How to Become an Environmental Engineer

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Interested in finding environmental engineering jobs? Curious about what courses should you take to give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs and graduate school? Curious about how to apply and get into grad school? What does the daily life of a Graduate Engineering student look like?
UCLA PhD candidate Alex Polasko sits down with Working in Science to talk all things environmental engineering and give some advice to aspiring environmental engineers.
First Alex tackles the question every aspiring environmental engineer has: what exactly is the job description and what does it mean to be an environmental engineer and work as a grad student?
Alex loves the interdisciplinary nature of the environmental engineering field. Her research focuses on ground water and using bacteria to clean the water and tap into our existing resources in a sustainable and green way. Alex uses bacteria in her research and works in a wet lab.
She also talks about interdisciplinary research and collaboration with other researchers in the field. Participating in internship programs and working in a lab and as an intern helped to inform her decision to go to graduate school.
Alex credits some of her success to the great mentors she has had throughout her life. She is currently a mentor to an environmental science student at UCLA.
Looking to find someone to talk to in environmental engineering or get some questions answered? Leave a comment on this video!
You can also reach out to Alex Polasko directly at apolasko@g.ucla.edu or on Facebook at / polasko
Watch Alex's Passion in Science Award Talk!
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Discover More About Alex Polasko:
PhD Student, Alexandra Polasko, Receives 2015 Len Assante National Groundwater Scholarship:
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Article: Inside the Heart and Mind of Alex Polasko:
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Read Alex's Senior College Thesis from UC Berkley:
Sulfide Inhibition Effect on Dehalococcoides Strain 195’s Ability to Biodegrade Trichloroethene and Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough’s Cell Growth
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Alex's Other Research Work:
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Опубликовано:

27 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 141

@IslamicWisdom-1234 6 лет назад

Now I am a university environmental engineering student in Ethopia. I am not worry about the job opportunity after gratuation. Since my aim is to preserve the planet, and this is the best job to me.

@adolfhitlerssingleballsack7682 5 лет назад

fekadu fenta good luck! :)

@bahulnigam5524 5 лет назад

@Aiman Al-Hmadi 😂😂😂

@shovonchowdhury3954 3 года назад

best of luck brother

@fearless_stellar2944 3 года назад

Well do your best.

@theyoungsomali Год назад

You can do it, and we can do a horn regional scope as well. 😊😅🎉❤

@RandyLy 3 года назад

Hey, I'm an environmental engineer and this video is pretty much spot on. We do a broad sense of everything environmental-related and can specialize in specific fields (air, water, waste, etc...). My job specifically is geared towards environmental compliance, which is to ensure that facilities follow local and federal regulations such as not dumping whatever toxic waste down a river. Some other environmental engineers do designs for water treatment plants if you enjoy working with structures more and love AutoCAD. Overall, there are many different routes to choose from, and we're all doing this to build a better and more sustainable future

@kevinthunder3375 2 года назад

I have always struggled with math growing up and am currently 3 math classes away from qualifying for calculus so unfortunately I can't do engineering. I graduated community college with an Associates Degree in General Studies. I have a passion for the environment and am potentially interested in Environmental Engineering though my college doesn't off Environmental Engineering though they do have Geology and Environmental Science. Is it feasible that I can do it despite my learning disability and, if so, what would my career path look like? What does it entail as well? Would it require a Masters or do I have to go full on PhD?

@jaisrobins1545 2 года назад

@Randy Ly it’s funny that you have commented here as it was one of your videos that got me interested in what other Environmental Engineers do.

@MandieLeeAnn 6 лет назад

She reminds me of Emmy Rossum from Shamelss

@martistarti2374 6 лет назад

Mandieleeann O'brecht she totally looks like her!

@lifegoeson1007 5 лет назад

djsibfb djsoaokab I looked at the thumbnail and thought the same lol

@geovanialvarez7744 5 лет назад

I’m watching shameless as I also watch this video lol

@kevinthunder3375 2 года назад

That's who she reminded of! I couldn't place it.

@luqmaanladane40 6 лет назад

Now I'm preparing my master degree in Water & Environmental Engineering in China. Thank you for your encouragement.

@MohamedAhmed-we8go 6 лет назад

Luqmaan Ladane Horumar wacan sxb

@gowthamravi2018 5 лет назад

Luqmaan Ladane hi bro, from which college???

@abdijabardahir9777 4 года назад

Jamacadde dhigata saxib

@flexbabe1122 4 года назад

Which university

@saurabhbachhuka9254 4 года назад

I seriously need your help...I'm planning to pursue masters in Environmental Engineering from US or Europe...please guide me on opportunities for this program and best country for this field...please please help me... My WhatsApp number is : 91-9422937822

@gilles466 2 года назад

I'm a very curious person, I love finding out why things happen and how things work on the inside. I think Environmental Engineering is definitely for me. Thank you so much for the info Alex.

@nadatawakkol97 5 лет назад

I'm in my last year of high school and I'm seriously interested in changing the environmental situation but I'm one of those people who isn't really good at maths which makes my decision to become an environmental engineer so much harder! Any advice?

@TS-cn4pc 5 лет назад

Well... Ur not alone. Maths is the only part that worries.... Why cant we just save our environmenment without studying maths... I think its possible

@tinaa6025 4 года назад

Have you considered environmental science? There's jobs like environmental consulting and environmental law, which is more focused on policy and writing than math.

@kejsixheka744 4 года назад

I'm studying environmental engineering and only in the first year you have math in the next 3 years you study environment which is so dope and you will love it but it's really hard tho you think of changing career especially in the 1st year. Anyway if you wanna change the environment you stick to it

@alxcardoza 3 года назад

My advice to you is to study math. If you want to become an environmental engineer, you can. Put the work in. Believe in yourself. Ask for help with the harder parts of math that you do not understand. Best of luck to you in whatever you pursue.

@williamlevison9966 3 года назад

Dang it, I’m two years late, I could’ve helped you so much. But anyways, you could be really bad at math but that basically doesn’t matter at all, a job with this degree requires little knowledge of things like calculus or physics.

@gonztastic 6 лет назад

She's an absolute inspiration. Too bad the edits squelched my enthusiasm.

@andrewgonzales1359 2 года назад

I attended UCLA for my first semester of undergrad (I have my tee-shirt on, LOL) but I left because of financial reasons and I returned to the Midwest. Frankly, I regret returning because there was not as much academic engagement in the Midwest than what I found at UCLA. It's a great institution!

@ahmedag3301 7 лет назад

Hi i'm phD student on environmental engineering Thanks for this video I appreciate what you are doing Thank you

@Vinodkumar-cz1py 5 лет назад

Hello.... I need to ask some questions n need some ques .... can I please clear my doubts regarding how to get jobs in environmental engineering etc

@florachrist9602 4 года назад

Wow😍

@saurabhbachhuka9254 4 года назад

@riz5836 6 лет назад

Amazing! Ty for ur explanation sister

@dfredankey 7 лет назад

This video actually helped me

@callmeviper7723 6 лет назад

How was your BS in Environmental Science degree experience? Did you get an associates degree first? I am currently enrolled in a two year college studying wildlife resources management, with courses including zoology, Botany and dendrology, field biology/ecology, ichthyology and ornithology, psychology, wildlife management and environmental chemistry. Would this be a good start for continuing on for my bachelors in environmental science? I’m not entirely sure what I want to do as a career choice, but I love learning about the natural world.

@MiLdO01 6 лет назад

focus on environmental chemistry and/or math and physics. You will need to take these classes if you want to become an engineer.

@resimamanogu8611 Год назад

Am an environmental engeneer student in Tanzania .i hope things will go in a way i plan to since am interested in environmental problem solving out

@jaredhighlands4604 7 лет назад

Am in community college going for either engineering or engineering tech and hope to get into environmental or renewable energy

@WorkingInScience 7 лет назад

Good luck!

@saurabhbachhuka9254 4 года назад

@evaggeliapatelarou 3 года назад

@@saurabhbachhuka9254 hey do you need help yet? I could give if you want a piece of advice.....

@naeebrooks3796 7 лет назад

My question is, what is the benefit of summer programs that emphasis stem degrees/majors and how should I begin the application process for such programs?

@WorkingInScience 7 лет назад

Summer programs can be a great add to your resume, and depending on your individual situation get you to the next level. I personally think that you should only consider doing one if you are in high school or pre-college. If you are already in college, I would suggest trying to get an internship or summer job. Even if its not the exact field you want to go into, it will give you good experience and the beginning of a professional skill set that will help you in all your future positions! Summer programs come in so many different varieties with different strong suits. Do your research and decide what you want to get out of it before going in. Do you need one to make up for some lower science grades? Or do you want to set yourself apart and pad your resume for a selective program? Each program is different so the requirements will be different everywhere. However, most places will probably want to see an academic transcript, your GPA, any extracurriculars, a few letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of why you want to go to their program. If you’re interested in finding a program there is a pretty comprehensive list here: www.teenlife.com/category/summer/engineering-summer-programs/ And if you need help looking for an internship this a pretty good place to start your search: www.internships.com/

@naeebrooks3796 7 лет назад

Working In Science thank you for your quick and explanatory reply. I will definitely look into a summer program at Morgan State University, I am a High School student btw.

@WorkingInScience 7 лет назад

Anytime! Good luck :)

@shenalenesabado1001 4 года назад

I am planning to get B.S environmental science in college can I still be an environmental engineer? And How?

@kevint8353 7 лет назад

I just graduated with a B.S. in geology. Will I be able to transition into a masters in environmental engineering ?

@porcu12345 5 лет назад

I know it's a year late but yes. Any physical science degree can transition in to engineering.

@kevinthunder3375 2 года назад

Lol I'm 2 years late but would it require a Masters or PhD to transition?

@lazyengineer85 2 года назад

Hi, maybe this answer might be late, but environment engineering has alot chemical, civil mechanical engineering learning. Geology is one of major has the least major dealing with designing planing and complex matematic calculation. I think it would be struggle there.

@a.s_h2726 3 года назад

Thanks Now I am a student in the environmental engineering department . the University of Tikrit, Iraq first stage . Do you have a little advice that makes me excel in this field?

@phoebedunn3950 4 года назад

Hi my name is phoebe and I am an Australian year 10 student in sydney nsw. I recently watched this video and found your information really helpful and inspiring. Ive always been fascinated by the environment and loved building projects. I think engineering would be an appropriate career path for me. I do however, have a few questions if you dont mind. 1. Should I pick chemistry and physics or physics and earth and environmental science fore year 11&12? 2. Is environmental engineering fun/enjoyable? 3. How much of your work is theory rather than practical based? 4. How many years of university/ college study did you have to endure to complete our degree? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these and keep up the good work in the lab :)

@me8519 4 года назад

Hey! I’m in college and I’m trying to become an environmental engineer but I recommend to do chemistry in high school, it will be easier when you get to college in my opinion. Especially since chemistry is in our everyday lives

@IslamicWisdom-1234 6 лет назад

A girl who has a beautiful face and brave mind!!!!!!! realy environment is the first thing to be considered

@MaximumEfficiency 7 лет назад

great!

@MrNuaed 6 лет назад

is it in to do masters in environment after bachelor in electrical engineering

@alejandramonique353 7 лет назад

What was Alex's undergrad study?

@WorkingInScience 7 лет назад

She studied Environmental Science at UC Berkeley

@sumanliyaregi6958 5 лет назад

I have completed my civil engineering..my passion is to do my further studies in environmental engineering .but I am confused about the job opportunities.. everyone is suggesting to do construction management..can you suggest me the best

@saurabhbachhuka9254 4 года назад

@chendn22 7 лет назад

I did undergrad in International Business and have worked for 4 years in strategy planning and project management ...nothing really related to science or math -- but am hoping to make a change into environmental engineering. Looking into taking some pre-req calc & physics courses at community college for a year before applying to MS program in Environmental Engineering. I read a lot and am taking some basic engineering courses on Coursera... any support/advice on direction and feasibility? Anything is appreciated, thanks!

@WorkingInScience 7 лет назад

It's never too late to make a change! For your prereq's, try to see if you could take them at a 4-year university instead of a community college. Especially for masters programs, they like to see that you can handle the rigor at a 4-year college. You might also consider looking into post-baccalaureate or certificate programs in environmental science/engineering that might be helpful with strengthening your application to graduate school. You are going to need references for a Masters program, so start thinking about who you want to ask now. Employers are great (and should be included), but you'll need academic references and/or people in the field to write you one too. I'd encourage you to reach out to some local environmental engineers or professors at your local colleges and asking if you could buy them a cup of coffee and talk about the field. Explain your interest in changing careers and ask some intellegent questions about their research and the industry. (My favorite question: "what area of environmental science/engineering would you study/research if you were a new student today?" It might not be what they are currently studying!). Keep in touch with them after your coffee and offer your support and value where you can, with your background in strategy planning you might be able to come up with some really unique opportunities!

@chendn22 7 лет назад

Thank you very much, your response is very encouraging! Dearly appreciated.

@MiLdO01 6 лет назад

chemistry for sure. reaction rates, mass transfer, and more chemistry. You will need calculus and differential equations but like most engineering, you mostly just need to understand what is happening because after passing the classes, the problems are mostly already solved for you.

@kevinthunder3375 2 года назад

@lazyengineer85 2 года назад

I have BS in env engineering, and i can say it require complex mathematical calculation. Env engineering involve statistic, mechanical engineering, chemcial engineering and civil engineering and chemistry. So.. I think you need to do research first before you consider to take it. I work in petroleum industry and most geologist i knew has less complex matematic calculation so it might be shocking you later

@adolfhitlerssingleballsack7682 5 лет назад

Smart and beautiful, this lady is my role model lol. Thank you for this video

@simran-ys9xf 5 лет назад

Is there any difference between environmental science, management or engineering

@dudewholikesfood6769 4 года назад

Yeah this confuses me cause she is not an engineer if she didnt do the undergrad program

@ramyanamboodiri6300 5 лет назад

Ma'am now I am doing bachelors degree in electronics and communication engineering.i like to pursue my master's degree in environmental engineering.but I am worried about the job opportunities and is it necessary to do the PhD?

@saurabhbachhuka9254 4 года назад

@hamidullahmerzaye8918 5 лет назад

it was useful thanks

@conchalayconchalar242 5 лет назад

WE NEED YOUR HELP IN THE BAHAMAS

@harishperla28 4 года назад

Hello sir / madam What are exact skill requires to be come environmental engineer Can you tell me the job opportunities as environmental engineer I did masters in environmental engineering

@spaced5514 7 лет назад

I searched up the salary of an environmental engineer on google and it read around 86,000. Is this accurate at all? Great video by the way :)

@vloggersvlogs4354 4 года назад

Never do environmental Engineering bcoz of money. U would be a very bad engineer

@saurabhbachhuka9254 4 года назад

@@vloggersvlogs4354 I seriously need your help...I'm planning to pursue masters in Environmental Engineering from US or Europe...please guide me on opportunities for this program and best country for this field...please please help me... My WhatsApp number is : 91-9422937822

@shivajha3603 6 лет назад

awosome talk

@nischalgyawali8642 5 лет назад

I have completed grade 10 ...what should I choose to become environmental engineer ....biology or maths?...please help me anybody?

@hasanubaidullah3916 5 лет назад

Mathematics

@ElusivEnigma 3 года назад

Lots of math.

@HenryDube72 6 лет назад

I am average in mathematics, can I still give Environmental Engineering or Science a go?

@haziqhasnizam4581 5 лет назад

If i have an environmental science degree can i further my studies in masters for enviromental engineering

@ahmadraihan2706 5 лет назад

Of course

@lbshovon3665 5 лет назад

I have completed my Diploma in environmental technology, now i want to do BSc in Environmental technology but in my country Bangladesh has no environmental Engineering BSc. So i want to do it abroad wherever the degree is available. I need a scholarship, please help me

@orishahar 5 лет назад

i’m a 16 year old and have no idea how to help you with that but i just want to wish you good luck 👍

@saurabhbachhuka9254 4 года назад

@shaurya2386 7 лет назад

Can I pursue a masters in environmental engg. after a bachelors degree in mechanical engg.?

@WorkingInScience 7 лет назад

Yes absolutely! In this situation you may want to talk to a professor at the college you are applying to and explain to them your reasons for wanting to change into environmental. They may become your best advocate in that situation.

@MiLdO01 6 лет назад

probably yes, although there may be a few civil related classes one must take. For instance, Hydraulics, Hydrology, geotechnical engineering, and maybe some chemistry if your a bit rusty. i.e. equilibrium chemistry, reaction rate analysis, etc. As my professor says, GET TO LOVE CHEMISTRY

@bhoomiarora9760 6 лет назад

As how many years it require to become a environmental engineer ? I am in 7 class and I am thinking to be a environmental engineer.

@Valentinfj 5 лет назад

It takes 4 years at college.

@kimberlywatson7061 Год назад

Great video! Off topic you look like Emmy Rossum.

@brotherbill578 6 лет назад

Can someone with a chemical engineering degree work as a environmental engineer specifically as a waste water or water engineer

@MiLdO01 6 лет назад

yes, with chemical engineering degree, one can work in water/wastewater or even air pollution control.

@sudarshan3965 6 лет назад

Of course.

@LokiSeidrGod 7 лет назад

Is this the same as Environmental biology? im gonna start studying Biology and i want to know what Jobs i can get with it, i joined because i want to be a doctor BUT im also very interested in working in the nature.

@WorkingInScience 7 лет назад

Great question! Environmental biology will give you a solid foundation in the principles of conservation, and a lot of what Alex talks about in the video with using bacteria. Depending on the program you go into, you might also get into some stuff on forest conservation, marine biology, and more. In general, a program in EB will probably focus on what is happening, why it is happening, possible political and environmental impacts, and what more research needs to be done. Environmental engineering focuses on translational science. Engineers zero in on what principles need to be applied and how they should be used to solve specific problems. It is really about getting scientific discoveries out of the lab and in the field, so a few 100 or 200 level courses in chemistry, physics, and calculus would help you here. Getting an undergraduate degree in environmental biology is a great way to keep your options open, it will definitely apply to becoming an environmental engineer if that’s the path you decide to take! Being a doctor and working in nature are two really different fields, have you considered looking into an internship or asking to shadow anyone?

@LokiSeidrGod 7 лет назад

Working In Science No. I did not even know i could do that without being a Med student or a biological engeneer student, i tought u had to be sent from the school! :S

@WorkingInScience 7 лет назад

You can for sure shadow or volunteer! Try asking your doctor if you can shadow them for a day/afternoon, or even if you could just get a coffee and ask for advice. Same with any environmental biologists you might know or are at the local college. Being an intern at a hospital is usually reserved for med students, but you could become an intern and work in a lab, or collect data and samples from the field.

@LokiSeidrGod 7 лет назад

Working In Science I so want to :'(, i love biology!

@kitynucamendi7666 2 года назад

I’m going to start studying in the spring and I’m like why is programming a course 😭

@mayankasnora747 7 лет назад

what are the top colleges offering masters course in environmental engneering

@WorkingInScience 7 лет назад

It depends what you want to focus on! But here is a good list to start with: www.masterstudies.com/Masters-Degree/Environmental-Engineering/

@ritamkumar8529 5 лет назад

I am pcm student can l do environmental engneering in India

@user-qm6hk1zj7f 6 лет назад

Do environmental engineers study higher maths?

@crispeefries7272 5 лет назад

Alexandr A i'm assuming because it's still under the category of engineering there will be more difficult math courses since engineering tends to require more complex math

@lefthanded5473 5 лет назад

Yes there is higher math, but not as much as petroleum or aerospace engineering. But still complex math will be present.

@ishaanmehta2980 Год назад

Ur eyes too beautiful and the info is so great!!!

@ramyanamboodiri6300 5 лет назад

Is there any environmental engineering course at Universities like MIT?

@dudewholikesfood6769 4 года назад

Yea

@dudewholikesfood6769 4 года назад

They have open course ware check it out

@sujanbhattarai3698 5 лет назад

I love you girl !

@alieujawo4649 6 лет назад

Am studying agriculture an environmental science at the Gambia university and hav a kind interest in environmental engineering...how can I b one ?

@heba9978 6 лет назад

Alieu Jawo go to college ..

@MiLdO01 6 лет назад

start taking math and physics.

@saurabhbachhuka9254 4 года назад

@maxthompson2733 10 месяцев назад

take a shot every time she blinks

@MrNuaed 6 лет назад

is level of maths hard in environment engg.???

@rosabenavidez448 5 лет назад

Single or Multi-variable Calculus as well as intro to linear math as well as statistics and probably courses in physics as well some computer science courses

@gabrielrivera5469 2 года назад

She’s definitely on a large iced latte with Carmel swirl right now

@rahulblabla1575 5 лет назад

He gives 10 reactions per second xD

@shub5767 4 года назад

*she

@jumbobless280 6 лет назад

Smart and beautiful. My cup of tea 😂

@robertosoto5181 7 лет назад

What's the difference between environmental engineering and environmental science? btw I think I just found my wife!

@hawksm2783 7 лет назад

Ronimal lifts I would say that Environmental Engineering is much more quantitative. From what I read online an environmental engineer can get a job as an environmental scientist, but not the other way around. From what I can tell environmental engineers are also tasked with solving the problems while the environmental scientists are more focused on diagnosing them.