Resource and Environmental Management (Environmental Science, BA)
Megan Bellamy, Dillon Consulting
Megan Bellamy, a recent Laurier graduate, is currently working for Dillon Consulting, a large technical consulting firm that focuses on planning, engineering and environmental sciences. Megan joined Dillon as part of “The President’s Crew,” a unique program that offers new graduates the opportunity to work in many different departments at Dillon before being given the opportunity to pick which area they would like to work permanently.
Megan received her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Laurier and then travelled to the east coast to complete her Master’s degree in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University. Throughout her university education, Megan held many different summer jobs, but she stressed that regardless of the summer jobs you’ve had, the most important thing is being able to sell it on your resumé and show how the skills you acquired (regardless of the context) are relevant to an environmental career.
Dillon Consulting is a fairly large organization where Megan identified many opportunities to work with people from all different levels in the company, from a variety of specializations and backgrounds. Megan has found it extremely rewarding to be working within a firm that allows for the flexibility to explore different projects and collaborate with various departments, resulting in continual growth and learning. Projects range from water modelling, resource management, transportation planning, municipal engineering, environmental field work, ground water remediation and waste planning. Her current responsibilities touch on overseeing laboratory data, confirming accuracy of reports and ensuring quality assurance for clients.
Dillon Consulting has hired co-op and summer students, but they do not undergo a formal job posting process. Instead, Dillon hires based on need, so they ask interested students to submit a resumé to their career department indicating in which office they would like to work and within what capacity. When asked how students can get into this field, Megan suggested spending time talking to professors and relevant professionals as they always have lots of suggestions as to what companies to research as well as which volunteer experiences can be invaluable when searching for a job.
Megan identified a growing trend in Green Building Design, so if anyone has an interest in it, becoming certified in this area would be beneficial. She stressed that with any environmental field, you should not shy away from volunteer employment, as it will provide you with invaluable opportunities to get your foot in the door (and hopefully, that door is made from recycled materials).