Skills Developed through an Environmental Studies Degree

Majoring in Environmental Studies can develop many different personal and professional abilities and can introduce you to a vast body of technical and theoretical knowledge.

Core Environmental Studies Skills

• A broad understanding of the earth and sustainability
• The ability to identify, research and act on environmental and social justice issues
• The skills to conduct effective laboratory work
• An understanding of moral and ethical accountability in professional practice

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in oral presentations and written statements
• An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information
• The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
• The capacity to critically analyze problems from both qualitative and quantitative approaches, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

• The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
• Logical thinking skills and the ability to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches, cultures and personal and professional backgrounds
• Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
• The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions clearly to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
• The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing an industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.

• Environmental Careers Organization
• National Association of Environmental Professionals
• Environmental Studies Association of Canada
• Conservation International
• Greenpeace
• The Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists
• Ontario Professional Planner Institute
• Canadian Institute of Planners