Vincent Scully (he/him)

About me

I was born/grew up in: Quebec

I now live in: New Brunswick

I completed my training/education at: I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and Geography at Bishop’s University.

What I do at work

What I do depends on the role that I have. Sometimes I collect data in the field. This could be collecting water samples for water quality analysis. I am often either working on or supporting the organization’s social media program. I help with communicating complex ideas and information, doing research, and writing reports.

My career path is

When I was in school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I grew up in Quebec and I did the CEGEP program where I studied History. When I finished, I was looking at what I should do next. My teachers suggested that with an interest in history, I could become a teacher. But I wasn’t interested in doing that. I wasn’t strong in the science areas, but I was interested in the environment. Some of my CEGEP instructors felt that I would not be able to do a university program. I looked at different programs and found one at Bishop’s University that interested me.  This program was not focused on the science behind environmental issues. It looked at different environmental issues and how to communicate these topics to the public. We studied issues related to climate change, pollution, and other human effects on the environment.

After graduating, I started to look for work. I really enjoyed my program and wanted to continue to work in this field. I applied for over 100 different jobs and did not get anything. Most told me I needed more experience. I had some family in New Brunswick, so I decided to look for work there. Also, I didn’t want to be too far away from home.

My first job was as a research assistant for a sustainable development team. In this job I was responsible for our social media communications. My goal was to inform and get the public interested in what the team was doing for how to make changes to adapt to climate change. I wrote and posted stories about what the team was doing. Overall, I enjoyed the work, but it was mostly an office job. I wanted to work outside and with people in the public.

When my contract finished, I started looking again. I moved to Saint John, NB where got a job with the Atlantic Coastal Action Program in Saint John. ACAP is a program that helps people restore and sustain local watersheds and coastal areas. I really enjoyed this job! I got to meet with the public, work outside and do field work. I helped with the monitoring and surveying of fish in streams, taking water samples and testing water quality, etc.  I also helped teach high school students about climate change. I would go into classrooms and help them identify what they can do if they want to get involved.

When my contract with ACAP finished, I got a job with the Conservation Council of NB. I did some field work (mainly water sampling) and did research on environmental issues. I helped write reports, social media content, as well as with event planning. I really enjoyed working with the local First Nations as this helped me see things in a different way.

I am currently looking for my next job experience. In the meantime, I am doing some volunteer work with groups in this area. One group I am working with is the Climate Reality Project. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, meet new people, and give back to the community.

I am motivated by

I enjoy that my work is really giving back to the community. Having the opportunity to help others make positive impacts is a great feeling. This could be planting trees, cleaning up trash, etc. The fact that my work helps make the city around you nicer is satisfying.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I’m not a scientist so I’m not doing research that will add to our understanding of things like Climate Change. My work is to help communicate complex ideas about such things as climate change. My work is important because it helps get the community together around important environmental issues. I help get information out to the public and help them identify what they can do counter the effects of climate change. I help them identify what they can do and then help them do it. For example, planting trees to help address climate issues such as heat domes in urban areas. When I worked with students, it was great to see them get interested in doing something to address climate change. It was very satisfying to help them understand that just because they were young it didn’t mean they couldn’t have an impact.

Outside of work I

I enjoy hiking and walking around the city. I love being by the ocean, watching the boats, and smelling the fresh smell that you don’t get anywhere else. I love watching ocean animals like whales. Being out in the environment helps you relax and forget your troubles.

My advice to others

Don’t worry if you take longer to complete a program. My program was scheduled to be 3 years, but I took an extra year to complete. This gave me more time to work on my studies.

When you are looking for work, you may have to take a job that is not exactly what you are looking for. Don’t worry because it will help you in the long run. You learn and get experience from every job you do. But make sure the jobs you take align with your beliefs and convictions. If you don’t believe in the organization or company, you will not be happy with the work you do there.