Career Path of an Environmental Planner at SWCA
Sophie's career path began with a major shift from biochemistry to environmental science at UCLA, where student government work and a senior practicum sparked an interest in environmental consulting. A post-graduation AmeriCorps term with a Nevada non-profit, where Sophie "met current supervisor," led to a full-time position and ultimately Sophie's current role as an environmental planner at SWCA.
Environmental Science, Nonprofit Experience, Career Pivoting, Networking, Environmental Consulting
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sophie Butler
Environmental Planner
SWCA Environmental Consultants
UCLA 2018
N/A
Biology & Related Sciences
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Climate, Environment and Sustainability
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Sophie's career path highlights a transition from biochemistry to environmental science, showcasing the value of exploring different academic interests.
2. Her diverse work experiences, including roles in student government and a nonprofit, demonstrate the importance of gaining various skills and building professional connections.
3. The practicum project during her senior year and subsequent AmeriCorps term highlight the significance of hands-on experience and networking in securing a desired career path in environmental consulting
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
I started at UCLA as a biochemistry major but quickly realized it wasn't a good fit for my interests. By the end of my freshman year, I decided to change my major to environmental sciences. It was a natural transition, and I felt a genuine connection to the subject.
That decision was the first step toward my current career path. Though most of my work experience in college wasn't directly related to my major, I gained valuable skills. This included working as an orientation counselor and managing coffee shops.
The most significant and career-related work I did was in student government. We aimed to secure grant money for installing sustainable technology on campus. This, along with my senior practicum in the environmental science program, is where things really started to come together.
I truly enjoyed my practicum project with a group of environmental science majors. It was also there that I first learned about environmental consulting, which is my current industry. However, I wasn't ready for consulting at that time.
I had a clear idea that I wanted to work in nonprofits for a period after finishing my undergraduate degree. My first job out of college was an AmeriCorps term with a nonprofit in Reno, Nevada, where I currently live. This term eventually led to a full-time position at that nonprofit.
Working in nonprofits kept me very busy, and I learned to handle many different responsibilities. It was also where I met my current supervisor at SWCA and built a relationship with her. That connection ultimately led me to my current role as an environmental planner at SWCA.
Advizer Personal Links
www.linkedin.com/in/ sophie-b-6340b38a