Alum of the Month: Jennifer Lindley

It was while working at a job in another field that Jennifer Lindley decided she wanted to try a different career path. She thought the Forest Resource Technology program was a good fit because it explored a variety of forestry avenues, including reforestation and silviculture.

Jennifer graduated in 2022 and currently works for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure as Project Coordinator, Indigenous Relations. Here’s what she had to say about her time at VIU and how her experiences helped prepare her for her current role.

Where were you in your life when you realized education would help you achieve your goals?

I was working in another career field and wanted to change paths into something I was more passionate about. I was pursuing my Certified Human Resources Professional designation but was having a difficult time acquiring the full spectrum of knowledge and skills needed to obtain it. I wondered if I might enjoy a career that brought me outdoors more. Growing up on Vancouver Island, the forests are my home and I wanted to take part in protecting them and ensuring that the forestry industry maintained its sustainability.

Tell us a bit about your experience at VIU.

I loved going to school at VIU! This program was a smaller, close-knit group of students. The instructors have valuable, real-life experience and connections to the industry. Unfortunately, due to the timing (COVID-19) I was unable to partake in the study abroad program, which was a large motivating factor for me to join this program. But I am grateful to have been able to focus on my future during such a trying time. I was also surprised and truly grateful for the variety of scholarships and awards available to students in this program.

How did your program prepare you for your current role in the workforce?

This program provided me with valuable technical skills in the field and an overview of the types of work available in this industry. The experience I got through the summer placements has definitely benefitted me in my current role with BC Government. The policy course, as well as what was interwoven in all the classes, helped me understand the history of Indigenous people on the land, and where the world and BC government was at with consultation practices.

Can you share an experience where one of your profs made an impact on your learning experience?

All of our instructors were amazing and I keep in touch with them regularly. Several of our instructors were currently practicing and having contacts in the industry definitely helped with job placement and understanding real-time issues in the industry. Being an older student, I was interested in learning all facets of the industry to be able to choose which path would suit me best.

What’s next for you?

I am new in my current role, so I plan to continue learning and mastering this position. I was fortunate enough to participate in helping the Cariboo Wildfire Centre last year on a two-week deployment, and I hope to do something similar with this new ministry in emergency services or community outreach. I am using my forestry and human resource knowledge, as well as previous project management experience in my new role and learning a lot about First Nation consultation.

What are you most proud of since completing your program at VIU?

I’m proud that I went to VIU. I’m proud of what I've learned about myself and I’m proud that I am able to play a small part in the stewardship of BC’s natural resources and reconciliation efforts. I’m proud that I took a risk to switch into a career that aligns with my values and that I can feel like I’m contributing in some small way to the betterment of BC.

What advice would you give VIU students following a similar trajectory as yourself?

Take advantage of networking with your classmates and instructors. The forestry industry is somewhat small and these people can assist you in finding work. Take the chance to find work that makes you happy. Don’t chase the money, the money will find you. Life is short, follow your passion.