

Engage with local environmental nonprofits – Volunteering often leads to contacts and internships.

Join conferences and virtual summits – Stay informed and connect with leaders in sustainability.

Work with professors on research – Small-scale projects often grow into references and longer-term mentorship.

Leverage campus resources – Sustainability offices or student affairs may offer internships and funding.

Build a digital network – Follow thought leaders and organizations on LinkedIn or Twitter.

• Careers- Society of Conservation Biology
• Environmental Science, Climate, Geology, Sustainability
• Environmental Studies
• Climate
• Agriculture
• International Society of Industrial Ecology
• Ecology Society of America
• Find jobs and hire talent – Nonprofit Talent
• B Lab Nonprofit Network
• Daybook | Explore Political and Policy Job Opportunities
• Local Government Job Network – Local Government Academy
• Idealist  

• Engage and follow key companies on LinkedIn and follow up at networking events.
• Networking with campus or city Sustainability staff.
• Leverage class projects with real-world organizations to build connections.
  Cold email start-ups and small companies.
• Conduct informational interviews and shadowing with alumni and professionals.
• Volunteer strategically with professional green organizations.

Apply for field research or service learning programs – These show commitment and provide talking points for interviews.
Log your sustainability impact – Document metrics (e.g., pounds of waste diverted) for your resume or portfolio.
Pursue fellowships or grants – Many fund student-led environmental work (e.g., Udall, Boren, or local initiatives).
Contribute to campus reports or audits – LEED documentation, climate reports, or energy audits offer great experience.
Use capstone projects to address real-world issues – Propose local sustainability solutions or policy recommendations.
Tailor your resume to nonprofit and government jobs – Highlight service, advocacy, and collaboration.