Career Opportunities and Work Life

Skills You'll Need

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The Classroom Experience

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Skills You'll Need - Environmental Science

The role of today's environmental scientist is more science focused than in years past. Lab skills are essential. The abilities to effectively use a microscope, water analysis equipment, and computer programs are necessary for environmental scientists.
	Along with the technical skills, environmental scientists must also possess determination and patience. Environmental problems do not happen over night; neither do the solutions to those problems. The ability to look at issues objectively is the key to finding multiple possible solutions to environmental dilemmas.

To accompany your technical skills, written communication skills must be perfected. Finding, testing and determining an environmental issue are the first step in the resolution process. The second step is the ability to put findings and solutions to written form. Written communication is your vehicle to let others know your findings and solutions. It can also determine your ability to access research funding which is often dependent on well-written grants and proposals.

Other skills and knowledge you'll need to be successful include:

• Critical thinking
• Flexibility to work independently or part of a team
• Ability to write and interpret written reports
• Ability to work in varying external environments
• Self-confidence and self-motivation