Careers in Marine Affairs

There is no “typical” position held by a MMM graduate. Given the interdisciplinary nature of student backgrounds, employment opportunities are varied and diverse.  In the period from 2000 to 2012, during which Marine Affairs graduated 207 individuals (with current employment information for 177) 157 individuals are employed in marine affairs-related positions – equivalent to 89%.  Many of the internship hosts have subsequently become employers.

The types of positions include: policymaking, environmental assessment, provision of advice to special projects and/or programs, research, education and planning in the broad area of marine affairs. This would embrace but not be limited to: coastal zone management, sea use planning, ocean governance, fisheries management, marine law and policy, development and conservation of living and non-living resources, marine transportation policy and administration, coastal tourism, protection and preservation of coastal and marine environments – their biodiversity, maritime enforcement, conflict management and oil and gas issues.

Graduates hold positions in public and private sectors as well as non-governmental organizations. This could include government departments such as Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and Transport Canada. The private sector is composed, principally but not exclusively, of environmental consulting companies, while NGOs include local organizations such as the Ecology Action Centre or global organizations like the World Wildlife Fund. In addition, many graduates find work in academic institutions where they teach, conduct research or participate in teams of various sizes.