10 Signs You're Working In The Water  || 2030: The Water Industry You've Never Seen Before - 15 Signs That Your Job May Be At Risk--And What To Do If It Is-



Are you working in the water industry, but not sure if you're in the water industry? Everyone's definition of water can be different, and that's one reason why there are many people who don't know whether they're working in the water industry or not. Here are ten signs that you're working in the water industry, regardless of your field.


1) Can you swim?

People in water-related industries tend to be at home in bodies of water, so if you can’t swim, you’re likely not an ideal candidate for a job in these fields. Almost all positions require swimming as part of your training or job responsibilities. While some jobs may focus on using boats or other vehicles to get around, you can always count on swimming to be an essential skill—even if it’s simply knowing how to tread water while others panic. Safety and rescue work is paramount in nearly every area of water-related careers, which is why they require swimming skills from their employees. If you don't have them, find them!


2) Do you have customer service skills?

From guest services at a hotel to running your own business, having customer service skills is crucial for any job in water. That's because not only are you selling something (your product or services), but you’re also providing a much-needed service. Without someone there to help customers navigate their problems or concerns, no one would want to buy what you have to offer. Good customer service goes beyond just listening and empathizing with your client; it also means giving them realistic solutions that will satisfy their needs and wants. It's important to learn how to deal with people effectively so that they can trust your advice and feel like they can actually solve their problems through your efforts.


3) Are you a team player?

Staying on top of your job duties is one thing, but if you want to climb your way up in a company, you’ll need to be team-oriented. No one likes someone who takes credit for work done by others or tries to shine in their absence. You don’t have to be everyone’s best friend at work; it’s just important that people know they can count on you as a team player. If you're told there's a lot of work with very little time to do it in, that's when having a positive attitude will come in handy. People tend to gravitate toward those who are easygoing and friendly—and it will make your co-workers want to help out as well.


4) Do you like being outside?

If you enjoy being outside and exploring, you’re probably a good fit for a job in the water. Jobs in the water supply are located near sources of fresh or salt water, so your days will be spent working outdoors. (source) Be sure to research which parts of your country have jobs in water if you’re going on an interview. For example, some regions like Maine don’t have many jobs in water because there isn’t enough fresh water available for businesses that rely on it. Think about where you would live if you got hired for a job in water before committing to an interview!


5) Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit?

Perhaps you’re one of those people who has always dreamed of owning a business. Or maybe you’ve worked for another company and are now looking to strike out on your own. Whatever your reason, launching a new business requires quite a bit of planning and preparation. Fortunately, there are tons of online resources that can help you learn about what it takes to start a small business. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming meeting with lenders or simply seeking general tips on starting any kind of business, there is plenty out there to help get your juices flowing. As part of our focus on startups in 2015, here are some useful sites for anyone thinking about opening their own company


6) Will you be able to work long hours?

Employment in water-related fields often means work hours that are outside of normal business hours. If you have children, will you be able to commit to staying home with them after school? What if you have an elderly parent who needs care during daylight hours? Long working hours can help pay off your student loans and get you a better salary, but it can also mean saying goodbye to your social life and time with family. If being available around the clock is a deal-breaker for you, look elsewhere for employment.


7) Have you ever had an office job before?

Probably, unless you’re a true millennial. It’s a rite of passage for those who want to get ahead in business. But no matter how many different office jobs you’ve had before, chances are it wasn’t in the water. This industry is notoriously challenging to break into—but if you know where to look, and where to apply, landing a job can be much easier than you think. To help you take advantage of all that your industry has to offer and make yourself stand out amongst other job seekers, we’ve created 10 signs that might help tip off potential employers that they should consider hiring YOU!


8) Do you own or rent your home?

Unless you’re in real estate, it doesn’t matter. If you are in real estate and you own your home, then odds are your job does not provide relocation expenses. Also note that if you do have to relocate for work—such as a move from New York City to Orlando, Florida—you may be eligible for some tax credits from Uncle Sam. Make sure to look into them before you pack up and move!


9) Do you have children and/or pets at home?

If you have children or pets at home, chances are you spend a good deal of time cleaning up after them. As with many jobs, there’s always some aspect of your job that involves cleaning. However, since most water treatment plants are located near major sources of human and animal waste, there is often more than just some cleaning to do. It’s likely that before starting a new career in water treatment you will need to be willing to put up with soiled shoes and other hazards of working in an environment like a wastewater plant. Otherwise, it may not be worth it for you and your family to pursue water treatment as a career.


10) What's your background professionally and educationally?

If you’re going to work in water, your resume should highlight your education and experience in environmental studies, water treatment, environmental design, engineering, or a related field. These skills will look attractive to any employers who have a vested interest in making sure their drinking water is safe and clean. That being said,

 having no technical background at all will hold you back from advancing quickly up an organization’s ladder because there are many roles that require an advanced understanding of building processes and technical systems. However, if you can demonstrate initiative and leadership skills that exceed those of your peers who may have more experience than you do, you might be able to still find success (and use your unique perspective as an advantage) even without a lot of specific knowledge about these topics.