The Careers Adviser: 'How do I find a job that uses my environment degree?'

Mix and match

I graduated two years ago with a 2:1 in geography, business and the environment. I'm 37, and it's difficult to find a job that uses my degree. I was a mechanical engineer before I went to university and that's what I'm doing now. Do you know of any employers who welcome mature students? Where should I look to use this rather expensive degree?

The degree you chose doesn't automatically qualify you for a particular career, but it might be useful in a number of areas, such as environmental work, the energy industry, central and local government, finance and management consultancy. So the first step would be to work out roughly what sector interests you.

Try articulating what it is you want to achieve and the sorts of activities you want to be part of your working day. If you have a clearer idea of the type of organisation you want to go into, you should be able to employ a more targeted job-hunting approach. Ask your department where former students have gone on to work. Your course might have majored on the growing demand for business to take account of environmental concerns, and you might be interested in policy-making. If so, explore what's available in regeneration and development agencies. Look up www.ends.co.uk, a new monthly report for managers shaping business strategy.

Don't forget regional as well as national agencies ( www.englandsrdas.com). The journal Regeneration and Renewal has news about current trends and vacancies ( www.isubscribe.co.uk) as does Sustainable Business ( www.edie.net/magazines) and websites such as Regen ( www.regen.net).

You might find that public-sector and larger corporations are more scrupulous about complying with age discrimination legislation than some smaller private-sector employers. The site for public-sector jobs is www.jobsgopublic.co.uk; otherwise, being a member of the Employers' Federation on Age might be an indication of a positive attitude by a recruiter.

Northern exposure

I am considering going to university in Canada. How would I apply to do this, and would I qualify for the same loans or grants available here?

Student loans are only available to students studying in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Education isn't regulated by the federal government in Canada, and all universities operate as private institutions, with their own tuition programmes and fee scales, so you would need to check costs with them directly, but there are a growing number that offer entrance scholarships for international students.

You can also apply to provincial governments for funding. Consider Canada ( www.considercanada.org) is a website endorsed by the Canadian Embassy in the US and, although it is technically a resource for American students, it's a good place to start. The Canadian High Commission ( www.canada.org.uk/visa-info) will be the best source of information about visas and immigrating as a student. Also check www.studyincanada.com; www.cbie.ca; and www.destineducation.ca.

The website of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada ( www.aucc.ca) advises that you apply first to the university that interests you, and if you meet the criteria for admittance, you then apply for a study permit at the High Commission. The AUCC advises applying eight months before your course starts. In Quebec, most universities are French-speaking.

Careers advisers: the advice team at C2, The Careers Group, University of London. Send your queries to Caroline Haydon at 'The Independent', Education Desk, Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS; or fax 020-7005 2143; or email chaydon@blueyonder.co.uk.