As a manager, I am frequently involved with the interviewing of prospective consultants. After working with Trinity for almost 10 years, I have to smile at some of the idealistic statements I hear during the interview process. For example:
"I want to work with Trinity because I'm an environmentalist and I want to make an impact. Because Trinity is an environmental consulting firm, I know I can do that with this company."
"I want to help clean up the big polluters."
Well, let's move from the idealism of what environmental consulting with a firm like Trinity is to the realism.
Our clients are primarily industrial manufacturers. Our job is to advise our clients on how to comply with air quality regulations and to provide permitting assistance for expansions, new facilities, etc. We help those industrial sources communicate with regulators and strive to obtain the most flexible permits possible for their sites. If one wanted to be cynical, you could say that our job is to help our clients emit as much air pollution as the law allows! Hardly the impact I think many might expect when they are interviewing.
But our work does have a positive impact. We can help clients find the most economical way of achieving compliance. Realistically speaking, most of our clients probably would not install the emission controls they do if they were not required by some regulation or permitting requirement. Our clients are driven by the need to make a profit and to be competitive in a global marketplace. Often times, we can identify more environmentally friendly approaches that will actually enhance the bottom line (i.e., profit), not detract from it. I've been involved in permitting of brand new facilities - think of the economic impact those new jobs will have on rural areas.
Don't get me wrong - I consider myself an environmental steward (I recycle, drive a hybrid vehicle, live 3 miles from the office, etc) - but I am also a realist. My work with Trinity has allowed me to see the common area we must work towards with respect to having a clean environment but recognizing the need for economic growth and opportunities. WIthout consultants like those at Trinity, it would be harder for opposing sides to have a productive dialogue.
So, don't lose your idealism, but be certain you are realistic about your expectations of what working with Trinity is about.