Career Compass: Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the social, institutional, political, and legal aspects surrounding environmental issues and concerns. Students enrolled in Environmental Studies use a social science approach to understanding issues and solutions in human-environment relationships. The issues studied will include sustainable resource development, climate change, conservation, environmental justice and decolonization, endangerment and preservation of species, and alternative conditions that have the potential to reverse current trends and contribute to ecological sustainability.

Students enrolled in Environmental Studies use a social science approach to understanding issues and solutions in order to develop programs and policies.

Skills you will gain by studying ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

• An understanding of the need for environmental sustainability and interconnection of environmental systems.
• The capacity to communicate, develop and implement environmental sustainability initiatives.
• The ability to engage the public and consult with stakeholders and rightsholders about environmental issues and solutions.
• Knowledge of how to implement management systems within an organization’s strategic plan.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
ENVR 1000 and ENVR 2000, GEOG 1280 and GEOG 1290,
INDG 1220 or INDG 1240 or INDG 2020 (or HIST 2020) or INDG 2080, 
BIOL 1010 (or BIOL 1020 and BIOL 1030 for more science focus), STAT 1000, 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. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Green Team, Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

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 the 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 Green Action Centre, Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, Manitoba Eco-Network, Fort Whyte Alive, the University of Manitoba Sustainability Office and Nature 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? 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: UMConnect, Eco Canada Employment Programs, the Manitoba Eco-Network or the International Institute for Sustainable Developmen (IISD).

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Science and Technology (S&T) 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 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 dealines 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

• Communications Officer
• Community Economic Development Officer
• Disaster Relief Coordinator
• Documentary Filmmaker
• Environmental Compliance Specialist 
• Environmental Education Specialist
• Environmental Planner
• Environmental Program Coordinator
• Grant Writer
• Green Products Specialist
• International Aid Worker
• Naturalist / Park Interpreter
• Program Analyst
• RCMP Officer
• Recycling Coordinator
• Sustainable Development Officer 
• Tourism Development Officer 

Options requiring other education

• Conservation Officer 
• Ecologist
• Emergency Response Planner
• Environmental Scientist
• Landscape Architect
• Lawyer
• Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Teacher
• Urban and Regional Planner
• Wildlife Biologist 

Industries such as advocacy and education, community development, conservation, environmental non-government organization and government would value an environmental studies degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Critical thinking
• Oral and written communication
• Teamwork
• Problem solving
• Industry specific knowledge
• Numeracy and data use
• 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.