Are you studying, or looking for your first professional opportunity in Ecological Restoration?

Check out our suggestions for students and emerging professionals entering the ecological restoration sector:

  • Join the Society for Ecological Restoration. Fees for students and emerging professionals are affordable, and job offers may interest you (often outside Europe, but this may be a great opportunity to gain professional expertise and enjoy an enriching experience).
  • Find an active NGO involved in ecological restoration, and collaborate with them. Volunteering is a great first step toward professionalization and shows your commitment. Individual volunteering (e.g., for your municipality) is also a way to start building a professional portfolio.
  • Join LinkedIn, and follow SER-Europe. Keep an attractive and dynamic profile, highlight your ecological restoration interests and abilities, and look for job offers.
  • Make a list of companies involved in ecological restoration (using Google and social networks like LinkedIn). Do not hesitate to send them your CV with a motivation letter. Consider expanding your geographic scope (Europe, USA, Australia), where the private sector may be more developed.
  • Search for grants, scholarships, and jobs online. Some platforms specialize in environmental opportunities.
Photo: Restoration Ecology. Group/Centre for Ecological Research (Hungary)
  • Do not miss the opportunity to keep a professional agenda: record professional contacts who may help you in the future.
  • Attend seminars, trainings, and workshops, and speak with presenters. Here are upcoming SER-Europe events.
  • Getting involved in research is valuable. It helps you learn and build connections, even if you do not plan an academic career. Consider internships and collaborations with practitioners.
  • Remember that getting a job is a probabilistic process: the more connections and activities you engage in, the greater your chances.
  • If you wait and see, little may happen. Make sure you engage in some of the activities above.

Let us know if these tips have worked for you, or if you have others to share.

Other useful references for entering the Ecological Restoration profession