Your degree in Global Resource Systems

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Global Resource Systems (GRS), you’re learning how to use science to work towards economically feasible and socially acceptable solutions for current international resource issues, in a region of your choosing.

You’ll develop important skills through interdisciplinary classroom and community experiences, which can focus on the collaborative management of human health and agricultural resources.

These skills may include:

• Analysis of current global conservation issues to present economic feasible and socially acceptable solutions
• Utilization of data to raise stakeholder awareness, allowing for informed decisions within food systems
• Application of ethical considerations in international development, policy-making, and consideration of societal implications
• Compilation and analysis of data combining scientific, sociological, and cultural factors
• Assessment of development potential and future trends on local, regional, or national areas by conducting surveys
• Development of a proposal to pitch a project to address land equity or global health issues
• Cross-cultural understanding to work in different local and global environments
• Research and critical evaluation of food systems literature

Find career possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including natural resource management, environmental organizations, agriculture, international business development, regulatory affairs, international marketing, community and social services, waste management, food systems and production, sustainability consulting, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. 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.

Make the most of your major

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

• UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre
  Access this state-of-the-art facility which provides opportunities for dairy research and education.
• UBC Farm
  Get involved with many different opportunities in teaching and research on this 24-hectare community farm on campus.
• UBC Wine Research Centre
  Connect with this centre that brings together researchers from the Vancouver and Kelowna campuses focused on technological advancement of the wine industry in British Columbia and Canada.
• UBC Nutrikids
  Meet other UBC students to work together to provide nutrition education workshops for Lower Mainland elementary schools.
• Roots on the Roof
  Join this student-run club that manages community garden plots and hosts community events  on the roof of the Nest.
• UBC Sprouts and Seedlings
  Volunteer your time with this student-run non-profit grocery store and café on campus.
• Vegans of UBC
  Work with other vegans to build a more ethical and healthier UBC community.
• SuperChefs
  Empower and educate children on obesity using programs showcasing balanced nutrition, food preparation, and building positive lifelong habits for well-being.
• Fraser Health volunteer opportunities
  Gain volunteer experience with healthcare opportunities in local communities.
• Habitat for Humanity
  Volunteer and build homes for families in need of decent and affordable housing.
• World Health Organization
  Work with this international organization with a commitment to achieve better health for everyone.
• Summer Abroad for Faculty of Land and Food Systems
  Study overseas and immerse yourself in a new culture during the summer with a partnering university.
• UBtheChange Student Activators
  Ignite a culture of pro-social action at UBC through events on campus and in the community.
• World’s Challenge Challenge
  Form a UBC team in Term 1 to pitch your solution to a global problem in this student competition.
• AMS Sustainability
  Get involved with the Alma Mater Society’s sustainability subcommittee.
• Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science clubs
  Meet other UBC students with similar interests through events and programs.
• UBC Climate Hub
  Develop advocacy skills addressing climate action with university and community stakeholders.
• UBC Common Energy
  Join any of the six student teams proactively working on sustainability issues on UBC campus.
• Zero Waste Squad
  Support making UBC a zero waste campus by volunteering with other students who value sustainability.
• UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
  Browse on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability.
• Vancouver Coastal Health volunteer opportunities
  Gain volunteer experience with healthcare opportunities in local communities.
• Agora Eats Café
  Provide affordable, healthy food choices volunteering with this student-run café within the MacMillan building.
• NatureKids BC
  Engage BC children and their families to get outdoors to play and learn about nature.

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 finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• Agrologists Canada
• BC Agriculture Council
• BC Environmental Industry Association
• BC Geophysical Society
• BC Institute of Agrologists
• BC Recreation and Parks Association
• BC Sustainable Energy Association
• Canadian Association for Food Studies
• Canadian Society for Unconventional Resources
• Canadian Solar Industries Association
• Canadian Water and Wastewater Association
• Canadian Water Resources Association
• Clean Energy BC
• Clean Resource Innovation Network
• Climate Action Network
• International Water Management Institute
• National Resources Defense Council
• Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada
• World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Global Resource Systems graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

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