Read the stories of our Environmental policy and law alumni and see where their studies have taken them. From different career paths to personal growth, they share how our programme played a role in their journeys.
Careers
The aim of the programme is to prepare graduates for the global employment market. The academic skills provided by the programme qualify graduates for a variety of expert level positions in the field of environment, natural resource management and climate change governance. Graduates may expect, for example, to become consultants or environmental leaders within the business sector, officers for national or European Union-level environmental and natural resource administration, or to secure positions in the field of international environmental diplomacy and law making in the governmental or non-governmental sectors.
You may find an alumni group at LinkedIn which is set up for networking and communication purposes for our graduated students. Please find the group UEF MDP in Environmental Policy and Law through LinkedIn and join us!
Nina Koistinen, Finland/Brazil/Irland
Master of International and Comparative Law, Majored Environmental and Climate Change Law, Year of graduation: 2023
“During my Master's programme, I had the opportunity to do a two-month remote internship with the UN Environment Programme, assisting the InforMEA team in producing content for their e-learning platform on environmental law. Additionally, I joined CCEEL as a research assistant on the 4iTraction project, focusing on gathering data on EU climate litigation.
My primary focus is climate litigation, an interest stemming from my master's thesis. I'm currently a research assistant with the RETOOL project at CCEEL. Specifically, I'm intrigued by rights-based litigation and how courts apply substantive and procedural rights in the context of climate change. This area reveals the very human face of climate change, which I think is important to remember in terms of achieving climate justice, as well as being an issue area with lots of impending developments, making it exciting to follow.
Learning from top scholars in areas like international climate law and climate litigation has been priceless. UEF's supportive learning environment promotes self-directed learning and flexibility, empowering me to delve into topics I'm passionate about.
In the future, I hope to complete a PhD in the area and would like to connect research with practical, on-the-ground work supporting NGOs and individuals active in climate litigation. I particularly admire the work of organisations like ClientEarth and Earthjustice, who support civil society to take their climate-related grievances to court”.
Niklas Löther, Germany
Master of Social Sciences, Majored in Natural Resources Governance, Year of graduation: 2022
"During my Master's thesis, I investigated why short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) are not sufficiently regulated internationally, despite their significant impact on climate and human health. Despite their importance, international law has largely ignored them.
Tracing the history of SLCP science and policy responses, I found a critical gap between awareness and action. This issue remains under-researched, but my journey has been rewarding. My thesis won the Yrjö Haila Award for the best Master's thesis in environmental policy and is now my first academic publication.
I am now working on my PhD at the UEF. I'm studying the governance of the climate-pollution interface in EU countries. As part of the ClimAirPathways project with CCEEL and the Finnish Meteorological Institute, we're looking at the integration of climate and air pollution governance. From a legal to a scientific perspective, it's a complex but vital endeavour.
Thanks to the Master's programme, I'm equipped with the academic foundation for my PhD studies, but I've also been able to make invaluable contacts. From an internship at CCEEL to coordinating international events, it has facilitated a seamless transition from student to working academic. I think many students here have a similar experience: There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in projects while you are still a student.
It looks like I'll be working in research for the foreseeable future - it certainly hasn't got boring yet!
Marie Talaïa-Coutandin
Master of International and Comparative Law, Majored Environmental and Climate Change Law, Minored in Natural Resources Governance, Year of graduation: 2022
‘I am interested in the intersection between climate action and climate justice, more precisely in the transitions from a fossil economy to a fossil-free economy, and the impact of such transitions on biodiversity and human rights.
During my Master's Programme, I gained insights into various environmental policy and law areas, providing a broad perspective on issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The emphasis on international law's influence on domestic policies and the significance of policy-making for climate action were key learnings for me.
Alongside my studies, I engaged in legal research and policy-making roles in organizations focusing on intersecting areas such as human rights, climate change, and law enforcement. This included projects at Université de Sherbrooke (Canada), the Center for Climate Change, Energy, and Environmental Law (CCEEL; Finland), the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL; Switzerland), and the Department of Environment of the Government of Canada.
The Masters Programme greatly influenced my career by providing a wealth of knowledge in environmental areas and allowing me to delve deeper into my specific interests. I had the privilege of learning from inspiring professors and working in organizations dedicated to the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. Now, I serve as the Program Associate for the Fossil Economy Program at CIEL, following a year as a Legislative Policy Analyst with the government, both roles stemming from my traineeships’.
Eftimiya Salo, Bulgaria
Master of International and Comparative Law, Environmental Policy and Law, Majored in Environmental and Climate Change Law, Year of graduation: 2019
"Contributing to climate change mitigation is a highly complex issue that requires a broad skill set across many different fields. Having a previous background in corporate environmental management, I saw this degree as an opportunity to widen my perspective and develop professional skills in climate change and environmental policy and law. Since the University of Eastern Finland is the only university in the country offering such master’s programme, moving to Joensuu was an easy choice to make.
Studying the Master's in Environmental Policy and Law has been one of the best decisions I have made as it has helped me to deepen my knowledge of the environment and learn how to formulate innovative solutions to some of the world's most wicked problems. All the lecturers are highly professional and always provide assistance when needed. Besides several mandatory courses, students have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of courses that can be customized to match their interests and career aspirations. This allows students to not only complete their degree, but have the opportunity to combine theoretical coursework with practical experience and work at the same time. During my time in Joensuu I created many lasting friendships and really enjoyed my time in the programme."
Aziya Taalaibekkyzy, Kazakhstan
Master of International and Comparative Law, Environmental Policy and Law, Majored in Environmental and Climate Change Law, Year of graduation: 2017
"I have started working immediately after I graduated from UEF with my master's degree in International and Comparative Law. I am now working in an international forestry sector consultancy company in Helsinki, and covering forestry issues not only from the development point of view but also looking into issues of sustainability and climate. I am coordinating projects and am able to contribute to technical project work as well from legal and policy analysis point of view on a worldwide level, covering both public and private sectors.
My degree enabled me to focus more on the demand side drivers for climate change mitigation & adaptation and sustainable natural resource management, by looking at both international and national laws and policies that enable public and private sector to comply with the existing standards. This spurred further interest in governance and management of environmental problems.
I have gained skills in legal analysis and a perspective of compliance-based environmental management. I have gotten a better understanding of how international agreements and EU regulations work, which inspired me to move forward with my career."
Adeline Choy, Singapore
Master of Social Sciences, Environmental Policy and Law, Majored in Natural Resources Governance, Year of graduation: 2015
“After my graduation, I have been working since January 2016 at the Centre of Liveable Cities back home in Singapore. It is a research think tank that creates and shares knowledge on issues regarding sustainable cities. Currently, I am with the environment resource research cluster focusing on research dealing with energy efficiency.
I have so many fond memories of UEF and my 2 years there. The MDP really helped me a lot in understanding the policies and laws that we can use in terms of managing different aspects of the environment. It also helped me to understand the complexities of managing wicked environmental problems which are very similar to the various urban problems we have in cities. Also, I learned important analytical skills. I like working and I don’t think I will do PHD anytime soon. I might however, want to pursue another master’s degree in sustainable urban planning.”
Martin Steffen, Germany
Master of International and Comparative Law, Environmental Policy and Law, Majored in Environmental and Climate Change Law, Year of graduation: 2015
“After my graduation I was traveling for 3 months. After that I started working as an energy management representative responsible for the company’s ISO 50001 certification. The Master degree was of advantage to get my current job and let to a higher salary.
The studies generally deepened my interest in environmental and energy law and policies. Most importantly, the MDP gave me general understanding for the relations between international, EU, and national law and intercultural competence, as well as English language skills.”
Stella Gatama, Kenya
Master of Social Sciences, Environmental Policy and Law, Majored in Natural Resources Governance, Year of graduation: 2014
“After my graduation, I started off as a graduate intern in a government institution for 8 months, then later I was employed in a government research institute. My tasks include mainly research on environmental issues, evaluation on conflicting environmental issues, and reviewing environmental policies and laws.
The MDP made me become more conversant with environmental problems, I also learned how to solve environmental problems in an intellectual form that brings out environmental policy and law aspects. From the MDP I received research skills, critical thinking skills, and conflict evaluation through conflict assessment. I also gained confidence! I have had a chance to attend various environmental seminars which are very educative. In addition, l have been offered a chance to attend an international seminar in Arizona-USA. I’m planning to begin PhD studies and wherever opportunity is found I will pursue. The topic will focus on current environmental issues with an aim of providing long term solutions.”