Wondering if a job in administration is for you? If the majority of these statements apply to you, you could be headed for a job in leadership.

• I believe that Aboriginal culture depends on a sustainable environment, and I want to make sure this is represented in our laws.
• I want to help protect our natural resources and am interested in learning how we can preserve and protect them for future generations.
• I’m a real bookworm. I could spend hours in a library reading about the issues that affect the way we live.
• I want to make sure Aboriginal issues are represented fairly by someone who understands them through first-hand experience.
• I enjoy debating with people about issues that are important, and I want to help people find solutions to problems.
• I know or would like to learn a second language, so I can communicate more effectively with more people.
  

If you’re working towards a job in government or other areas that require leadership and management skills, get started right now. Here are some things you can do:

Explore your interest:

• Shadow someone working in your field of choice like an environmental policy analyst, an environmental lawyer, an Aboriginal liaison, an environmental scientist or a traditional ecological knowledge advisor.
• For more information on job-shadowing, see the tip sheet on Gaining Related Experience in the Career Journey.
• Talk to your Elders about traditional forms of government how these traditional forms have changed, and how disputes are resolved.
• Research an environmental issue affecting your community. Find out which groups are involved, if there is a dispute, and what progress is being made to resolve the issue.

Show your personal commitment to protecting the atmosphere and keeping the air clean:

• Spend time talking to your friends about environmental issues, such as how to conserve energy or reduce waste. Find out what your friends do, and talk about how you can all do more to protect the environment.
• Participate in and be vocal at town meetings and events.

• Lead by personal example and make “green” choices a habit in your day-to-day life. Use recycled paper and send e-greetings instead of paper cards. Avoid using “throw-away” items like paper plates and plastic cutlery. Walk or ride your bike, whenever you can, instead of driving or taking the bus.

Start developing the experience and knowledge required for an air-related job:

• Look for jobs with local businesses and industries, your band council or your community centre
• Gain and demonstrate your leadership by participating in extracurricular activities or community activities that involve working with other people. For example, join student government or political groups; write for a student a magazine or newspaper; sign up for sports competitions; join a debating team; volunteer at a community agency; or fundraise for a charitable organization.
• Sharpen your organizational and research skills by taking on a family project. For example, find out how you can make your house more energy efficient. What do you need to do to decrease the amount of air coming in or escaping from your house? Make a chart of how many times family members leave lights on when no one’s in a room.

Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Lawyer
Aboriginal Liaison
Environmental Scientist
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Advisor