This week’s graduate is saving the world one reusable bag at a time – she graduated 2 years ago with a degree in Environmental Sciences followed by a college certificate in Environmental Communications. The two experiences led this passionate, socially-aware and unstoppable graduate to her dream job.
Does this sound like you? Read on to learn more!
The Struggling Graduate: Describe yourself in 3 words.
H: Energetic, charismatic, and driven.
The Struggling Graduate: What is your role and what is a typical day like?
H: I am the Communications Coordinator and a Naturalist Teacher at one of Toronto’s largest city parks. Through my work, I provide communications support for all of our campaigns and programs through tasks like development of promotional materials and management of social media and its content. I also guide various groups of children through the park while facilitating fun and hands-on nature education programs.
The Struggling Graduate: How did you get your job?
H: While in the process of completing my undergrad in Environmental Sciences, I realized that I wanted to focus my attention on increasing public awareness and connecting people to the natural world. With that in mind, after graduation, I started working as a part-time Nature Interpreter at the park. While I was working part-time, I enrolled in an Environmental Visual Communications college certificate program. My workplace was aware of my taking this program and when the position of Communication Coordinator opened up, I was offered the job. I was basically in the right place at the right time but it all happened because I started my journey there as a part-timer.
The Struggling Graduate: What skills do you need to be good at your role? Describe the kind of person who would excel in your role.
H: My role is interesting because I interact, mostly with children, in person, but I also interact with people through digital media. Some of the key skills that apply to both aspects of my role are knowing your audience, and being creative. The kind of person who would excel in this role is someone who is confident in the information that they are sharing with others. It also helps if you are good with children and know a lot about nature.
The Struggling Graduate: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
H: In five years, I see myself continuing to do my best to increase public awareness on environmental topics and making people feel connected to all aspects of nature. I really feel in my heart that this work is meaningful and important. I’ve only been a Communications Coordinator for a few months but I know that I have already grown so much an environmental communicator. However, the world of communications is everchanging and I’m eager to continue learning new ways to do what I do.
The Struggling Graduate 