MES Program Helps International Student Launch Career in Environmental Protection

International student, Naifah Putri gained technical skills and hands-on experiences from OAC’s Master’s in Environmental Science program, leading to a role as a sustainability auditor. immediately after her graduation.

When Naifah Putri arrived in Guelph to begin her Master’s in Environmental Science (MES) program at OAC, she already knew Canada felt like home. After completing her bachelor’s degree in international relations with a focus on environmental policy in Indonesia, Naifah recognized a gap in her skill set and applied to the course-based program.

“I had experience in sustainability and environmental policy, but not on the scientific side,” she explains. “If I wanted to make a bigger impact in environmental protection and stewardship, I needed stronger science-based skills and hands-on technical experience.”

U of G’s Master of Environmental Science program gave Naifa the technical and professional development skills she desperately needed. After graduating from the program in 2025, Naifah is the Forest Supply Chain Coordinator for Preferred by Nature, where she travels throughout Canada conducting environmental audits of companies applying for FSC certification.

“I’m travelling across Canada, visiting sites, and helping companies strengthen their sustainability practices,” she says. “It’s exactly the kind of work I hoped to do.”

She was first exposed to Canada during an undergraduate exchange semester at the University of British Columbia. That time in Canada shaped her vision for her future.

“Canada is one of the best places in the world to learn about forests, soils, climate, and environmental systems,’ says Naifah. “The University of Guelph is among the world’s best in these areas.”

Why U of G’s Master of Environmental Science was the right choice

“The flexibility of the program was a major reason why I chose the MES program,” says Naifah. “It’s a one-year program, which gave me the ability to gain technical skills, job experience and be part of a global research project.”

She appreciated the freedom to choose courses that aligned with her career goals and professional development. 

“I focused my courses on environmental risk assessment because I didn’t have that background in that area,” she says. “The program let me shape my path.”

Naifah completed both an internship and a research project during her short 12-month master’s program. She credits these two opportunities as essential to her career development.

Her internship at Stantec placed her on a risk assessment team for three months. 

“It was my first technical role in Canada,” she says. “It gave me confidence and real experience with environmental data and assessments.”

Her research project with environmental chemistry professor James Longstaffe took her deeper into scientific analysis. She examined soil samples from Brazil to study contaminant movement between soil and water. 

“The professors were so open to involving students in their work,” she says. “That experience made me feel like I belonged in environmental science.”

She also had the chance to participate in a collaborative international summer program involving multiple universities. The experience took her to Paris. 

“That was unforgettable,” she says. “It opened my eyes to global perspectives on climate adaptation.”

Starting Her Career in Environmental Protection in Canada

Naifah graduated in June 2025 and secured a job almost immediately.

Today she is the Forest Supply Chain Coordinator at Preferred by Nature Canada, an NGO that works globally on sustainability and forest certification. Her role involves auditing forest product companies across the country for FSC chain-of-custody certification.

She credits the MES program for helping her get there. 

“The combination of coursework, the internship, and the research project made me competitive right away,” she says. “The program helped me build the technical foundation I needed. I wouldn’t be in this role without it.”

Guelph has now become home for her. 

“I love living and working in Canada,” she says. “The environmental sector here is strong, and there’s so much opportunity for international students.”

Advice for Future Environmental Science Students

For international students considering the MES, Naifah’s advice is clear.

“Do your research about the type of career you want,” she says. “Then choose your courses and experiences strategically. And don’t be afraid to talk to your professors. At OAC, the faculty are incredibly supportive.”

Naifah hopes to continue building her career in environmental standards and may pursue a PhD in the future. But for now, she’s exactly where she wants to be.

“Canada is the perfect place to study and work in environmental science,” she says. “The MES program gave me everything I needed to start my career here.”