How a degree pathway agreement with UNB took Elizabeth Phillips from Holland College's EAST program to fieldwork across Canada

I entered the Environmental Applied Science Technology program right after high school, and during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a small class size made it possible for my classmates and meto get the most out of our education while remaining safe in those uncertain times.  

The EAST program provides exposure to a wide range of topics from soil science to environmental impact assessments, to wastewater treatment, and mapping software such as ArcGIS. I was in my second year of the EAST program when I attended a career fair and heard about the degree pathway agreement with the University of New Brunswick, in Fredericton, NB. This pathway is something I wish more people knew about. This opportunity allows students to finish a bachelor’s degree in as short as half the time thanks to transfer credits and the foundation of knowledge that Holland College offers. So, I decided to expand my education with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management. This choice has taken what I learned in college even further. 

I completed the pathway in three years, learning about conservation biology, economics, environmental laws and policies, and natural resource management. I decided to continue my education even further with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, adding just one more year to my education journey.  In this degree I have learned about silvicultural practises and how to manage private woodlots while utilizingresources such as the local wood marketing board. As a requirement of both degrees, I have worked on two capstone projects that helped to solidify my knowledge and demonstrate the skills and abilities I have gained throughout my years at UNB. These projects have contributed meaningful integrated land management and stewardship plans for local organizations to use and carry out. 

My educational journey has allowed me to gain valuable summer work experience at the end of each school year. I have travelled to work in Nova Scotia as a Species at Risk Technician, to Saskatchewan as a Forestry Woodlands Student, and to British Columbia for an emergency term response on the bird flu outbreak. These placements have allowed me to gain experience and expand my skills under inspirational leadership, which has helped me to further narrow down my passions.  

None of this would have been possible without beginning my journey at Holland College. Bryan and Joanne set me up for success which allowed me to believe in myself and my skills. What I learned at Holland College has prepared me and helped me through a dual-bachelor’s degree. The degree pathway agreement with the University of New Brunswick is something each student should remember to consider as they finish their time at Holland College, as there are so many wonderful experiences to have, people to meet, and insight to gain along the way.  

Alumni Testimonial by Elizabeth Phillips 

Your journey could start the same way Elizabeth's did!

Learn more about our degree pathway agreements or come chat with us at an upcoming session:

Degree Pathway Session UPEI | March 18 at 3PM

Degree Pathway Session MSVU | March 25 at 3PM