Despite the current economic conditions, green careers are on the rise, said Janina Robbins, a career and internship adviser for the WSU Center for Advising and Career Development.

Robbins said that even federal money is going to invigorating the field.

“There are some stimulus monies helping the growth of green jobs,” she said. “A lot of it is going to wind and solar areas.” Kate McIlraith, the assistant director of recruitment for the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resource Sciences, said she was surprised at the number of students at Alive! this summer who asked about majors that can lead to green careers.

“I couldn’t believe the number of incoming students who showed interest in our natural resource sciences and wildlife ecology programs,” she said. “It was really amazing.” The information fair held in the Lighty Student Services Building on Wednesday provided students with job opportunities that seek to help the environment. Some of the groups in attendance included the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute, the Center for Civic Engagement, CAHNRS and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.

Becky Luper, a recruiting specialist for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, said she believes a lot more attention has been given to environment-focused jobs.

“I think there’s probably a lot more social media focused on green careers,” she said.

Luper said Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories offers a number of green career opportunities for students after graduation.

“Market managers sell our products to companies who are working on alternative energy sources,” she said. “We also provide opportunities for all types of engineers.” Luper said it is strongly suggested that students have strong GPAs as well as past internship experiences when they apply for green careers. They also must be willing to adapt to the culture of the company.

“We like the WSU students specifically,” she said.

Jessica Colombini, a freshman nursing major, said that although she is not seeking a green career, she believes they are an important part of society.

“I think why students should look into green careers is because our environment is not doing very good,” she said. “I think it’s good for people to become educated on what to fix right now.” Robbins said students of all majors are encouraged to look into the benefits green of careers.

“A student I met that was a psychology major asked me how their major fits in with green careers,” she said. “I told the student that industrial psychology is important area they should look into.” Robbins encourages students interested in green careers to check out the O*NET Resource Center online at www.onetcenter.org/ to learn more about different opportunities available.

“Students should start educating themselves ahead of time, and then they can start looking at the job and internship possibilities,” she said.