Your degree in Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology

Skills you'll develop

While studying Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology, you’re developing interdisciplinary skills and competencies to manage and utilize renewable natural resources in the bioeconomy. You also learn how to measure the environmental and socio-economic impact of renewable resources in order to enhance the sustainability of existing systems and new innovations.

These skills and abilities may include:

Business management and leadership skills
Understanding of the changing global climate through ecosystem properties and processes, human impacts, and the earth-atmosphere system
Coordination of the production and use of renewable products and energy from bio-based materials
Community engagement and policy development
Quantitative sustainability methodology
Economic and impact analysis on potential environmental and socio-political effects of bio-based technologies and climate change
Planning and management of land use
Comprehension on protocols for carbon accounting and methodologies for emissions inventories and carbon costing
Planning, drafting, and editing of professional-quality documents for specialists and other stakeholders
Delivering effective and engaging oral presentations
Molecular understanding and insight into bioproduct development
Use of microbiology and enzymology for processing and enhancing the value of forest and agro-based bioproducts
Innovative biobased material design and manufacturing

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including sustainability, consulting, project management, specialist industries, manufacturing, and laboratory-based research.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills and competencies, and experience with your different interests. See the job titles below for ideas, but note that some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Climate Action Manager
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Specialist
Climate Resilience Analyst
Climate Scenario Researcher
Carbon Assessment Specialist
Community Energy Specialist
DNA Assembly Research Associate
Environmental Analyst
Fermentation Research Associate
Forest Carbon Analyst
Laboratory Technician
Manager of Sustainability
Production Assistant
Product Safety and Quality Coordinator
Public Policy Analyst
Research and Design Manager

Sustainability Analyst/Climate Action Planner
Technology Development Advisor
Biomass and Resource Analysis
Manager of Sustainability
Climate Change Technical Specialist
Environmental Analyst
Project Manager
Emissions engineer
Carbon Assessment Specialist
Community Energy Specialist
Research and Design Manager
Energy engineer
Microbiologist
Plant Operator
Biochemist
Technology Development Advisor
Bioinformatician

Make the most of your degree

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your understanding of your values and interests.

UBC Forestry Co-op Program
Gain paid work experience related to your degree by alternating academic terms with work terms through the Co-op Program.
Work Learn Program
Develop valuable skills through a part-time, on-campus job and grow your professional network.
Forestry Digest
Sign up to receive weekly updates about paid and volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and more.
Forestry Tri-Mentoring Program
Connect with peers and industry mentors around career interests and build your communication and networking skills.
Sustainability Ambassadors
Develop collaboration and leadership skills through an on-campus volunteer role.
UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
Browse on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability.
Let’s Talk Science
Connect with educators and youth to deliver STEM learning experiences in school and community settings.
Departmental events
Network with Forestry students and faculty members at a variety of events.
Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
UBC-BCIT Biotechnology Club
Meet other Biotech students with similar interests through events and programs.
Go Global
Learn more about international opportunities available for UBC undergraduate students.
Haida Gwaii Institute Semesters
Take immersive, UBC-accredited courses in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia on topics including Natural Resource Science, Marine Conservation, Community Resilience, and more.
NSERC Undergraduate Research Awards
Receive funding to work on research-related jobs and projects.
Student Biotechnology Network
Attend events, meet professionals, and receive mentorship from innovative industry leaders.
World’s Challenge Challenge
Form a team at UBC to pitch your solution to a global problem in this student competition.
Environmental mentorship program
Find a mentor through the Connecting Environmental Professionals organization.
UBC Climate Hub
Facilitate the sharing of climate knowledge to empower youth to become Climate Ambassadors in their own communities.
UBC Sustainability research opportunities
Participate in research and project-based roles to advance sustainability at UBC and in the region.
UBC Environmental Policy Association
Learn about the impact of global climate change policies through various discussion-based events.
AMS Sustainability
Access resources and funding of up to $15,000 to support your sustainability-related initiative or project.
Common Energy UBC
Join 1 of 6 action teams to implement sustainability initiatives and practices into all aspects of the UBC community.
UBC Student Environment Centre
Access funding for projects that address environmental and sustainability issues.
UBC Geering Up
Develop your leadership skills and share your passion for STEM with children and youth.
ECO Canada job board
Check out environmental employment opportunities.
Women in STEM Summit
Participate in the annual Women in STEM summit and get inspired by the stories of industry thought leaders.
Canada Summer Jobs Program
Check out summer jobs for full-time students.
Federal Student Work Experience Program
Apply for government positions across Canada through this student recruitment initiative.
Government volunteer and internship positions
Find local and international opportunities to prepare you for future employment.
Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions internships
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world settings through climate change mitigation or adaptation projects.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you! You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and exploring job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on Linkedin

Find UBC Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Forestry degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Forestry degree.