Aleks Spasevski is a recent graduate from the Master’s of Environmental Studies in Sustainability Management (SUSM) program.
Aleks was interviewed by SEED.
Q: What is your educational background?
A: While attending high school in Georgetown, Ontario, I was in the Specialist High Skills Major program in the environmental field. I then went to the University of Guelph for my undergraduate degree and I got a Bachelor of Environmental Science with a Major in Environmental Science.
Q: What made you decide to pursue the Master’s in Sustainability Management degree?
A: I originally knew of the University of Waterloo because of its good reputation, so I was looking at the programs. My mentor from POWER knew Dr. Amelia Clarke (my supervisor) and connected me with her. I had an interview with Amelia about the MES SUSM program and I was interested in Amelia’s work. She also mentioned mental health supports that the Faculty of Environment and UW offers. This made me feel reassured because I dealt with some mental health issue at the end of my undergrad.
Q: How was your experience completing the MES degree?
A: I really enjoyed the MES program because it offered a lot of valuable learning opportunities. One memorable experience was being a teaching assistant. It was fun to get into the classroom and work with students while engaging them in topics related to sustainability. I was able to meet a lot of great people that I am currently working with or still in touch with. I enjoyed that the program was research-based because it allowed me to explore my interests and develop skills. I was interested in how organizations can support and engage young people in impacting their communities either socially or environmentally. Also, my supervisor was really supportive throughout my entire degree and she still supports me in my endeavors today.
Q: What job did you get after you graduated from the MES program and what are your future career goals?
A: I am currently the Sustainability Engagement Coordinator for the Sustainability Office at the University of Waterloo. Some of my responsibilities include helping co-op students, organizing events and campaigns, and supporting sustainability programs for staff and students (green office, green labs, green residences). My experience in the MES SUSM provided me a solid background in understanding how to engage participants in sustainability efforts. My thesis was entitled “Youth services programs design strategies impacts on organizations, communities and youth engagement”. I am interested in pursuing sustainability topics further in law and policy.
"I recommend the SUSM MES for anyone who is passionate about sustainability and making an impact in the world."~ Aleks Spasevski |
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More information on UW's Sustainability Office
More information on the MES in Sustainability Management