Environmental Governance Co-op Student Information
About The Program
Environmental governance refers to the processes through which societies make decisions that affect the environment. Governments play an important role in this, however, they alone cannot manage our most pressing environmental challenges like climate change, sea level rise, or invasive species. Thus, through environmental governance, we can coordinate governments, community organizations, and businesses to work collectively to affect positive environmental change.
Through the completion of courses in geography, political science, agricultural economics, and economics, students will gain a solid foundation in the processes and mechanisms of environmental governance, an understanding of geographical, political, and economic factors that shape governance in Canada and around the world, and exposure to innovative approaches to environmental governance that address persistent and emerging societal concerns. Students completing the major will have the skills and experiences needed to participate effectively in environmental governance in a variety of settings.
Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will be able to gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential transferable skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided to students, including a job search preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and targeted work term reports to help you develop relevant skills.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Academic | Work | Academic |
| FOUR | Work | Work | Off |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Acquired Knowledge & Skills
Application
Collect and analyze geographical data and interpret its significance within the context of environmental governance.
Problem-Solving
Ability to apply inquiry, analysis, and problem-solving skills to analyze and address environmental governance issues in a real-world and professional setting.
Communication
Communicate geographical concepts and spatial data related to corporate sustainability, environmental law, environmental policy, and environmental social movements.
Sample Jobs
Economic Policy Co-op
The student will have the opportunity to learn, experience, and contribute to agricultural policy development. This will include assisting and supporting various projects, conducting economic research and analysis on program initiatives, preparing reports and presentations, and querying databases and manipulating data.
Research Assistant
The Research Assistant will assist in producing rigorous research and evidence-based insights on climate change policies for Canada. They will work with various research teams to analyze data, review literature, and evaluate policies.
Solid Waste Programs Assistant
The successful candidate will correspond with city staff, residents, community partners, and business and industry contacts on waste minimization and diversion efforts, support promotional & educational campaigns, conduct site visits with businesses to educate them on proper waste sorting, assist with site tours and community outreach, conduct waste industry research and surveys, and more.
Additional Sample Jobs: Policy Analyst, Assistant Evaluator, Environmental Quality Guidelines Assistant, Junior Program Analyst, Data Technician, Environmental Consultant, Health and Safety Environmental Coordinator
Employer Sectors
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
- Imperial Oil
- University of Guelph
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.