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Formative Experiences Influence Career Trajectories

April 7, 2025  |  career exploration, career path, connection to nature, environmental jobs, environmental sector, experiential education, green jobs, job boards, outdoor recreation, youth mentorship
A woman looks into a microscope in a lab

A whole range of factors can influence the career path a person chooses. Salary ranges and job security are logistical considerations. Less tangible concerns, like emotional fulfillment and a desire to create positive change, also may be relevant. Research tells us that some key factors that affect the desire to pursue an environmental or outdoor career include one’s connection to nature, outdoor recreation experiences, and hands-on learning opportunities. These factors have a significant impact when experienced during one’s formative years. Kids who feel connected to their local environment, regularly play outside, and are mentored by adults who invest in real-world learning opportunities are well positioned to develop a career interest related to sustainability and the outdoors. Connection to nature, finding joy in the outdoors, and intentional mentorship are cornerstones that NRF looks for in the programs we support. We want kids to have the opportunity to let loose and be themselves, while also developing the skills and confidence needed to create positive change in their communities as adults.

Two boys examine the ground through grass with a magnifying glass

We also know that not all kids receive the same level of investment or have the same access to safe outdoor spaces. Youth of color, youth with disabilities, low-income youth, and LGBTQ+ youth are less likely to have formative experiences that set them on a track to pursue an environmental career. The push to diversify environmental fields is, of course, complicated. Environmental science and outdoor recreation professionals remain largely white. Racial discrimination and a lack of cultural competency in the sector are powerful forces that deter young people who might otherwise be interested in joining the environmental workforce. NRF aims to level the playing field by investing in community organizations that provide meaningful recreation experiences to youth with marginalized identities. Further, we offer holistic support to nonprofit leaders and staff members whose identities reflect those of the kids they serve.

A young girl sits in a garden in overalls

For folks currently on the hunt for a job in the environmental or outdoor sector there are numerous resources available. The Environmental Defense Fund hosts a Green Jobs Hub that covers a wide range of fields while the Justice Outside jobs board has environmental justice-specific job postings. The Green Jobs Board is more climate-focused. The North American Association for Environmental Education and the Association for Nature-Based Education have more education-focused opportunities on their job boards. Finally, societies for specific academic disciplines often have job sites that are streamlined for qualifications within the field. A good example is the job board from the Ecological Society of America.

At NRF we believe that all kids should have access to opportunities to play, explore, learn, and grow in the outdoors. Some of these kids will go on to pursue environmental degrees and job opportunities, while others will pursue other passions. Ultimately, we hope that all kids will have opportunities to pursue work that makes our communities stronger, healthier, and more equitable.