Well for anyone who has not seen my other thread, i've decided it's time to get off my ass and go to school. I've decided that I would like to go for Forestry. I'm not sure which side yet, conservation, rehabilitation, or procurement(sp?) So for anyone who works as, knows of someoneone, or just knows of the subject of forestry what are you seeing for job outlook? I'm sure I will probably be reloacting after graduation, which i'm ok with. I was hoping to take my degree to Alaska. Any thoughts? Thanks!
No easy way to put it..... but your time, money and effort would be better spent on a lot of different schooling. I know of and have heard countless people who thought they wanted to be in Forestry... and it hasn't paid out. My nephew for one found the jobs very limited and really low pay for the duration. My nephew finally left the field and took a job working for the Thruway Authority. Nothing to do with his degree of course, but he had the degree which helped him get the job. Forestry schools all across the country.... and not that many jobs in the field that will support a family or life. Just a warning is all. Be prepared to be underwhelmed.
Several of my buddies went to Penn State for forestry. They received their bachelors and all found jobs but they are scattered all across the state. I know another guy who got his associates in forestry and he had a difficult time finding work (he did find a job) due to the amount of people with bachelors looking for jobs.
hmm, perhaps i'll do some more searching. I'm kinda thinking on just bagging the whole college idea. Forestry is the only degree I feel like dropping that kinda cash on, so whats the point? I'd rather save that money and time and do more hunting, lol. I just don't want it to be one of those things down the road where I go "man, shoulda went"
If you want to get into Forestry, I would highly recommend obtaining your Master's degree in Forestry as well. The competition in Forestry is pretty stiff, considering almost every kid who grows up in the woods want to get into Forestry. I knew a few in college, and the ones who got a Masters have the well paying jobs. The ones that just got a Bachelors have fairly low paying jobs.
I have a friend who went to Penn State for a bach. in forestry. He couldn't find a job here in Ohio so he went back to school. He is now a nurse. Probably better off anyhow, Better pay, lots of vacation and only works 3 days a week,
I don't think I'd ever say BAG the whole college idea. It's a known fact....it will pay dividends down the road. You may not get a job in your field or stay in it.... but the degree can lead to other things. My neice has a degree in literature. She was hired to help write some papers, grant applications etc etc by a privately funded foundation that preserves, protects and all that to wildlife and land from the Yukon to Yellowstone. Long story short..... she now is the director of the outfit, makes good money, lives in Montana and the outdoors. Her benefactor lives in Seattle. It's a totally privately anonoyusly funded foundation that does a lot of great work. She loves her work.... and to think... she's a literature major. LOL She can't say who her boss/benefactor is or she's subject to loosing her job.... but they take care of her and she takes care of their money doing something she loves. My son is another example of college helping down the road. He starts a new job next Monday in Denver. Hell they give him more to move and set up house than I hoped to make in a year.LOL Of course he's been a perpetual college student with a Degree from Duke, Masters in Computer Science from Colorado and an MBA from Duke. He had several jobs to chose from and wanted Denver.
i was looking to get into ny DEC somewhere. but heard it was pretty hard getting into right now considering no one is hiring..... go figure
Dont forget there are other environmental options out there. I went to school for Environmental Science with an Earth Science option. There are definitely jobs out there at the state (PA atleast) and Federal level.
DEC also pays next to nothing... lots of competition and advancement takes YEARS unless you're an unmarried, mother of an ethnic group. LOL
Yes, I was an Environmental Science major with a GIS (Geographic Information Science) option. I have no problem whatsoever finding a good job. Of course, this was 5 years ago as well...but I know my company is still hiring. However, most states are on a hiring freeze at the moment.
I don't know much about you, but I know that this is not your best idea. The average income of someone with a degree is between 1mm and 1.5mm more than someone without. The return on that investment is better than nearly any investment you could make at your young life. There is more to college than just getting a better job. I waited until I was 37 to begin college, and I was one of those that said "man, shoulda went".
X2, I will have my Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a Minor in Public Policy in four weeks at the ripe age of 37 Next stop is the Masters program since work is paying for it Sadly at my company I have been passed up on promotions because of my lack of schooling, only to see someone with more education and less work ethic get the gig. Take a little time and think about what is best for you and run with it. I know people that are very successful and haven't gone to college and some not successful that went to college and vice versa. In the end find what will make you money and make you happy
Thats my biggest issue right now. I don't know what I want to go to school for, other than forestry, and don't wanna spend the money until I am certain. I know the longer I put it off the more chance I wont go but I don't want to go just to go. I want to use it for my job. On the other hand, no offense to you guys, I don't wanna end up going when im 35+. I think it's pretty much now or never for me.
What about some more info on this Enviromental Science Major... What exactly do you do. Is it government jobs? private jobs? What are areas to focus on?
I could have went back to college when I was 21 but opted to run a Snowboard shop. I spent 7 years in that dream job until I had enough of the owner. I made great money, traveled a little and knew everyone in the industry; however, I lost sight of reality and my future. It sucks when you wake up one day in a panic stricken stupor wondering what you are going to do for a living and having no school behind you
If you would go this route, I recommend taking as many varied courses as you can, this will open up doors for you. I attached a list that i had to pick from. I currently work for an Enforcement Agency in which i am responsible for waterway and wetland encroachment complaints. There are lots of opportunities out there ranging from Fish & Boat commission, Game Commission, environmental engineering, environmental consultants,etc. I'm speaking for Pa not sure about out west.
Thanks for the list. They offer the program at the school I wanted to attend. Do you guys have any idea on who I could contact (i.e fish and game, state government, etc..) in order to get some information on the best field to go into? I'm not afraid to relocate after I graduate if need be, so i'm not too concerned about availability of jobs in my area. Im leaning towards Envrionmental Conservation, or consultation
