Jenny Paola Espitia Contreras

Targeting a couple of roles really helps narrow down what you're looking for, and it makes it easier for people in your network to help you get into what interests you the most.

Career questions with Rachelle

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

My journey began with a deep love for political science, but as I dove into environmental policy, I realized how challenging it could be to decipher the technical side of the field. To make the most informed decisions possible and understand complex scientific jargon, I decided to complement my BA in International Relations and Political Studies with a BSc in Environmental Science.

It is incredibly rewarding to work on ensuring that major resource projects are designed with rigorous mitigation strategies that protect both our biophysical environment and the rights of Indigenous communities.

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest gamechangers in your career? 

The absolute biggest game changers for me have been strong statistics and data analysis skills, which were heavily sharpened by my master's course in data collection and analysis for environmental assessment. These skills allow me to truly understand complex processes and make sense of the heavy data provided by technical teams, helping me see exactly how their projects will impact the environment. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

Concordia gave me the perfect mix of environmental science and practical policy skills that I use every single day. Whether I was learning how to manage hands-on environmental data or collaborating on research projects, I felt confident stepping straight into the industry, knowing exactly how to handle environmental assessments and look out for vulnerable ecosystems.

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

A standout memory for me was getting to work as a research assistant in two different labs: the primatology lab and the landscape ecology lab. Collecting behavioral data on Japanese macaques and diving into data analysis for landscape ecology projects was both challenging and incredibly exciting. The absolute best part was seeing that hard work in the primatology lab turn into a published, peer-reviewed scientific paper. It was a proud moment that proved to me I had what it takes to handle high-level data analysis and scientific research.

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

Embrace the unconventional nature of a multidisciplinary path and trust that a background in international relations and environmental science would eventually connect beautifully. Moving across sectors and countries can feel daunting, but every experience—from coordinating global maritime logistics in Colombia to analyzing campus waste data in Montreal—builds a unique lens that sets you apart. Stay curious, keep advocating for sustainability, and recognize that a diverse toolkit is your greatest strength in solving complex global challenges. 

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

The most exciting shift right now is that the industry is moving toward a model where protecting Indigenous rights, looking at social and economic impacts, and long-term sustainability are prioritized from day one. The environmental assessment process in Canada is becoming much more focused on the most critical environmental issues of major resource projects. This forces teams to think outside the box and design projects that actually balance economic growth with protecting the environment and respecting communities.

Feeling inspired?

• Explore research opportunities at one of the department research labs.
• Consider research assistant positions in the department.
• Get involved with sustainability opportunities at Concordia.
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.