From the first day of class through graduation, we’ll help you develop the tools and knowledge you need to launch, grow, or shift your environmental career. Our professional programs build on your passions and skills, preparing you to become a future leader in Environmental Conservation or Environmental Observation and Informatics.
Where Do Our Graduates Work?
41%
Government
36%
NGO
15%
Industry
7%
Academia
20% of our graduates work internationally
Job Categories and Titles Held By Our Graduates
Environmental Conservation
20% – Program management
14% – Education and outreach
13% – Community engagement
12% – Communications
12% – Conservation planning
29% – Other: fundraising, policy, restoration, consulting
Environmental Observation and Informatics
43% – Geospatial analysis
21% – Research science
21% – Data or software development
7% – Communications
7% – Business development
Climate Policy Associate
The Nature Conservancy
Coastal Scientist
USGS
Chief Sustainability Officer
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Image Analyst
National Geographic
Conservation Planning International Practice Associate
Environmental Incentives, Washington, D.C.
Assistant Editor
Ecological Society of America
What Our Graduates Say
"Given its compact time-frame, rigorous training and opportunities to work in the field, [the program] is ideally suited to a professional seeking to enhance their capacities and re-focus their career."
Marika Suval, EC '18
Conservation planning and communications consultant
"The [EOI] program grew my skillset as a professional and gave me more confidence in my leadership abilities."
– Grace Stonecipher, EOI '19
International Program Coordinator and Geospatial Analyst, Center for Large Landscape Conservation
We're Committed to Your Success
Throughout your education, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team that will help you navigate the challenges of graduate school while providing you with the skills and connections you need to fulfill your career aspirations and become a future environmental leader.
Maureen Muldoon
Career and Internship Specialist
UW-Madison SuccessWorks
maureen.muldoon@wisc.edu
Eileen Callahan
Director of Professional Development
UW-Madison Graduate School
eileen.callahan@wisc.edu
Emily Reynolds
Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Alumni Relations
Nelson Institute
(608) 265-2564
ereynolds2@wisc.edu
Stay Connected
There are a variety of ways for current students and alumni to keep in touch, build connections, and give back.
Nelson Institute LinkedIn
Join our LinkedIn group to connect with fellow Nelson alumni and get updates on the latest news, events, and other activities of interest to the Nelson Institute community.
Badger Bridge
Badger Bridge is your place to connect with fellow alumni through UW-Madison’s global community, advance your career with professional networking, and give back by mentoring or employing graduating students.
Graduate School Professional Development
UW-Madison’s DiscoverPD helps master’s and doctoral students at UW–Madison advance their academic and professional goals by offering a curated database of professional development activities on campus and beyond.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks connects you with the advisors, alumni mentors and employers who can help you explore your interests, try out different occupations, and land the job or internship of your dreams.