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Program: Graduated from MREM in May 2024 Current position: Junior Project Developer at SWEB Development

Mir Sultan: Navigating the Environmental Landscape with SRES

In the realm of renewable energy and environmental management, Mir Sultan stands as a beacon of success and adaptability. Graduating from the Master of Resource and Environmental Management (MREM) program at the School for Resource and Environmental Studies (SRES), his journey from an undergraduate degree in economics to a promising career in the environmental sector exemplifies the transformative power of interdisciplinary education and professional dedication.

Mir's transition to the environmental field was not obvious from the outset. With an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Richmond, he initially ventured into the corporate world as an Associate Product Manager at a software company. Despite the allure of financial stability, Mir found himself yearning for a deeper sense of purpose and impact in his work. This realization propelled him towards a career shift, leading him to explore opportunities in the environmental sector. "It's a bit of a long story, but I ended up applying to this solar company back when I was in DC," Mir recalls. "That whole experience just made me realize that the more I started to think when I was applying for that job and going through the multiple rounds, this is something I really see myself using my skills and my experience in the environmental sector."

It was during this period of introspection that Mir discovered the MREM program at SRES. Drawn to its reputation for excellence and its focus on practical skill development, Mir saw the program as a gateway to his desired career path. "The MREM program and SRES really stood out because it had the right mix of being able to build my aptitude in the industry while also being a professional program that was focused on ensuring that I was able to land an internship, and I was able to get a good job out of it," he explains.

Upon entering the MREM program, Mir was met with a steep learning curve, transitioning from the realms of economics to environmental science and policy. However, he embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, viewing it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. "For me, the learning curve in my program was just so massive," he reflects. "There were a lot of topics, a lot of concepts that I was learning for the first time that others were already confident in."

Through the variety of courses offered through the SRES program, Mir gained a comprehensive understanding of the environmental sector's multifaceted issues. "In the program, they help you go through what an environmental assessment plan is and how to analyze whether a property or land is suitable," he says. Mir uses these skills throughout his new role noting "That鈥檚 another thing as environmental assessment is also an important aspect of my current job as well."

"In environmental companies, resources are limited and having an interdisciplinary program that was able to provide the opportunity to look at the environment and environmental management through so many different perspectives was able to translate into me being more successful in my role." One of the defining aspects of Mir's experience at SRES was the practical exposure he gained through his co-op internship. His internship experience at SWEB Development, a renewable energy company, provided him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of project development in the wind and solar energy sector.

"The coop gave me that opportunity to transition to the next role and then work full time," Mir explains. "It also just helps that the network of SRES students and MREM students across Atlantic Canada is really huge, and it will play an important role in terms of you getting a job."

Mir's journey from an internship student to a full-time Junior Project Developer at SWEB Development exemplifies the seamless transition facilitated by the MREM program. With a diverse skill set and alumni network, Mir navigated the environmental landscape with confidence and determination. "Everyone in my cohort landed a job or some kind of really good research experience," he says. "So I would just really highly recommend this program."

As Mir continues to make strides in renewable energy development, he envisions a future where SRES alumni play a pivotal role in addressing global environmental issues and driving the transition towards a green economy. "I just see the spread of SRES students across Atlantic Canada and the US increasing," he predicts. "The alumni networking will become even more important, playing an even more important role in terms of people getting jobs and combating climate change."

Mir Sultan's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary education and experiential learning. Through his perseverance and dedication, he has not only carved out a successful career in the environmental sector but also become a driving force for positive change in the world. As he continues to advocate for sustainability and renewable energy, Mir remains a shining example of the impact that SRES graduates can have on shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.

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