When Reps Move On
Green living program (GLP) reps may ask for reference letters for jobs they apply for after their time on campus. It would be helpful for the GLP coordinator to provide references, advice on career opportunities, or other information related to reps' future work.
Draw lessons from departing students to help create institutional memory. Be sure to get their final reports and consider conducting exit interviews. Maintain ties with the students, as they will be in a position to help the program as they move on in the world.
Consider giving special rewards and recognition to graduating and exiting students. Before they leave campus, consider running a campaign to have graduating students (including themselves!) participate in a “green grad pledge,” in which they agree to “take into account the social and environmental consequences” of their future jobs.
Also consider finding a way to extend former reps into leadership or staff positions. They would be a great addition to the campus greening team because they are already familiar with the community.
If a student is not graduating but decides not to participate in your program the following year, you can always keep them involved in an unofficial capacity through email updates or allowing them to volunteer.
Where Do Your Graduating Reps Go from Here?
There are many professional careers opening up in the realm of sustainability. There are also many types of related environmental jobs. Students can incorporate environmental interests and knowledge into areas like medicine, sociology, literature, or just about any field. It is important for them to consider sustainability issues in whatever profession they choose, and to continue to influence their friends and colleagues. Hopefully, they will feel inspired to be a "rep" for life, no matter what path they choose. Try to provide your graduating reps with a list of job resources and links to advice if they want to consider environmental or related careers. These green jobs websites are a good starting point:
- Sustainable Business
- Business for Social Responsibility
- EnviroCitizen
- The Environmental Careers Organization
- Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
- EcoEmploy
- BackdoorJobs
- CoolWorks
- GreenBiz
- Action Without Borders