A waste management consultant provides expert advice on reducing waste and waste-related costs to businesses. To become one, obtain post-secondary education in business management or environmental science, gain senior-level experience in the industry, build a professional network, and consider employment options as an employee or starting a private company.
Someone with extensive experience in the waste management industry might want to become a waste management consultant. He would provide companies and businesses with professional and expert advice on the different methods available for reducing waste and waste-related costs. Demand for this type of service has steadily increased as interest in reducing waste and saving the environment has increased. Many companies do not need this level of knowledge on an ongoing basis, but only for a short period of time. This often makes hiring a consultant the best way to access expertise without spending more money than necessary.
The first step required to become a waste management consultant is to obtain post-secondary education in business management or environmental science. There is no specific program designed to address waste management, but either of these two options will provide a solid foundation for understanding business challenges and the impact of waste on the environment. These programs are available at most major colleges or universities.
The next step is to gain experience at a senior level in a waste management or environmental assessment company. A waste management consultant usually has between 10 and 15 years of experience in this industry. In many situations, potential employers value experience more than education.
There have been significant changes in this industry that may make some of the older concepts irrelevant or outdated. For example, the main focus of waste management used to be finding ways to bury or hide waste. Now, the main focus is on creating processes that don’t produce as much waste and finding effective ways to reuse it.
Building a professional reputation and business contacts is essential if you want to become a waste management consultant. You’ll rely heavily on this network for information about changes in the industry, potential consulting engagements, and other valuable information. This process takes time and a significant investment of effort in networking and socializing. Without that network, you risk missing out on potential contracts.
There are two main employment options for a waste management consultant: working as an employee of a large consulting firm or starting a private company. As an employee, there is a greater degree of stability and income benefits such as paid vacation and days off. However, a private business as a consultant can be very profitable. Most people who want to become waste management consultants start out as an employee of a consulting firm and build a private business only when they get a long-term contract.
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