2012 will  be a challenging year for environmental companies because the number of professionals who have the required skills and experience will be in short supply. If you are graduate or experienced environmental professional seeking a position, here are some important skills you need to showcase in your resume.

1. Business Development/Sales : In a recovering economy, money still follows successful relationships. Environmental professionals must use their interpersonal, networking and sales skills to create beneficial relationships with qualified clients who have the willingness to spend on needed project and the ability can pay in a timely manner.
2. Technical Skills & Knowledge of New Environmental Technologies: Professionals who can execute the basic technical tasks of their profession will find it somewhat easier to protect their careers because they can pursue opportunities in consulting, corporate and entrepreneurship. Further, those who understand and use the latest environmental software and cleanup technologies will be in demand.
3. Financial Management:   Many new environmental projects will require private investment and a higher level of financial transparency. Environmental professionals will need to know how to manage budgets and present their ideas using Return on Investment (ROI), Internal Rate of Return(IRR) and other financial terms.
4. Management: Environmental professionals will have to be more adept at project management; coaching, motivating and recruiting people as well as interpreting the new domestic and international environmental regulations. All of these areas will have a significant impact on the profitability and delivery of projects.
5. Strategic Leadership: Companies are looking for more innovative ways to grow their business. Environmental professionals will have to anticipate new markets, customer needs and new applications for their product or service. Recycled products and Waste-to-energy are examples of new markets for environmental professionals.
6. Foreign Language: Those who can conduct business (Read, speak and write) in the native language of their clients will see great success. Particular languages to learn are Arabic, French, Mandarin, Russian and Portuguese and Spanish.
7. Political & Legal Savvy: Since 2012 is an election year in the United States, it is important to understand that environmental and infrastructure projects will become politically charged. Environmental professionals will have to be able to navigate these issues without losing sight of their client’s objectives. Further, they will have to learn how to engage the public on complex environmental topics

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