Environmental Science
The higher professional course in Environmental Science leads to a job as an environmental engineer. Essentially, this involves sustainably improving the environment, ranging from clean air, soil and water to, for example, waste recycling. This is done from a foundation of applied science, bearing in mind what is achievable in terms of society.
Environmental engineers mainly work in consulting and engineering firms, where they are responsible for conducting research. They collect data (from field work, desk research, laboratory research), analyse and interpret this data and help to formulate and design solutions. It is very important that the work is customer-oriented and project-based. Similar advisory roles are also performed in the industrial domain, as a member of a staff department focusing on improving the sustainability, environment and safety of the company. Communication skills are essential as the role involves interaction with stakeholders. In the role of environmental technologist, there is greater emphasis on improving technologies (e.g. for a water treatment plant); as a researcher or assistant researcher, graduates collect and interpret data on the quality of the environment. In the case of government bodies, such as environmental agencies, the environmental engineer has the role of enforcing regulations, granting permits or developing policy.