8 steps to becoming a global environmental change maker

In recent years, experiential learning has become recognised as an essential part of a degree, not an optional bonus.

Gaining practical experience in this multifaceted field during your studies will both help you to stand out in the competitive job market and present a valuable opportunity that can bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Experiential learning is an integral element of the degree programmes offered at York’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.

“Students engage with real-world issues through community-based projects, field studies, study abroad opportunities, work placements, and internships. This offers students direct pathways into the workforce and professional networks,” explained Dean Hovorka.

If you truly want to make your mark on the world, you need to be familiar with the new research and reports, particularly when it comes to new sustainable technologies, energy structures and improved environmental conservation policies.

“We are living in a time of rapid change, as well as amidst an urgent need to transform ourselves into a just and sustainable society,” said the dean.

Not only are career events an opportunity to showcase relevant and possible career paths, but they’re also a great way to make new contacts, including industry experts.

Which incidentally leads us to the following…

No matter your academic background or the industry you’re headed for, don’t let networking opportunities pass you by.

Your professors, visiting scholars and industry experts, as well as your peers, can all help you realise your potential. Putting the word out there about your career aspirations and plans may result in an event invite here or a casual meeting there that could lead to exciting opportunities.

Don’t worry if you’re finding it difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is that you want to do straightaway! Recognising what you’re good at and what you have a real passion for can serve a good indicator as to what career path could be for you.

Do you work well in a team? How are your communication and interpersonal skills? Are you resilient and adaptable? Do you prefer the idea of working in an office-based environment or in a more hands-on setting? Knowing this may help you figure out whether you want to work in the public or private sector, or in government.

“At the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, students can explore the different ways to approach environmental and social issues, as well as hone in on key areas of science, management, or the arts, as foundations for their career pathways,” explained Dean Hovorka.

“Beyond finding a meaningful undergraduate programme, students should think about how their passion and interests can be translated into the workforce,” she added.

Sarika Ganguli is another third-year Bachelor in Sustainable Environmental Management student at York University. Much like Sarah, Sarika also had a keen interest in the environment growing up – particularly marine sciences. It wasn’t long before Sarika realised she wanted to do more than just study the physical aspects of marine life.

“I wanted to make a bigger impact and expand my knowledge of the marine environment so I could be well-versed in a variety of marine issues and understand how to best approach them,” Sarika said.

After completing her studies, Sarika hopes to pursue a career in marine biology/ecology, with a particular focus on the impact and prevention of illegal poaching of turtles, dolphins and sharks.

Sarah plans to pursue a career in conservation using geographic information system (GIS) technology.

“I’ve had the privilege of studying both conservation and GIS in my degree and I’m really interested in how they overlap,” she said.

In the Sustainable Environmental Management (BES) degree programme, students can undertake the GIS certificate which is compiled of a number of courses that use industry standard software to prepare students for a GIS related career path.

The world is in desperate need of a new generation of interdisciplinary thinkers – those who think beyond traditional subject-specific agendas. It’s important that the next generation of global environmental change makers can provide innovative solutions and insights to the most pressing sustainability challenges the world has faced.

According to Dean Hovorka, preparing for a career in this field comes down to the following:

“Ultimately, students can prepare themselves for a career in environmental and urban change through bold thinking, informed action, and a passion to be a positive changemaker,” she said.

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York University is a leader in environmental and urban change education. Its wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes present exciting opportunities to take your environmental and urban career ambitions further.

The university currently ranks in the top 20 in Canada and top 150 in North America, according to the latest QS World University Rankings.