Why you should NOT study Environmental Sciences

[@khanyisiledlamini9980]

This is so true. BSc is just so over saturated with really few opportunities. We end up with graduates working 'entry level' jobs ( jobs requiring matric) and earning way below what they deserve

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

And it's so heartbreaking when you think about all the investment you put into your education, financial and otherwise

[@shakeelahbarron5439]

I graduated in 2018. Never got a job or internship in the field. I’m now an EHS officer and still trying to get my honours in sciences. Even university opportunities to study postgrad are becoming scarce.

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

This reality is so heartbreaking 💔

[@apachevwv3123]

So are you saying the jobs are slowly dying out? Will the jobs ever not be scarce in the future? Sorry im just a freshman that just finished a year of environmental science classes

[@intoxicationtoxic5463]

This is true Katlego, and what i have noticed is that with time even an honors will not be enough. That is how the work environment is changing, if you think back in the old days, all you needed was matric to get a good job, now matric is useless. We will reach a time where you need a PhD for an entry level job. That's how times are changing for work. Regarding race, that's also true the industry is gate kept for white people. You see that in a conservation conference there only 2 black people amongst whites mostly old men. Lol a million never, only CEO and top management in conservation make that money not scientist. The best option is to study, get experience and start a consulting company.

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

It's so sad that the most educated people (scientists etc) are the least paid in the industry. The problem is because you need to know people, who know people, who know people....who will squeeze you in and give you opportunities.

[@intoxicationtoxic5463]

@@KatlegoMakgopo private sector pays a lot though. An environmental specialist at a mining company gets a lot of money. The problem with private sector is job security. And a lot of us want job security because there’s debts to pay

[@ottomakola9305]

Very soon, MSc won't be enough anymore.🥺And I still think the best way to go about it is to be less specialized, have more than one qualification in multiple disciplines...to better improve chances of employment to begin with.😭

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

So sad. How much money are you going to spend on education only to get paid less than 10K at a job 💔. I agree, the way the world is moving it may serve as an advantage to have multiple qualification or even certifications

[@vuyelwamkhuma3717]

Thanks so much

[@HopeObasi-yu3vo]

Dose one face same challenge in environmental management?

[@idk_her1353]

I have been thinking about environmental science since 2020 when I was 12 and I just knew I had a great interest in working for the environment and understand it's functioning but all the cons keep outweighing the pros. I'm confused but I wanna do this but I also don't wanna end up being broke

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

Research as much as you can about the specific career in Environmental Science you want. Also keep in mind that you don't have to be confined to your country

[@idk_her1353]

@@KatlegoMakgopo thank you so much, i will definitely try and figure out a way to do this.

[@petrastephenson7003]

I wouldn’t recommend studying environmental science unless you plan on doing engineering because that’s when the Bsc becomes useful..in terms of environmental science specifically, a lot of the people I work with have degrees in chemistry, biology, ecology, engineering and have just acquired the knowledge on environmental values. You don’t need a whole science degree to understand environmental Values. If you love science I’d recommend the hard sciences like chemistry, biology, physics, geology…they are more fundamental sciences and are essentially relevant in almost any kind of job. If you plan on doing enviro science, be prepared to compete against engineer and chemistry grads for the roles. Obvs employers would prefer them over us mere generalists 😢 (coming from an enviro science grad with minors in geology)

[@DAVIDVICTOR-se9mp]

How I wish I saw this video earlier I wouldn't have proceed in studying this course. What a mistake 😩

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

If you don’t mind me asking, how far along are you with your studies now?

[@solomonthema3895]

Thought i was the only one struggling with environmental qualification😢 its messed up

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

No, you are definitely not the only one struggling 💔

[@vanessakgodiso8710]

not me thinking of droping out yoh

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

Don't drop out. I just made this video so you are aware. Everyone's experience is different depending on the direction you take.

[@QBaybee]

I'm in grade 10 right now and I want to know which degree would be best considering you are someone who had the same ambition as me at this point in time as well as the fact that you are a working professional who has been through being an environmental scientist. I'm basically asking what a good alternative would be to environmental science.

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

My advice would be to look at your strengths, and what you like doing. That should help you decide on an alternative. For example, when I first went to Uni I wanted to be a doctor...but I ended up changing along the way. As for a suitable degree, to become an environmental scientist you need to do a BSc in Environmental Science (It may have a different name depending on the university)

[@Antonio-j5q]

I did undergraduate degrees in fields not in the environmental science area. However, later, I got a graduate diploma and a masters in environmental science. Is it a good idea to do an undergraduate degree in environmental science? Should I just try to obtain work in the environmental science with what I have done? I received the masters over 20 twenty years ago.

[@AkhonaMbatha-e2b]

Love your honesty ❤️

[@Roryn33423]

i think it depends on the location of whether theyre is high pay as in many european countries i believe they're are high paid jobs in the industry from what i have seen they're is high pay in many european countries aswell as the USA and other surrounding areas.

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

Are these entry-level jobs? How many years of experience do they require?

[@Roryn33423]

@@KatlegoMakgopo most of them are not entry level jobs and often require a few years experience unfortunately

[@snehajoe456]

Hii... I completed my masters in chemistry from India and now I'm planning to do masters in environmental science from Australia. I completed all my proceedings and about to go. I saw your video too late. Now I'm scared that will I regret this decision. I need to get a good job after my studies to pay back my loan😥

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

Australia is actually a good place for environmental sciences. Apparently the demand for professionals is quite high

[@abhipsahazra9741]

Hey if I have a masters in science (biology)..and then get a PhD in environmental sciences...will I get a job ?

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

Yes, however it depends on the type of job you have in mind. A PhD puts you in the direction of a career in academia/research if this is what you are looking for, great! If not, then I’d think more about what direction you want to go in. Even with an MSc which you currently have, you can get a job

[@navneetyadav3941]

thank you!!

[@solomonthema3895]

Was told in honours interview at UFS that it would be best if i knew how to speak Afrikaans if i want to improve my chances of getting a job😂🤦🏾‍♂️

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

Yoh 😭😭😭

[@lungisanimthandeni6101]

haaa this video

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

I'm really just trying to be real with you guys. I can't just sell you dreams 🙈

[@braveboy1million908]

​@KatlegoMakgopo If you regret it so much then why don't you just fo back to school and pick a different major? It seems like you're giving advice but at the same time it looks like you're just complaining.

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

Thank you for watching the video. However, it seems you've missed the point of this video...I made it to talk about/show the other side of this career. Every career has pros and cons, and these are the cons of a career in environmental sciences (based on my experiences ofcourse).

[@braveboy1million908]

@@KatlegoMakgopo Oh. OK. I understand. I'm sorry for coming at you like that.

[@shanonphokoane3159]

I wish I came across your videos before I enrolled for this course 😭croes in second year 😭

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

It’s not so bad… now you have time to figure out which direction you want to go in

[@shanonphokoane3159]

@@KatlegoMakgopo Thing is I don't know where to start, mind giving me a hint?

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

Well, look at the modules you are currently doing. Which ones do you enjoy the most? You can watch the video I did on specializations and see which field interests you. Then you need to research what jobs you can do. Which environmental companies you want to work for and the jobs/internships they advertise. What are the requirements etc. I will post a video talking more about this topic very soon.

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

You can also watch the video I did on working in Research vs Industry to help you decide. But ultimately I always advise you try to work towards a postgraduate degree first before looking for a job. But I understand that people’s situation are not the same

[@nomfundonene2365]

The 4x4 part😂

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

I've seen it more than once 😂

[@Katlegodibakwane4267]

Reason why I changed to veterinary science🤣. I was at home for a year even though I have a BSc degree and honours, I remember I was declined from an internship because apparently I am overqualified, imagine🤣. I so wish I knew this info before🥲 I mean after all the pain we went through at wits then we struggle to get a job, damn. This is definitely going to help a lot of people babe👏👏👏

[@KatlegoMakgopo]

While some jobs want a ridiculous amount of experience some say you're over qualified as a graduate 💔

[@Katlegodibakwane4267]

its bad out there😥😥😥😥@@KatlegoMakgopo

[@amrin_fna]

Is environmental science all about biology