From the classroom to the workplace
Master of Climate Change students Taylor Wiebe and Jack Phibbs are transforming academic knowledge into real-world impact through their internships.
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The Master of Climate Change program equips its graduates with an understanding of climate change science, policy and management. Within the final term of the one-year program, MCC students have the option of completing an internship in a role focused on climate or climate change. This term, nine students are completing an internship, including Taylor Wiebe and Jack Phibbs.
Jack Phibbs
Jack Phibbs completed his Bachelor of Arts in the Faculty of Health, tailoring his studies with a minor in Geography and Environmental Management and a Diploma in Sustainability. Driven by a deep passion for environmental issues and a growing urgency surrounding the climate crisis, he chose to pursue the Master of Climate Change.
Within the program, Phibbs gained the knowledge and skills to contribute to real, lasting change in the climate field. The flexibility of the program also allowed him to balance his athletic goals as a member of the varsity hockey team.
Phibbs is completing his internship at the City of Waterloo as a Project Planner and Community Engagement Associate in the Parks and Forestry Department. His responsibilities include GIS mapping, educational strategy development, project management, and environmental stewardship.
“The City of Waterloo has been an excellent place to begin my career. I’ve greatly valued the opportunity to apply and continue developing the skills I gained through the MCC program. This has not only strengthened my capabilities but has also allowed me to begin building a professional reputation within the municipal government.”
After graduation, Phibbs hopes to work within the sustainability field or a related area where he can apply the knowledge and skills from the Master of Climate Change.
Taylor Wiebe
Taylor Wiebe joined the Master of Climate Change after completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Guelph. Her undergraduate studies had several courses focused on climate change which sparked her interest in the topic. She chose the Master of Climate Change because of the reputation of the program and the opportunity to learn from subject-matter experts.
In the program, Wiebe enjoyed the unique blend of science and policy, which was an intersectional perspective she did not receive in her undergraduate courses. She also gained a fuller understanding of the threat of climate change. “It became clear to me that to limit future warming to a 1.5-degree target (or higher now), that mitigation efforts through multi-level governance, primarily those focused on clean energy policy would be essential.”
Wiebe is completing an internship with the Oil, Gas, and Alternative Energy Division (OGAED) at Environment and Climate Change Canada in Gatineau, Quebec. Working as an Oil and Gas Regulatory Engagement Officer, she supports the development of oil and gas outdoor air pollutant regulations, which includes preparing briefing materials, conducting research, and developing stakeholder engagement strategies. “There have been several memorable moments throughout my internship, most notably, the opportunity to facilitate an all-staff meeting for my division and developing a stakeholder engagement strategy that is helping inform engagement on OGAED's key files.”
After graduation, Wiebe hopes to find a position that aligns both her personal values and professional goals and reflects her passion for fighting climate change.
The internship option allows Master of Climate Change students to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical application. They demonstrate adaptability and independence in a workplace setting and increase practical skills like problem-solving, communication and collaboration. This valuable experience enhances their graduate journey and boosts their future employability.
