Career Path of an Executive Director at Central Coast State Parks Association
Sierra's career path, beginning with an environmental studies degree at UC Santa Barbara and fueled by "a bunch of internships," involved diverse roles—from abalone farming ("it wasn't for me") to international nonprofit work and park ranger duties, ultimately leading to their current position as Executive Director at the Central Coast State Parks Association, a role perfectly aligned with their passion for combining "social wellbeing and environmental wellbeing."
Environmental Studies, Nonprofit Experience, Career Pivoting, Outdoor Recreation, Leadership in Conservation
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sierra Emrick
Executive Director
Central Coast State Parks Association
UCSB
No
Environmental & Related Sciences
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Sierra's diverse career path, starting with an athletic scholarship and environmental studies degree, then exploring various internships, aquaculture, international non-profit work, and outdoor education before becoming an Executive Director. This highlights the value of trying different experiences to find your passion.
2. The importance of hands-on experience. Sierra emphasizes the value of internships and diverse work experiences (abalone farming, non-profit work, park ranger) in shaping her career trajectory and skillset.
3. The combination of social and environmental wellbeing as a driving force. Sierra's passion for this combination led her to a fulfilling career, suggesting that students should pursue careers that align with their values and passions.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college and any internships or jobs you had before your current role?
I grew up on the central coast and went to Morro Bay High School. I then went to UC Santa Barbara on an athletic scholarship. I was a pole vaulter, and I had originally planned to go to UC San Diego.
However, opportunities arose to go to Santa Barbara, and I'm so glad I did. They had a great marine science program and an environmental studies program, which is what I was interested in. I got my degree in environmental studies and loved its interdisciplinary aspects.
I initially came in pre-bio but quickly realized I hated chemistry and didn't want to work in a lab. I loved the interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies, so I got my degree in that. Throughout college, I was surfing and competing as a Division I athlete.
In my final year, I stopped competing in track and got a bunch of internships. These were instrumental in getting a job after college in environmental education and working with science labs on campus. After graduating, I started working for an abalone farm.
I was really into aquaculture and thought seaweed, aquaculture, and shellfish aquaculture would save the world. I was passionate and excited to get out of the classroom. I spent a year working on the farm, gaining hands-on lab experience as a hatchery technician. However, I was making minimum wage and selling abalone to a small, affluent group, so I decided it wasn't for me.
For the next few years, I traveled the world, working for nonprofits in community building, environmental advocacy, and volunteerism. I got a taste of everything. I recommend to all students to get out there and try things. If you don't like something, it's okay to move on.
Eventually, I found my way back to the central coast after being a park ranger and working in outdoor education. I started running a junior lifeguard program because it had elements of environmental education, and I'm a surfer. I love that program because it combines social and environmental well-being.
This led me to my current job as the executive director at the Central Coast State Parks Association. We support the 10 state parks in San Luis Obispo County with their educational programming and conservation and restoration efforts. We are there for whatever the state parks need.
That's how I got to where I am, and I really enjoy the work. It's a long road, and everyone will have their own journey, but hang in there. You'll get there if you keep pushing for it.