Wanted: Two cents
I am having quite a conundrum. I applied for this job, the title is Environmental Scientist. Sounds great right. I'd actually be working within the realm of my degree. I'd be doing some field work out in the heat with all the bugs, mud, etc. That might sound bad to some of you, but I'd love it. I'd also get to learn a lot about flora, fauna, developing reparation plans, permitting, regulations, and relocation and protection of different species. So what's the problem? It's with an environmental permitting and consulting firm. I had qualms before I even applied, but I figured it's always good experience interviewing with anyone and I was interested to try to find out more about consulting firms. I wasn't even sure they'd be interested in me. Then I got response from them, and I just finished a phone interview with my would be boss. I assumed there would be more interviews, but the guy told me that that's all they do. Based on my resume, a questionnaire I filled out, and the phone interview they will make a decision. I will get an email next week with either an offer or a thank you kiss off.
Here's the thing:
As always I was very blunt, I told him my priority was to work in an area where I could help protect the environment, and that my concern was that his company's clientele was predominately industry and that their loyalty would lie with them. He handled it very well, seemed to understand my concerns, and I liked the way he talked about manipulating the industry guys with talk of economics to protect certain valuable lands. The guy told me that sometimes his field people will come back and say this piece of land is really beautiful I'd hate to see it developed (or mined) and he says he tries to see what he can do - namely make it seem less economically viable.
He was straight forward with me: he said I might have a problem with what the company does, but there are good things too like the reparation plans they develop, that his company has a very good reputation with the regulatory agencies, and that he does not want anyone to hang their ethics at the door. I told him that I felt that their 90 day probation period would be mutually beneficial and would enable me to decide whether this is something that I feel comfortable doing within the realm of my ethics. So that said if they do offer me a job, he knows that I feel strongly about protecting the environment and he still wants me on his staff.
It's a difficult situation for me. There are almost no jobs in my field, especially in Florida. I would undoubtedly learn a lot if I took a job like this. I know my parents think I hold myself to ridiculous standards - they think I create rules that are nearly impossible to live by with my environmental beliefs, my vegetarian diet, etc. But I believe in these things, and I want to be commited to the issues that are important to me. I'm leaning towards not taking the job if it is offered to me. Am I unrealistic? Is there anything wrong with me taking a job with a consulting firm, and then quiting it if I feel it violates my principles? So I want your opinions, even if it is something you think I won't like to hear. It helps to bounce this type of thing off people with all kinds of different perspectives, so give me your opinions please.
Here's the thing:
As always I was very blunt, I told him my priority was to work in an area where I could help protect the environment, and that my concern was that his company's clientele was predominately industry and that their loyalty would lie with them. He handled it very well, seemed to understand my concerns, and I liked the way he talked about manipulating the industry guys with talk of economics to protect certain valuable lands. The guy told me that sometimes his field people will come back and say this piece of land is really beautiful I'd hate to see it developed (or mined) and he says he tries to see what he can do - namely make it seem less economically viable.
He was straight forward with me: he said I might have a problem with what the company does, but there are good things too like the reparation plans they develop, that his company has a very good reputation with the regulatory agencies, and that he does not want anyone to hang their ethics at the door. I told him that I felt that their 90 day probation period would be mutually beneficial and would enable me to decide whether this is something that I feel comfortable doing within the realm of my ethics. So that said if they do offer me a job, he knows that I feel strongly about protecting the environment and he still wants me on his staff.
It's a difficult situation for me. There are almost no jobs in my field, especially in Florida. I would undoubtedly learn a lot if I took a job like this. I know my parents think I hold myself to ridiculous standards - they think I create rules that are nearly impossible to live by with my environmental beliefs, my vegetarian diet, etc. But I believe in these things, and I want to be commited to the issues that are important to me. I'm leaning towards not taking the job if it is offered to me. Am I unrealistic? Is there anything wrong with me taking a job with a consulting firm, and then quiting it if I feel it violates my principles? So I want your opinions, even if it is something you think I won't like to hear. It helps to bounce this type of thing off people with all kinds of different perspectives, so give me your opinions please.