Green Jobs
Change the future with your green job. By Sharlotte LawrenceChange The Future With Your Green Job
By Sharlotte Lawrence

The hunt has already begun for your dream summer job. You find yourself flipping through the same listings – bank teller, grocery stores, restaurants or retail. Not that there’s anything wrong with those gigs but there has to be something more fulfilling and rewarding.
Ever heard of green-collar jobs? This new career trend is on the rise and now is the best time to take advantage of green opportunities. Vervegirls are known to be trendsetters, the avant-gardistas - why not transition that mindset into how you spend your summer and secure a rewarding job in the environmental sector?
What are Green
Green jobs are careers in the environmental or agricultural sector and often times underrated due to lack of formal promotion by the government. Students tend to flock to standard summer jobs with minimum wage and discounts on store merchandise. Wouldn’t you rather invest your time in global change?
Why should I get involved with a Green job?
It’s simple – we are the change. The ability of youth to change the world is quite profound. We understand the need for a stronger voice and for greater participation in our local and global communities. “Many of our young adults do not vote – because they don’t vote, their voice is not heard. We don’t invest money to make those types of changes,” Nigel Barriffe, community activist, explains.
Is it for me?
Why wouldn’t it be? Planting trees might not be your thing. Not all environmental jobs involve being outside. There’s an entire business aspect that young women aren’t aware of. It’s up to you to think outside the box! Take your skills and connect them to an environmental job. There are countless opportunities you could dig into!
If you’re the entrepreneurial type, the environmental industry is one of the most forward thinking and easiest routes to tap into. Start your own organic agriculture farm. Barriffe explains that students have started to capitalize on this venture – “It’s about creating pathways out of poverty. Get people working and give them an opportunity to build their own businesses.” Once those businesses develop, you’ll need distributors, account managers and a marketing team. It’s a great entrepreneurial prospect for university students.
If media or journalism is your forté, explore becoming a Social Media Specialist. Greenpeace Canada lists this position for the green enthusiast with a sound knowledge and wide range of environmental issues. If you’re unsure what e-jobs are available, talk to recruiters to establish what’s in demand and what the qualifications are.
Wherever your strengths lie, there’s most likely a green collar job with your name on it – it’s up to you to get it.
What are the benefits?
You have the power to secure your future and the future of Canada. Investing in local businesses is a definite means to help the Canadian economy grow in the right way. Simple acts like buying your groceries from local farmers’ markets can make a difference. Your contributions to rebuilding a stronger middle class can keep the economy flowing in a positive direction and away from the big businesses our government seems to favour.
“You can be the Rockefellers of this time.” – Nigel Barriffe.
Get informed!
Networking is the most obvious way to begin your job search. Subscribing to websites with regular job postings relevant to your interests is vital. Think about what you stand for and what you believe in. With all these tips in mind, you’re destined to land your dream green job!

Summer Jobs Part 1Looking for the perfect summer job is a lot like buying a new pair of shoes. It’s all about personal style and finding that perfect fit. If only it were as easy to find a job as it is to find designer stilettos.
Jobs: OnCampus VRepGuaranteed 3 month paid position!
Career Profiles Part 3Insight from eight recent grads. Compiled by Lisa Van de Ven
Career Profiles Part 2Insight from eight recent grads. Compiled by Lisa Van de Ven
Career Profiles Part 1Insight from eight recent grads. Compiled by Lisa Van de Ven
Career Profile: Marketing A career in a creative field like marketing can be very rewarding. Read up on what Michelle Blackwell, 26, told us about her exciting occupation and best memories of university.
Should You Be An Editor Or A Publisher?Curious which job would best suit your personality and interests?
Career Profile: Accountant When you think accountant, you probably picture a middle-aged man in a grey suit with a few pounds to lose. Well, Lindsay Chu, 25, is definitely not your stereotypical accountant. Here’s her take on her profession and how she got there.
Photo FinishYoung, ambitious and dedicated, photographer Caitlin Cronenberg’s future looks bright.
by: Priya Panda
So you think you can intern?Vervegirl profiles five fabulous interns (including one of our own) working in exciting industries.
So you think you can intern?Vervegirl profiles five fabulous interns (including one of our own) working in exciting industries.
So you think you can intern?Vervegirl profiles five fabulous interns (including one of our own) working in exciting industries.
Virtual University FairVisit the campus of your choice without the hassle of traveling.
Careers in the Film IndustyFrom CSI and Entourage to Mike Myers’ yet-to-be-released mega hit, Jana Tomcko is making her mark on the film industry.
Benefits of VolunteeringAnne Larrass thinks globally with Care Canada
Fashion & Beauty CareersSo you want to work in the fashion or beauty biz? Good news, you don’t have to be a leggy 5'10" bombshell! Whether your favourite class is Algebra or Phys Ed, there are tons of career choices that will create the perfect chemistry for a fabulous career in fashion.
Summer JobsFind summer jobs that are right for you.
BY LISA VAN DE VEN
Canadian Supermodel Coco RochaThis canadian supermodel has lots of reasons to dance an Irish jig!
Welcome to the life of Coco Rocha.
Interview with Former Canadian Olympian Stella UmehFrom Olympic glory to Cirque success.
Ever wonder what it would feel like to represent Canada at the Olympics? To be part of a reality TV show? To join the circus?
Interview with Canada's Top Model : Michelle ValencourtIf you aren’t fully fluent in the world of fashion you’ll have to trust me on this: W, Pop, British Vogue, The Face, i-D, Dazed & Confused, Jalouse and Marie Claire are some of the top publications on the planet, and if you’re a model these are the places you want to appear.
How to Budget for Post-Secondary LifeForget about the schoolwork. Don’t think about what it’s going to be like to live away from home, if that’s your plan. Instead, right now, when you think about that step towards your post-secondary education, think only of the money.
It’s one of the biggest sources of stress for students making the transition from high school to university or college, yet it’s one that many students don’t want to think about. In fact, some aren’t even sure how they’re going to pay for it at all.
Vintage Fashion Shopping On LineMore than just sushi…this is a modern day fairytale of love, vintage and eBay.
Once upon a time in the city of Toronto, there lived a boy named Tommy Molnar and a girl named Noelle VanRaes. Fed up with their jobs and in search of more freedom, they launched MakiMakiVintage.com “for lovers of vintage and lovers of sushi.”
Careers in PhotographyThese 21-year-old identical twins are discovering how to make their passion for photography flourish.
Born on October 10th, 1986, Lily is older than Lilac by a mere five minutes. The two spent their childhoods on the south shore of Montreal, playing the piano and watching their father and grandfather photograph.
Part-time blogging turns full-time career