Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Project Coordinators
Many large consulting firms offer entry-level positions to recent graduates, often labeled with the year of graduation, and invest heavily in training programs to supplement what colleges don't provide; Madeline's own career trajectory exemplifies this, starting with a "part-time year-long fellowship" that unexpectedly led to a full-time position, highlighting the value of internships and fellowships even if they initially seem less than ideal.
Entry-Level Jobs, Internships, Consulting, Sustainability, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Madeline Rawson
Project Coordinator
GreenerU
Williams College
n/a
Environmental & Related Sciences
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Consulting & Related Professional Services
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Many large consulting firms offer entry-level positions to recent graduates, often with titles including "campus" or the graduating year.
2. Companies in this field often invest in training programs for new college graduates because the necessary skills aren't always fully taught in school.
3. Internships, including post-graduate options, can be valuable stepping stones to full-time positions, even if they're initially part-time or temporary.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
Many larger sustainability or environmental consulting firms offer a certain number of positions for recent graduates each year. You'll likely find these roles listed under titles that include "campus" or the current year.
These firms often have a designated number of positions specifically for people right out of college. This field requires specialized training that isn't typically acquired in school.
Because of this, companies invest significant effort in training recent graduates. They develop strong training programs to cultivate capable employees, especially for those passionate about the field but not receiving all necessary skills from their education.
An internship at one of these companies, if available, can give you a significant advantage. Any internship with such a firm can potentially lead to a full-time position.
Don't shy away from post-grad internships or fellowships, even though they are often temporary or part-time. I started at my current company in a year-long, part-time fellowship.
It sounded challenging initially, as paying rent in Boston on a part-time salary seemed difficult. However, it was exactly the type of role I was interested in, so I accepted it.
Three months later, it evolved into a full-time job. Therefore, I strongly encourage exploring these opportunities, even if they don't appear to be traditional entry-level positions.
Consulting firms often use these roles to hire and evaluate new talent. If you perform well, you can earn a full-time position sooner than you might expect.