STEM careers related to the environment are growing at a faster rate than many professions and are considered an area of concern in Florida (Labor Market Estimating Conference, 2023).
Examples of these fields include Landscape Architects, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, Conservation Scientists, Geoscientists, and Biological Technicians. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated careers in these fields are growing faster than average with Environmental Scientists growing at 6%, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians at 6%, Environmental Engineers at 6%, Life Scientists at 7%, and many other environmentally related careers such as Technical Writers (7%) growing at fast rates as well.
Undergraduate students at UF have access to a wealth of resources to help prepare them for future careers in the environment and related STEM sectors. However, our research has found that many UF undergrads are unsure how to access these resources and want to be part of a community of students who are pursuing interdisciplinary environmental careers (Giangreco, Ennes, et al., 2024).
To address this issue, TESI developed the Environmental Leaders Network (EL Network) which connects UF students to environmental research, education & outreach, civic engagement practices, and experiential learning opportunities. We also have our Environmental Leaders Fellowship which is especially timely given the new institutional emphasis on experiential learning as part of UF’s general education curriculum and Quest 3.
These initiatives reflect TESI’s commitment to supporting student success while advancing its mission to cultivate strong science communication skills. By providing avenues for experiential learning, professional development, and public engagement, TESI prepares students to effectively translate complex environmental issues for all audiences. Explore the programs to learn more about how TESI fosters the next generation of environmental leaders and communicators.
Giangreco, M., Ennes, M., Pajuelo, M., Mills, S., Burton, R., LeFebvre, M., Adams, A. (2024). Assessing an assets-based environmental fellowship through a community cultural wealth lens. Environmental Education Research. 30(8). 1348-1367. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2024.2330090
Colato, J., Ice, L., Laycock, S., (2024), Industry and occupational employment projections overview and highlights, 2023–33, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2024/article/industry-and-occupational-employment-projections-overview-and-highlights-2023-33.htm