“Going Luke” In The Pecking Order

Despite the capital invested in your education or transitional training, be prepared to enter the industry at the bottom of the pecking order.  No matter how strong of a game-changing attitude you may think you'll bring, understand that the hierarchical system of social organization in that company is going to ensure that your aspirations of coming in as top chicken will be de-feathered.  At least initially or until you’ve made enough coffee runs.  Corporate culture alone takes a period of saturation to understand.  Add in passion for environmental responsibility to that culture and you have one of the toughest organizational environments to penetrate if you don't support the vision.  In addition, the game
has become...still remains challenging as many career individuals with the very experience you desire to obtain have been displaced and are now fighting for the same position you're willing to do for free.  This only adds to the necessity of being humble.

There was a time when Luke Skywalker didn’t fully accept his role as an intern (Padowan for all of you Force fans) and ended up dumping his X-wing in the Degobah swamps.  No matter how confident you are in your abilities, never go "Luke" in front of the boss when he assigns you a seemingly meaningless task or else you'll find your opportunities dumped in the of swamp of busted egos.  As I mentioned in previous posts, these tasks are your opportunity to expand your presence.   Use them to earn your place.

Fortunately for you, the green industry is still young.  I have had many discussions with peers about the idea of sustainability and its importance in the industry.  While the trend is hot, businesses going green offer opportunities across EVERY industry, even those that seemingly contradict the idea of environmental friendliness.  Just as the wheel is essential to creating a car, sustainable practices will soon blur the lines between green efficiency and standard business operations and become the absolute requirement for any new business to enter the market.  So stay humble while you are interning in a green organization and embrace the idea that sustainability can take you anywhere.

~Michael