Hi everyone!
I am an senior undergraduate student majoring in BA Environmental Studies, and I am hoping to get some advice on how I can use my spare time to build my skills and strengthen my resume.
I have some experience with ArcGIS and fieldwork, although I wouldn’t consider myself particularly experienced in either area yet. Now, I am currently doing a co-op placement that isn’t directly related to my major and is mainly administrative. However, I think it would still be a valuable opportunity to develop some transferable soft skills.
Since I’m working full-time and don’t have much coursework to worry about at the moment, I have some free time in the evenings and on weekends. I am thinking that maybe I can use this time more productively.
The main challenge is that I truely don't know what I want to pursue in the long term. I have been browsing different career paths, including environmental consulting, environmental education & outreach, and other areas that I haven’t had much exposure to yet.
At the moment, I’m thinking about teaching myself QGIS to build on my existing GIS experience. Some of my schoolmates have taken certifications such as the CFA Sustainable Investing Certificate, but I am not particularly interested in the finance or investment side of sustainability.
For those of you working in the environmental field, I would really appreciate your advice on a few questions: What practical skills would be worth developing in my spare time? or are there any certifications or short courses you would recommend for someone interested in environmental consulting. (I am interested in sustainability and wildlife conservation)
Any kind of advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!