As global challenges like climate change, habitat destruction, and biological variability loss intensify, careers in sustainability and environmental protection are more critical than ever. For students at the University of Cincinnati, opportunities to dive into these fields are abundant, offering hands-on experience, cutting-edge tools, and academic programs tailored to create impactful environmental stewards. Inspired by Alyssa Wagner's transformative co-op at Flutterby Farm, this guide outlines how UC students can pursue careers in sustainability and environmental protection, leveraging the university's resources to make a difference.
Sustainability and environmental protection encompass a range of roles-from conservationists and ecologists to environmental planners and data analysts-all focused on preserving ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices. These careers address pressing issues like invasive species, deforestation, and climate resilience, as seen in Wagner's work at Flutterby Farm. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 7% by 2033, driven by the need for innovative solutions to environmental challenges. UC's programs and co-op opportunities position students to meet this demand head-on.
UC offers robust academic programs to prepare students for sustainability careers, blending interdisciplinary coursework with practical skills. Here's how you can build a foundation:
- Environmental Studies: UC's Environmental Studies program in the College of Arts and Sciences provides a broad understanding of ecological systems, policy, and sustainability. Like Wagner, students can explore conservation and restoration, learning how to address issues like habitat loss and invasive species.
- Minors and Certificates: Complement your major with minors in biology, horticulture, or environmental policy to deepen your expertise. Wagner's minors in biology and horticulture enhance her ability to tackle real-world conservation challenges. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate, offered through UC's Department of Geography, equips students with spatial analysis skills critical for mapping ecosystems, tracking environmental changes, and designing restoration projects.
- Related Fields: Programs in environmental engineering, urban planning, or biology at UC also align with sustainability goals. For example, environmental engineering students can focus on sustainable infrastructure, while biology majors can specialize in ecology or wildlife conservation.
UC's cooperative education (co-op) program is a cornerstone of its experiential learning model, allowing students to gain real-world experience while earning academic credit. Wagner's co-op at Flutterby Farm exemplifies how co-ops bridge classroom learning with practical impact. Here's how you can follow suit:
- Find the Right Co-op: UC's College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies connects students with co-op opportunities in conservation, environmental research, and sustainability. Organizations like local farms, nature preserves, and environmental nonprofits offer roles where you can engage in habitat restoration, data collection, or community outreach. Search for opportunities through UC's Handshake platform, attend career fairs and on-campus recruitment events to find a co-op aligned with your environmental interests. During the UC Business, Engineering, and IT Career Fair (Sept. 16-18, 2025) employers offering roles focused on sustainability will be marked with a Green Jobs Designation by UC's Net Impact chapter. Research employers attending the fair on Handshake.
- What to Expect: Co-ops in sustainability often involve fieldwork, like Wagner's tasks of removing invasive species and planting native vegetation. You might also conduct experiments, monitor wildlife, or use GIS to analyze environmental data. These experiences build skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability-qualities employers value.
- How to Stand Out: Wagner's initiative in designing a rain garden at Flutterby Farm shows the importance of taking ownership of projects. Seek co-ops where you can propose solutions, lead initiatives, or learn from mentors like Dr. Teri Jacobs, who guides Wagner's work.
To get started, visit UC's Career Education website for co-op job search and application resources.
Wagner's pursuit of a GIS certificate highlights its value in environmental careers. GIS allows professionals to map ecosystems, track environmental changes, and plan conservation strategies with precision. For example, you could use GIS to identify areas prone to invasive species or design urban green spaces to mitigate flooding.
- Accessing GIS at UC: UC students have free access to ArcGIS software through the university's partnership with Esri. This powerful tool supports spatial analysis and mapping, essential for sustainability roles. Visit UC's IT website for instructions on accessing ArcGIS for academic use.
- Training Opportunities: Enhance your GIS skills with free training through Esri's Training Portal, available to students with an ArcGIS account. LinkedIn Learning, also free for UC students, faculty, and staff, offers additional GIS and data analysis courses. These resources can help you master tools that set you apart in the job market.
- Applications in the Field: GIS is used in conservation to map habitats, monitor deforestation, or plan renewable energy projects. Wagner's potential use of GIS to track planting success at Flutterby Farm shows how it turns data into actionable insights.
UC offers a wealth of resources to complement academic and co-op experiences:
- Student Organizations: Join groups like the UC Net Impact, LEAP (Leaders for Environmental Awareness & Protection) or the Society of Environmental Engineers to connect with peers, attend workshops, and participate in campus sustainability initiatives.
- Research Opportunities: Work with faculty like Dr. Teri Jacobs on research projects related to conservation or restoration. Explore independent research projects on topics like native plant ecology or climate adaptation.
- Volunteering and Community Engagement: Engage with local organizations like the Cincinnati Nature Center or Great Parks of Hamilton County to gain experience and build your network. These connections can lead to internships or job opportunities post-graduation.
Wagner's co-op is a stepping stone to varied careers in sustainability and environmental protection. Here are a few paths UC students can pursue:
- Conservation Biologist: Restore habitats and protect endangered species, working for nonprofits like The Nature Conservancy or government agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Environmental Planner: Use GIS to design sustainable urban spaces or manage natural resources, often with city governments or consulting firms.
- Sustainability Consultant: Help businesses or municipalities reduce their environmental footprint, a growing field with firms like AECOM or Deloitte.
- Ecological Researcher: Conduct experiments and analyze data to inform conservation strategies, often with universities or research institutes.
Drawing from Wagner's experience, here are actionable steps for UC students:
- Align Your Studies and Co-ops: Choose courses and co-ops that reflect your passion, whether it's conservation, renewable energy, or environmental policy.
- Build Technical Skills: Invest time in learning GIS, data analysis, or other tools through UC's resources and Esri's training programs.
- Seek Mentorship: Connect with professors, co-op supervisors, or alumni in environmental fields for guidance and networking.
- Stay Curious: Like Wagner, embrace challenges and learn from setbacks, whether it's a failed planting experiment or unpredictable fieldwork conditions.
Alyssa Wagner's co-op at Flutterby Farm shows how UC students can turn their passion for the environment into meaningful action. By combining academic programs, co-ops, and technical skills like GIS, you can build a career that protects ecosystems and promotes sustainability. Start by exploring UC's environmental studies program, enrolling in the GIS certificate, or applying for a co-op through Handshake. Visit UC's sustainability website for campus initiatives and resources and tap into LinkedIn Learning or Esri's Training Portal to boost your skills. As Wagner's journey proves, small steps-planting a native species, mapping a habitat, or designing a rain garden-can lead to a greener, more resilient future. Take the first step at UC and plant the seeds for your own environmental career.
Featured image at top: UC chemistry Assistant Professor Pietro Strobbia is using chemistry to study viruses in plants. Graduate student Niloufar Yavari works in his lab. Photo/Andrew Higley.
