Career Compass: Environmental Science

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program with a focus on developing scientific solutions to environmental issues. It offers experiential learning opportunities with a Co-operative Education Option.

These relate to human populations, sustainable resource development, pollution and conservation, environmental health, and endangerment and preservation of species in conjunction with alternative conditions that have the potential to reverse current trends and contribute to ecological sustainability. Students in this program often have strong quantitative skills and an interest and aptitude in biological and chemical sciences.

Skills you will gain by studying ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

• An understanding of the interconnection between environmental systems and the need for environmental sustainability. 
• The ability to communicate, develop and implement environmental
  sustainability initiatives. 
• The ability to collect environmental data and samples, and to interpret and analyze data by employing appropriate statistical tools and GIS technology. 
• An understanding of environmental legislation and the development of policies. 
• The ability to critique and assess research findings and think critically using the best available scientific evidence. 
• An understanding of the fate and effects of contaminants in the environment.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: 
ENVR 1000 and ENVR 2000, BIOL 1020 and BIOL 1030, CHEM 1100, CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120, MATH 1500, STAT 1000 or STAT 1150 and ECON 1010

To do this year: 

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Riddell faculty and faculty members to help you plan your program. 
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor. 

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills. 
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests using ECO Canada. 
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events. 
4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities. 

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include: 

1. Join a club or association such as Parks Canada Campus Club, Society of Earth Sciences and Environmental Students (SESES), or become a Sustainability Ambassador with the Office of Sustainability. 
2. Community associations including Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA), Manitoba Eco-Network. 
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program. 
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers. 

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Research funding sources: Students are encouraged to develop creative ideas and seek funding and support through various university sources, including the Clayton H. Riddell Endowment Fund.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik or the International Centre, take part in an Intercultural Retreat or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar to view the courses for your program of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:

1. What plan should I follow? Meet with an academic advisor in the Riddell faculty and career consultant to map out your options. 
2. Meet with a Riddell advisor for program approval prior to registration. 
3. Consider applying to the Co-op option. 
4. Consider taking a minor and choose courses that will open opportunities. 

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals. 
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers. 
3. Become a student member with Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA), the Canadian CED Network, the Wildlife Society, the Environmental Studies Association of Canada (ESAC) or ECO Canada. 
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Attend resumé/cover letter and interview prep workshops.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC USRA, inquire about research assistant positions or submit a project proposal through Sustainability Research in Action.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, Manitoba Eco-Network, Fort Whyte Farms and the University of Manitoba.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Attend a conference through MEIA, submit a paper through ESAC or become a board member in the community.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange, the Commission for Environmental Cooperation or United Nations. My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out a spring or summer Community Engaged Learning experience or Canadian Environmental Network. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar to view the courses for your program of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a Riddell advisor for program approval prior to registration. 
2. Consider focusing your education by choosing an area of specialization and selecting courses within your focus area (4-year option). 
3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor in the Riddell faculty and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation. 
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers. 
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government. 
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals. 

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other professional programs.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: UM Connect, the Eco Canada Employment Programs, the University of Manitoba Sustainability Office, Ducks Unlimited, Green Team, Manitoba Association of Watersheds or the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Science and Technology Internship Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or speak or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar to view the courses for your program of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a Riddell advisor for program approval prior to registration. 
2. Consider focusing your education by choosing an area of specialization and selecting courses within your focus area (4-year option). 
3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with a Riddell advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora. 

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the “hidden job market”).

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA), Environmental Careers Organization Canada, WorkCabin, Manitoba Eco-Network, Environmental Career Center, GoodWork, Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet), CharityVillage, Government of Canada jobs and Manitoba Government jobs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or learn about the BEAHR training program offered through ECO Canada. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Conservation Officer
• Environmental Assessment Officer
• Environmental Compliance Specialist
• Environmental Education Specialist
• Environmental Impact Analyst
• Environmental Planner
• Environmental Program Analyst 
• Environmental Program Coordinator 
• Field Biologist
• Naturalist / Park Interpreter 
• Natural Resource Officer
• Pesticide Regulator/Risk Assessor
• Pollution Prevention Specialist
• Remediation Specialist
• Sustainability Coordinator
• Sustainable Development Officer
• Water Quality Specialist

Options requiring other education

• Biostatistician
• Biosystems Engineer
• Climatologist
• Emergency Response Planner
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Geologist
• Landscape Architect
• Meteorologist
• Public Health Inspector

Industries such as agriculture, land use development, conservation, mining, oil and gas, education, environmental non-governmental organizations, government and tourism would value an environmental science degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Problem solving 
• Critical thinking 
• Numeracy and data use 
• Oral and written communication 
• Industry specific knowledge 
• Teamwork 
• Digital literacy 
• Continuous learning 

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.