Alumni Success Stories: Environmental Protection Study Program

Since my school days, environmental or green career and education have always been more than a profession for me – it is a way of life and a conscious choice. I have had a unique opportunity to be part of the Daugavpils University “environmental” family not only as a graduate, but also as a lecturer.

Currently, my professional career continues at the State Environmental Service. It is here that I see every day how the theoretical knowledge acquired and transferred at the university is transformed into real work and practical decisions. This work allows me to be at the epicenter of events, where academic knowledge meets everyday environmental protection challenges.

However, the greatest joy and truest pride is that our former graduates have now become my colleagues. Seeing them working as top-class specialists who do their work with passion and deep understanding is the best proof that studying at DU provides a truly strong and sustainable foundation.

To a young person currently considering studying environmental science, I would say – it’s not just an education, it’s an opportunity to really impact our future. The skills and knowledge gained here are in demand, and working in this field brings immense satisfaction, seeing the results of your contribution to nature and society.

Studying Environmental Science at DU – maybe the beginning didn’t seem like the right choice, because I didn’t really know what it would mean, what I would be able to work on and where. But as time went by, I followed the trends in the labor market and saw how versatile the fields were being taught – Soil Science, Forest Typology, Territorial Development and Planning, Environmental Protection remain in my memory, and my thoughts changed. I became confident that the job opportunities would be quite wide, so I took the plunge and offered my candidacy in various environmental fields.

Of course, I was attracted to the forest theme, cartography, natural values, and the field of environment, but the first job that gave me the opportunity to prove myself (State Environmental Service, Permit Quality Department) did not give me this tempting satisfaction, so my goal – to achieve what my heart yearns for – only intensified.

In parallel with my master’s studies, labor market research led me to an internship at the State Forest Service. During my internship, I realized that this is a place where I do what I like, and I also learned to overcome my fear of walking alone in the forest. The day came when the State Forest Service gave me the opportunity to prove my knowledge in the field of environmental engineering. The knowledge acquired during my studies in working with GIS, knowledge of forest types, soil conditions and nature protection were especially useful. I also still tend to take students to forest sites, asking them to look for natural values, so that students who are passionate about it, who feel a goal, can and should go for it. Studies at DU Bachelor’s program in Environmental Science are the cornerstone for moving towards your goal!

I chose to study Environmental Science at Daugavpils University because I wanted to connect my future work with environmental protection. At first, I didn’t even think that it was possible to study such a direction in Latvia, until, while searching for information on the portal profesijupasaule.lv, I found the study program offered by DU.

During my bachelor’s studies, I liked the practical classes and trips the most, during which I could feel what it was like to work in real outdoor conditions. This gave me not only knowledge, but also the feeling that Environmental Science is a very practical and lively field.

In the Master’s study program “Environmental Planning”, more attention was paid to theory and legislation, which, although not as exciting as the practical side, nevertheless provided a deeper understanding of how environmental policy is created and implemented.

Overall, my years of study at DU have left me with vivid memories and impressions. They were years that broadened my horizons and helped me understand how versatile and important the field of environmental protection is.

I got my current job thanks to the internship experience I gained during my studies. During the internship, I had the opportunity to get to know the specifics of the work and responsibilities better, to understand how processes occur in a real environment. At that time, a vacancy in my current position became available in the State Environmental Service and I decided to apply for the competition. I was lucky because I was hired and the internship became a great start to my professional career.

In my current job, which is related to the control of mineral resources, the geomorphology, geology and GIS software training that I acquired during my studies have been very useful. This knowledge helps to analyze/evaluate natural processes and work with cartographic data.

My recommendations for future students:
If you like to work practically, not just sit at the desk, and you want to associate your future profession with active work, where you often have to go on inspections and surveys into nature – Environmental Science at DU will be the right choice! These studies provide a broad vision and open the door to many professions related to the environment and sustainable development.

From studies in Environmental Science to work in nature conservation

My choice to study Environmental Science was not accidental – I was interested in nature, processes in it, human impact on the environment and the need to protect natural values ​​​​while still at school. Daugavpils University and the Environmental Science study program gave me the opportunity to develop this interest both theoretically and practically.

At DU, I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and continued my studies in the master’s program, obtaining a professional master’s degree in Environmental Planning with the qualification of an environmental management specialist.

Field studies are particularly vivid in my memory from my bachelor’s studies. They were not only practical classes outside the classroom, but also united students and allowed me to better understand how theoretical knowledge can be used in everyday life. Also, while studying in the master’s program, in addition to lectures and practical work, internships in industry companies and organizations were very useful and engaging. They also helped me to largely understand which of the companies or organizations could become a place of work in the future.

Currently, a significant part of my professional activity is working in the Department of Nature Conservation as a senior expert. On a daily basis, I work with data from the nature data management system “OZOLS” on specially protected natural areas, protected large trees, nature monuments, protected species, reserves and other issues related to nature conservation. This work requires accuracy, the ability to analyze spatial and environmental data, navigate in legislation and understand how nature conservation principles work in practice.

My studies at DU gave me a solid foundation for this work. Knowledge of environmental management, nature conservation, data interpretation and GIS technologies proved to be particularly useful. Modern nature conservation is unthinkable without high-quality data and the skills to analyze and use them in decision-making.

In parallel with my work in the Nature Conservation Board, I continue to work at Daugavpils University as a lecturer, leading lectures, seminars and practical work in the field of environmental science, as well as helping students in the development of bachelor’s and master’s theses.

I would advise prospective and current students to be active, use all the opportunities provided by their studies, and definitely engage in practical research. Environmental Science is a study program for those who want not only to understand natural processes in more depth, but also to participate in preserving natural values ​​and creating a more sustainable future.

After graduating from high school, I was still not sure which direction to choose, but my interest in geography took me from a small village in Ventspils region to Daugavpils University, where I began my studies in Environmental Science, but later specialized in Environmental Planning. During my studies, I gained knowledge about the environment, the interaction of processes, regulatory frameworks, and GIS. A particularly important part of my studies was field studies, which provided an opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience and work with industry technologies and equipment. The opportunity to study abroad within the framework of the ERASMUS+ program should also be noted. And, of course, the lecturers, so diverse and each with their own vision.

Among the various study courses, the course on geospatial data processing and digital cartography should be highlighted, which later (a bit unexpectedly for me) became the driving force of my professional career. Currently, working in the field of environmental planning, I have become convinced that making informed decisions without geospatial data and their analysis is severely limited and good GIS specialists are needed in both state institutions, municipalities and the private sector.

Studies at Daugavpils University gave me not only knowledge and professional skills, but also the ability to view the environment as a unified and dynamic system, in which each decision has a role in creating a sustainable future. An appeal to young students – do not be afraid but try and strive to understand what is the thing that “your heart burns for”. This thing does not “come” to many immediately, and this is completely normal. After all, only the one who does nothing makes no mistakes, but sometimes even “mistakes” can lead in the right direction!

My career path – from Daugavpils University to environmental protection specialist

When it came time to choose a direction of study, I had no doubts – I have always been connected with nature, its diversity and the desire to understand how human activity affects the surrounding environment. Since my native land is in Latgale, so as not to have to travel far, I chose to study Environmental Science at Daugavpils University. This choice became one of the most important steps in my life – it laid the foundation for my professional growth and career in the field of environmental protection.

During my studies at DU, I was most attracted to practical work, which helped me connect theoretical knowledge with real situations. It was necessary to participate in the field course of the study program, which developed both analytical thinking and the ability to work in a team. One of the most vivid experiences was the ERASMUS exchange studies at Šiauliai University in Lithuania, where I gained a broader perspective on environmental issues and got to know how this field is developed in other countries.

In my professional life, I have worked in the public and private sectors – starting with work at the State Environmental Service, where I gained an idea of ​​how the environmental management system works from the inside and how environmental requirements for companies are formed, to work at a pharmaceutical company, where I worked for more than six years as a senior environmental protection specialist, where I gained very extensive and valuable experience, covering both environmental management, practical supervision of the production process, and strategic sustainability aspects. Currently, I continue to develop myself in a waste management company, where I take care of compliance with environmental protection requirements, supervision of waste transportation, and also participate in the implementation of waste management/recycling projects.

Studies at DU taught me to think systematically, analyze data, and understand environmental processes in general. These knowledge and skills have been very valuable at every stage of work.

My advice to future students:
If you are interested in nature, sustainable development, and want to do work that has real significance for society and the future – studying Environmental Science at Daugavpils University is a great choice! Don’t be afraid to get involved in university projects, internships, and the ERASMUS study abroad program – these experiences will help you understand what your place will be in the vast world of the environmental field. Good luck!

My name is Olga Girča, and in 2017 I graduated from the Daugavpils University Master’s study program “Environmental Planning”. I chose this study program because I have always been interested in nature, environmental protection and sustainable development. I wanted to gain knowledge and skills that would allow me not only to better understand environmental processes, but also to practically engage in the conservation of natural values ​​and sustainable development of territories.

The most memorable parts of my studies were the practical classes and field courses, where I had the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real situations. I also greatly appreciated the responsive lecturers and the friendly study environment, which promoted both professional and personal growth.

The studies provided a solid foundation of knowledge in environmental protection, territorial planning and the application of regulatory enactments. At the same time, I developed the skills to analyze information, solve problems, prepare documents and cooperate with various institutions. This knowledge and skills turned out to be very useful in my professional activities. About a year after obtaining my master’s degree, I started working at the Nature Conservation Agency as a senior expert, where I can use the knowledge I gained during my studies on a daily basis.

I would recommend first-year students to be curious, actively engage in the study process, and use all opportunities to gain practical experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, participate in projects, and learn from experienced specialists, because this experience will help you later in your professional life! If anyone is considering studying Environmental Science or Environmental Planning at Daugavpils University, I definitely recommend it! These studies provide not only high-quality theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills.

My name is Rimants Badins. I have studied and completed the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Planning studies at Daugavpils University, and have received a Bachelor and Master’s degree, respectively. When I was looking for a direction in which to obtain higher education, I was immediately inclined to study issues related to the environmental sector, because since school days I have been interested in geography, biology, and the study of the world and the environment. And I was very pleased that Daugavpils University gave me the opportunity to study this field in my hometown of Daugavpils.

Among the most striking events of my studies, I definitely remember the summer field courses, especially at the DU study and research center ”Ilgas”, where I learned new skills, working with ground penetrating radar, geological survey equipment, GPS systems and analyzing the obtained data. I also remember my expeditions to forest territories to develop my bachelor’s thesis. It is definitely worth mentioning the internships that I completed during my master’s studies. During my internships, I gained great experience getting to know the work in person in institutions such as the State Environmental Service, which directly works with environmental management, and private company ‘‘Daugavpils ūdens’’, which works with an important natural resource – water.

My studies prepared me for field work, teamwork, monitoring and, of course, also the correct development of important reports so that the results obtained could be accurately described. After graduating, I worked for some time as a social media moderator, outside the environmental field, but private company ‘‘Daugavpils ūdens’’, where I had completed an internship as part of my studies and shown myself well, contacted me and offered me a job in the company, which I gladly accepted.

Now, I am working at private company ‘‘Daugavpils ūdens’’ as an environmental equipment technician. My work is quite similar to my studies, because just like in my studies, my work responsibilities include activities in both field and office conditions. I regularly monitor underground water observation wells, perform measurements, pumping work and collect water samples. In this way, I do important and responsible work in the city’s drinking water quality control. My job responsibilities also include preparing various reports, making purchases, coordinating the work of pumping equipment operators, as they are under my supervision. This year I had an interesting experience – I was a member of the jury in the environmental education competition for students in grades 5-9, which took place at the Daugavpils Innovation Center. Taking into account my education in the field of environment, private company “Daugavpils ūdens” entrusted me to be a company representative and expert at this event. As a member of the jury, I evaluate the works created by students from various Latvian schools on the field of environment. I consider it a very valuable and interesting experience. I would recommend that first-year students and those who plan to start studying Environmental Science enjoy these years of study, because they are really interesting and exciting! Especially when you spend this time with your classmates. Although several years have passed, I still maintain relationships with my classmates, with whom I was on the same team during my first summer field course at the DU Study and Research Center “Ilgas”. Sometimes we meet and remember those times with a smile on our faces. We remember how we fought mosquitoes and gnats together, how we almost met a wild boar in the forest, and we remember our shock when we saw how much of a report we had to write in a limited time and an even bigger shock when we wrote it. Therefore, you should not be afraid of difficulties, which will certainly be there (as anywhere in life), but overcoming them, you will get colossal satisfaction for what you have done!