Corner Brook, NL – March 2025 — From March 7–9, 2025, the fourtheconext Clean Growth Ideathon challenged students at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, to tackle one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most pressing sustainability issues: transportation.
With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, the event brought together students from diverse academic backgrounds. In just 48 hours, five teams worked to answer the question: How can Newfoundland and Labrador improve transportation sustainability and efficiency?
“Transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in our province,” said Alex Rumbolt, Business Sustainability Lead with econext. “Through this ideathon, we gave students the platform to create real, actionable ideas—and they stepped up in a big way.”
Participants took part in workshops and received one-on-one mentorship throughout the weekend, helping turn early-stage ideas into well-rounded, innovative pitches. A panel of judges evaluated the final presentations on criteria including sustainability, impact, and feasibility.
First Place Winners
The top prize was awarded to Big Green Energy (Beth Skeard, Jocelyne Roberts, Janelle Vallis, Joni Hoffrén), whose winning idea proposed a fleet of electric hybrid bike rentals for Corner Brook’s unique geography. Their plan emphasized improving accessibility, reducing emissions, and encouraging active transportation in the city.
Second Place Winners Team CAS (Blessing Adedokun-Awojodu, Chinwe Nzekwe) earned second place for their redesign of the Corner Brook bus system. Their concept focused on route optimization, service electrification, and data-informed scheduling to enhance efficiency and ridership.
Third Place Winners
In third place, Unstoppable (Soham Savant, Amna Chohan) pitched an initiative to introduce hydrogen fuel cell technology into the province’s transport trucking sector—an approach aimed at cutting emissions in one of the most carbon-intensive industries.
“The energy and talent these students brought to the table was incredible,” said Chelsea Linfield, Project Finance Manager with econext. “Their ideas show the kind of leadership we need for the future of greener transportation in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
econext extends sincere thanks to all its partners, mentors and judges who helped make the fourth ideathon a success. econext would also like to especially thank its sponsor, takeCHARGE NL, for supporting this event and helping students learn more about the green economy.
This ideathon was made possible through partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), and with support from the Government of Canada.
For information on future ideathons or partnership opportunities, please contact: Chelsea Linfield – chelsea@econext.ca Alex Rumbolt – alex@econext.ca
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About econext econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.
About BHER
The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that brings together Canada’s top businesses and post-secondary institutions. BHER works to strengthen partnerships, expand work-integrated learning opportunities, and drive innovation. Learn more at www.bher.ca.
Empowering Newcomers for Careers in the Green Economy
Are you a newcomer to Canada looking to build your career in the green economy? The Green Roots Career Series offers a unique opportunity to develop essential job-seeking skills, expand your network, and connect with potential employers. Through a series of four workshops and five company connector events, participants will gain valuable insights and even have a chance to secure an internship with a participating company.
*While attendance at each workshop and connector event is not mandatory for program participation, it is highly encouraged to give applicants the best chance at securing an internship.
* Participants can continue to sign up to attend future events, even if the program is underway.
Upon registration, applicants will be emailed upcoming events details.
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Upcoming Workshops
Power Up Your Personal Brand
📅 April 1, 2025 – 10 AM (COMPLETE)
📍 Online
Learn how to build a compelling personal brand that stands out in today’s job market.
Grow Your Network
📅 April 8, 2025 – 10 AM
📍 In-person, Sheraton Hotel: 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s, NL
Master networking skills and learn how to create meaningful professional connections.
Combined Workshop: Power Up Your Personal Brand + Grow Your Network
📅 April 29, 2025
📍 In-person, Corner Brook
A two-day immersive workshop to strengthen both your personal brand and networking strategies.
Accelerate Your Interview Skills
📅 April 23, 2025 – 10 AM
📍 Online
Gain confidence and learn key techniques to excel in job interviews.
*Additional times to be shared with program participants’ email.
Company Connector Events
Throughout April, we’re hosting five networking events where program participants can meet and engage with potential employers in the green economy sector by visiting their office spaces. These events will give you direct access to industry professionals, and valuable career opportunities.
Participants who register for this program will be emailed the dates and times of these events, along with the RSVP form.
Participants can continue to sign up to attend future events. Registration for this program does not guarantee attendance at company connector events, as RSVP forms will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Internship Selection
At the conclusion of the Company Connector Events, five participants will be selected for internships with companies they connected with during the events.
• Internship Duration: May – July
• Eligibility: Newcomer to Canada
This is your chance to kickstart your career in a growing industry!
📢 Don’t Miss Out! Register now to secure your spot in this exciting career series program.
Corner Brook, NL – econext is pleased to announce the success of its first Greening Business Workshop, held in Corner Brook on March 7, 2025. The event provided local businesses with valuable insights on reducing their environmental impact and how improving efficiency and sustainability can result in direct benefits.
Business Sustainability Lead Alex Rumbolt presents to workshop attendees.
“This workshop showcased the growing commitment among Newfoundland and Labrador businesses to sustainability,” said Alex Rumbolt, Business Sustainability Lead at econext. “By providing practical solutions and connecting businesses with key resources, we’re helping to drive real change in the province’s green economy.”
Matthew Hatcher of takeCHARGE presents on energy efficiency to workshop attendees.
Following this successful event, econext is excited to bring the Greening Business Workshop series to more communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. These future workshops will continue to support businesses in adopting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.
For more information on upcoming workshops and sustainability initiatives, visit econext.ca.
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About econext
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities.
econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.
Exploring Career Pathways in Newfoundland & Labrador’s Green Economy
Date: March 25, 2025 Location: Holiday Inn, 180 Portugal Cove, St. John’s NL / Online Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy is expanding, creating new career opportunities. This event is designed for individuals looking to enter or transition into the green economy. Attendees will gain insights into workforce opportunities while networking with employers and industry leaders.
• Learn about career opportunities.
• Gain insights into training programs and certification pathways.
• Connect with industry experts and professionals.
• Participate in interactive and networking activities.
Event Agenda (this agenda is subject to potential changes)
09:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Registration & Welcome Coffee
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Opening Remarks
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Success Stories
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Green Economy Interactive Game
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Green Horizons
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Panel Discussion: Career Pathways to the Green Economy in NL
• NL Hydro
• College of the North Atlantic
• Office to Advance Women Apprentices NL
• Angler Solutions
• SEM Ltd.
In-person spaces are limited. Secure your spot today! Can’t attend in-person? Join with our virtual ticket, and you will receive a link to watch this event.
The Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator is a free program to help entrepreneurs and businesses explore opportunities for innovative new approaches to waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
Over the course of 6 months, participants will advance their ideas forward and benefit from entrepreneurial skill-building, circular economy expertise, ongoing business mentorship, and access to a network of like-minded organizations and leaders.
Our 2025 Cohort application period is currently closed. Information about selected applications will be released soon.
Program Participants
The ideal program participants are innovators – entrepreneurs or existing businesses – wishing to pursue the development of a new technology or provide a new service that diverts waste from the province’s landfills.
2025 Program Cohort List (Coming Soon)
Program Outcomes
Through the incubator, program participants will:
Develop a business plan
Learn how to pitch their ideas
Build a foundation of business fundamentals and entrepreneurial skills
Connect with mentors and coaches
Network with innovative business leaders and industry experts
Come together with like-minded entrepreneurs going through the same process
At the end of the program, participants will have a better understanding of the feasibility of their ideas and what the next steps are in their pursuit.
Program Schedule
March – Applications are open!
April – Applications close. Cohort is selected from the applicant pool.
May – Each venture is matched with a business coach, meeting monthly to provide mentorship, facilitate connections, and jump hurdles. Ventures participate in monthly virtual sessions hosted by industry experts, covering entrepreneurship and sustainability fundamentals. In tandem with sessions, ventures complete assignments that build towards a comprehensive business plan.
December – Ventures compete in the final pitch event, presenting to an audience of investors, industry experts, and media.
Applications
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed. If you are interested in applying for our next cohort, check back to this page in the coming year. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to be alerted when applications open.
Information Webinar
Please find both the recording and presentation from the Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator webinar.
Why is Innovation in NL’s Waste Management Important?
Newfoundland and Labrador has a small population spread across vast areas of land. Its communities and industries are often found in rural and sometimes even remote areas. These circumstances make the provision of waste management services challenging. Processes and technologies that are proven elsewhere often are uneconomic in the NL context due to smaller scales of activity and volumes of waste. Meanwhile, NL is one of the largest producers per capita of waste in Canada; our waste has significant environmental impacts including the fact that our landfills are responsible for ~7% of the province’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Developing and adopting new technologies and services that diverts waste from our landfills can have a positive environmental impact and reduce our waste management costs.
What is the Circular Economy?
In today’s world, most of the products we purchase are made from raw resources and are designed to be used for only a short time before being disposed of and ending up at a landfill. On average, only 7.2% of materials are recirculated back into the global economy at end-of-life. This ‘take-make-waste’ economy is resource-intensive and puts pressure on Earth’s natural ecosystems.
Taking a more ‘circular’ approach means rethinking how products are designed, manufactured, used, and treated at the end of their useful life. In a circular economy, products and materials recirculate within the supply chain through reduction, reuse and repair, redistribution, reconditioning, and recycling processes.
A more circular economy reduces waste and pollution, while helping to increase resource efficiency.
Questions
If you have any questions on the Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator or the application process, please reach out to incubator@econext.ca.
About Synergy Foundation
Synergy Foundation was created in 2013 by the Synergy Enterprises team and a group of passionate community members and leaders who recognized the need for a non-profit organization to lead the transition towards a green economy on the west coast. Since its inception, Synergy Foundation has focused on innovative projects and programs that have pushed the envelope, supported hundreds of businesses, and turned great ideas into action.
Our core focus areas include supporting communities and businesses in adopting circular economy practices and advancing green business operations to foster a regenerative, inclusive, and equitable economy. This is represented in our core initiatives: BC Green Business, Project Zero, and the Ecostar Awards.
Mural artist Molly Margaret stands next to her work.
There’s something new on the walls at No Picnik Co-Working—a mural that tells the story of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy—from its roots in the fishery to its future in the clean energy industry. The piece captures the province’s natural beauty, its evolving industries, and the people driving the growth of a vibrant and environmentally sustainable economic future.
An image depicting the full mural.
“This artwork will serve to be an important reminder – each and every day for our staff and the many visitors we see at our office – of the purpose and importance of econext’s work and existence,” said econext’s CEO Kieran Hanley. “We have a 40-foot hallway which is traveled dozens of times everyday by our employees, others at No Picnik, and all of our visitors,” he said, “and we saw this as an opportunity to tell the important story of our association and its members.”
The mural is filled with symbols and depictions of Newfoundland and Labrador’s past, present, and future economies— from the fisheries, to the offshore, to wind and hydro power. It reflects the work that econext’s members are doing every day, moving industries forward while staying connected to the land and ocean that defines us.
The mural was designed and painted by well-known local artist Molly Margaret. “Molly worked closely with us to bring this vision to life,” said Hanley. “We were lucky that she was able and willing, and her work has already made for a brighter and more inspiring workspace.”
The mural depicts many different scenes, such as a teaching environment.
“Creating this mural for econext was an incredibly enjoyable experience! Collaborating to create a concept that blended the province’s imagery with achievements in the evolving green economy was a unique opportunity,” said artist Molly Margaret. “It was exciting to dive into their core values and mission, weaving them into a vibrant and meaningful illustration. Painting in the workspace was a true highlight, allowing me to bring the piece to life with bright saturated colors and energy. I’m very proud of this piece and I hope it brings some joy to everyone who steps into the office!”
Now a permanent fixture at No Picnik, the mural will reinforce with visitors Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and the bright green future that it has in front of it. “We all have a role to play in helping the province to realize this future,” said Hanley. “This artwork will be a continuous reminder of econext’s mission and the important work our staff are doing each and every day to contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador’s future.”
Margaret outlines the mural details.
About No Picnik
No Picnik is a co-working space on the second floor of 235 Water Street in the heart of Downtown St. John’s. The space includes private offices, workstations, access to meetings rooms, and a wide variety of shared amenities. More information can be found at https://nopicnik.ca/.
About Molly Margaret
Molly is an Illustrator and Muralist from St. John’s, Newfoundland. She received her Bachelor of Design in Illustration at OCAD University in Toronto, Canada in 2018. Her work is largely inspired by plants and botanicals, East Coast imagery and culture, as well as architecture and people. She prioritizes creating joyous, colourful, and whimsical work for everyone to enjoy. More information can be found on her website https://mollymargaretart.com/.
About econext
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities.
econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.
The Ocean Startup Activator – NL Edition is an in-person event on March 11 at Memorial University’s Core Science Facility, designed for students, researchers, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs passionate about the Blue Economy. This immersive day features dynamic ideation exercises, team-building activities, and insights from industry leaders, offering participants the opportunity to develop innovative solutions to real-world ocean challenges! Gain access to valuable resources, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and take the next step on your entrepreneurial journey in the ocean sector.
Prizes
1st Place: $400
2nd Place: $300
3rd Place: $200
For this Ocean Startup Activator participants can expect the challenge statements to fall under Sustainable Seafood or Autonomous Vessels & Robotics. Additional details will be presented on the morning of the Activator. You do not need to have a background, knowledge or experience in these areas to participate. We encourage those that have no exposure to these industries to participate to bring an outside perspective with unique ideas to solving these real world problems. Teams for the Ocean Startup Activator should consist of 2 to 4 members.
Following the Ocean Startup Activator, econext will provide student participants the opportunity to have their ideas reviewed by industry mentors and receive expert feedback. Students that incorporate the feedback into an updated pitch will be eligible to receive a gift card as a thank you for your effort.
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador through a focus in three areas of activity: innovation, workforce, and net zero. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. With a membership of over 150 businesses, research institutions, governments, and organizations – econext is Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading voice on the green economy.
The Ocean Startup Project propels Canada as the top destination for ocean entrepreneurs, driving innovation across the ocean economy. Our mission is to transform Canada into a global hub where ocean startups can thrive, from inception to global market presence. Leveraging a network that includes Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and partners from across the country – Genesis, Springboard Atlantic, PEI BioAlliance, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), Technopole Maritime du Québec (TMQ), Invest Nova Scotia, and the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) – we bolster Canada’s innovation ecosystem for ocean-focused startups. Our efforts have catapulted us to the forefront, being recognized in the top 5 accelerators/incubators in North America and top 10 globally in the Blue Economy sector according to Startup Genome’s Report. Launched in 2020, we’ve quickly become a global contender, not only speeding up market access for Canadian startups but also attracting international ventures. Join us in navigating the future of the ocean economy, where together, we can unlock the ocean’s full potential.
We inspire students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to seek ways to solve real-world local and global problems through innovative business solutions. By fostering collaboration and accelerating innovation, we aim to cultivate Newfoundland and Labrador’s next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. In doing so, we seek to be the early-stage catalyst that helps make Newfoundland and Labrador the most entrepreneurial province in Canada.
As Newfoundland and Labrador’s pre-eminent innovation hub, Genesis is known for its flagship incubator program, Enterprise, which began over twenty-five years ago. Since its inception, Genesis has expanded its programming to support startups from the ideation stage all the way to scaling their business. Genesis’ mission is to create opportunity for the province by developing and supporting technology entrepreneurs.
econext‘s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception is taking place on April 16, 2025.
Date: Wednesday April 16, 2025, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Sheraton Hotel, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s NL
Industry Awards Reception econext will recognize and celebrate the winner of its 2025 Industry Awards in the following categories: Cleantech Innovation, Business Excellence, International Business, and Industry Champion.
To submit an awards nomination, please click here. Award nominations are due by 11:59 PM NDT Friday March 21, 2025.
Registration
Registration for this event is now open!
Are you curious about the green economy and eager to discover how you can play a role in shaping a sustainable future? This free course is designed to help you explore the possibilities and prepare for opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing green economy.
Why Take This Course?
The green economy is a fast growing and vital sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. But what exactly does the term “green economy” mean? This course provides a foundational introduction, helping you understand its significance to both the province and its people.
As new green projects and initiatives develop and move forward, the demand for careers, suppliers and businesses across various industries will rise. A wide range of skills and backgrounds are needed to help support this transformative shift. Now is the perfect time to learn about the concepts and upcoming opportunities that can help you transition into this space.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Identify common green economy terms and core concepts.
• Discuss opportunities and challenges specific to clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador..
• Understand potential career and business opportunities in the green economy.
Course Details
This fully online course is designed for flexibility and accessibility, with three self-paced modules containing 12 engaging lessons. You can complete the material on your own schedule. The course content takes under 5 hours to complete.
In addition to the online content, participants will have the opportunity to attend in-person industry sessions. These events provide opportunities for valuable professional networking, allowing you to learn from their expertise and start building your own connections.
Course Overview:
Module 1: Introduction to the Green Economy – 90 Mins
Lesson 1: Terminology and Concepts
Lesson 2: The Changing Environment
Lesson 3: Government Action and Climate Change Commitments
Module 2: Green Practices and Technologies – 75 Mins
Lesson 1: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Lesson 2: Energy Efficiency
Lesson 3: Waste Management and Circular Economy
Lesson 4: Climate Change Adaptation
Module 3: Sectors and Careers in the Green Economy – 90 Mins
Lesson 1: Electricity and Clean Energy
Lesson 2: Decarbonizing Industry
Lesson 3: Energy Efficiency Retrofits
Lesson 4: Circular Economy
Lesson 5: Clean Technology
Last year, econext’s Tides of Opportunity event highlighted the potential in Newfoundland and Labrador’s blue sector, and matched 5 individuals to green economy companies to participate and learn about the industry through work-integrated learning (WIL). Here you can take a look through their experiences and what they had to say about the experience.
Participants
Zeinab Salehiankia- Environmental Research Assistant
“This workplace program is valuable and impactful for me. I learned about the clean industry in Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, while also developing writing skills and engaging in a professional Canadian workplace.”
Outcomes:
“I successfully contributed to the Climate Action recommendations and received positive feedback from the green economy group. I particularly enjoy engaging in real-world projects and appreciate the supportive environment at econext. I have benefited from enhanced report writing skills, networking opportunities, and exposure to Canadian workplace culture.”
Personal and Professional Development:
“I have developed professional and interpersonal skills, including report writing, communication, and networking in the clean industry. My desire to pursue clean energy has grown stronger than ever before. As a master’s student in Environmental Science, I have always been passionate about working in the clean and green industry. This workplace opportunity further fuels my passion.”
Advice:
“As a newcomer, I would advise them to expand their networking and to do their best to build relationships with professionals in the field. I emphasized the importance of enhancing their knowledge about the clean industry by reading reports and papers extensively.”
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Zeinab Salehiankia- Environmental Research Assistant
“This workplace program is valuable and impactful for me. I learned about the clean industry in Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, while also developing writing skills and engaging in a professional Canadian workplace.”
Outcomes:
“I successfully contributed to the Climate Action recommendations and received positive feedback from the green economy group. I particularly enjoy engaging in real-world projects and appreciate the supportive environment at econext. I have benefited from enhanced report writing skills, networking opportunities, and exposure to Canadian workplace culture.”
Personal and Professional Development:
“I have developed professional and interpersonal skills, including report writing, communication, and networking in the clean industry. My desire to pursue clean energy has grown stronger than ever before. As a master’s student in Environmental Science, I have always been passionate about working in the clean and green industry. This workplace opportunity further fuels my passion.”
Advice:
“As a newcomer, I would advise them to expand their networking and to do their best to build relationships with professionals in the field. I emphasized the importance of enhancing their knowledge about the clean industry by reading reports and papers extensively.”
“My experience at C-CORE has been incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to work alongside esteemed ice and ocean engineers has provided me with invaluable insights into the practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Furthermore, the supportive environment cultivated by my supervisor has been instrumental in fostering my professional growth. During my internship at C-CORE Research Institute, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the dynamic environment of Research and Development. This opportunity provided me with a firsthand experience of the multifaceted nature of engineering research and development, offering a platform to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects. The exposure to real-world projects and interdisciplinary collaborations has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the intricacies of engineering research and development.
Outcomes:
“The internship has afforded me the opportunity to expand my professional network within the industry. By collaborating with experts in the field of ice and ocean engineering, I have forged valuable connections that may prove instrumental in my future career endeavors.”
Personal and professional development:
“The internship has presented numerous opportunities for learning and personal development. Notably, I am acquiring technical proficiency in software such as Star CCM+ and gained a comprehensive understanding of the project lifecycle within the realm of ocean engineering.”
Advice:
“My advice would be to actively seek out the opportunities for hands-on experiences such as internships or volunteer jobs with the organizations related to marine conservation or clean energy. In addition, staying informed about any latest developments related to this field by attending the workshops, conferences, or networking events would really help them to build connections for future opportunities.”
“I had the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge and professional background to real-world challenges in the renewable energy sector. The supportive and collaborative work environment at Growler Energy, where I had the chance to work with experienced professionals and contribute to a meaningful project. The chance to gain insights into the renewable energy industry, network with industry experts, and develop valuable skills in research, analysis, and project management.”
Outcomes:
“Research skills, analysis skills, and understanding of renewable energy development challenges. Conducting in-depth research on renewable energy technologies, market trends, and policy frameworks. Developed a report outlining recommended approaches and next steps for renewable energy projects in off-grid communities.”
Personal and Professional Development:
“The experience gained during the work placement positions me as a strong candidate for employment opportunities within the renewable energy sector. The connections made and relationships built during the work placement may lead to valuable networking opportunities in the renewable energy industry. Engaging with industry professionals and experts could open doors to collaborations, mentorship, or future career prospects. Also, the exposure to cutting-edge research and industry trends at Growler Energy may inspire me to pursue further education in renewable energy or related fields. This could involve pursuing advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized training programs to deepen my expertise and expand my career opportunities.”
Advice:
“For individuals interested in working in the clean/ocean industry, it’s advisable to pursue relevant education such as degrees in environmental science, renewable energy engineering, or sustainable development, along with seeking internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience and network with industry professionals. Embracing challenges and learning opportunities, contributing meaningfully to sustainability initiatives, building a professional network, staying updated on industry trends, and being adaptable and resilient are crucial.”
“My position is assistant research technologist. The key duties include samples processing for DNA analysis, quality control and lab maintenance. It is so enjoyable to work in this team. All my colleagues are very friendly. They patiently answered my questions and guided me when I was in the training of lab procedures. With their support, I could quickly finish my training.”
Outcomes:
“Teamwork is the most important thing that I learned from this program. I learned how to negotiate and co-work with my colleagues to achieve the effectiveness of teamwork.”
Personal and Professional Development:
“The capability of teamwork is very important to work in a team. My skill of teamwork has been enhanced during this program. I learned how to negotiate and co-work with my colleagues to achieve the effectiveness of teamwork. In addition, my professional experience in genomic area research has developed since working in this company.”
Advice:
“It is important to find a position matching your education background and work experience. Improving your capabilities is necessary to catch any potential opportunities. Being sociable and building a network is also important. Do not stop believing.
Ayomide Elijah Oranaiye – Blue Economy Student Intern
“I am happy that I could blend my work and academic experience together for the first time.”
Outcomes:
“I worked on a business plan for my host, and the project helped me become familiar with contemporary tools useful in business development and analysis.”
Personal and Professional Development:
“I realized there is a dire need for business professionals who know and understand the blue economy well. With this work placement experience, I plan to become a certified business analyst in the ocean industry.”
