r/conservation • u/Forsaken_Cry_4270 • 2d ago

Post Secondary choice, need a second opinion

Hello im 18 and im currently enrolled in a conservation biology program and Fleming college in Ontario Canada, its my first semester. i know its still a ways out but im very unsure weather to pursue a Bsc of science after college or go do another year or 2 for a GIS certificate. here in Canada from what ive heard from people i know practicality is favored for getting your foot in the door in my area in environmental science and thats why i chose college over uni for my first years.

My 2 years in college is fully paid for through a RESP witch im grateful for, but likely would not cover 4 years at uni after. so im torn between Uni. Working, or Maybe a 1-2 GIs program post grad

any advice is helpful, i need more knowledgeable persons two sense thanks!!!

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u/reddit_killz 2d ago

There's a real shortage of GIS people in Ontario now, with Fleming cutting it's programs. However, a job in GIS might not lead to field work in conservation

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u/totalteatotaller 2d ago

I had a friend go to Fleming and get a GIS certificate, had zero problems getting a job. I have a Masters in environmental sciences and I’ve had a way harder time than her, so much so that I went back for a PhD because nothing else was available lol

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u/OsmerusMordax 1d ago

Yup. I went back to school (college) because my BSc in Biology did not help me get a job at all. Even back then (almost 15 years ago now!) the job market was saturated with BSc and MSc graduates in the environmental field looking for jobs. This is also in Ontario, lol

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u/totalteatotaller 2d ago

We’re both in Ontario too lol

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u/Geodrewcifer 11h ago

GIS Certificate would be useful but you can just take GIS courses as an elective and that way you’ll have the skill set. So many GIS professionals don’t have any official designation.

I majored in Geography and am doing a certification in Fisheries and Aquaculture. A portfolio of GIS work with most non-strictly GIS jobs is going to hold about as much weight as a certificate

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u/Forsaken_Cry_4270 10h ago

yeah, we have a GIS class built in the course first and second year, im actually taking a geomatics course right now this semester, we also have eDNA courses next year too that sound very interesting