Many people wonder what opportunities await after they graduate from the USF MSEM program. We recently chatted with Brian Reyes, MSEM alum of 2009, about his journey from his Master’s classes to his current work. Brian recounted the network of people he was able to connect with during his time in the program and how that propelled his career. Curious about many fields, he worked in a variety of jobs over the years as he found his passion in climate action.
In the MSEM program, Brian focused on ways to gain research experience. Two of the classes that really piqued his interests were Climate Science and Environmental Policy. These classes provided him impactful research opportunities that continue to inspire him today. He also joined professor and program director Stephanie Siehr to work in a research position focusing on GHG and climate action planning. This helped propel the idea behind Brian’s Master’s Project (MP). His MP contributed to USF’s climate action plan, by focusing on transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from commuting to and from USF. He gathered data from 10,000 students and faculty through a standardized survey to determine their commuting patterns. With this information he performed statistical analysis, estimated USF emissions, and did a comparative analysis with other universities’ emissions. When asked about the process and his big takeaways from this project he said the toughest challenge throughout was engaging the stakeholders to obtain data and share results. Brian also noted the ongoing value of his Master’s Project and how he still utilizes skills and knowledge that he gained from the research. Changing human systems – not the climate – through policy action was the biggest learning from our discussion with him, and now this is something Brian works on daily.
During the MSEM program and after graduating Brian took every opportunity to explore different career fields. He began in a research position with professor and program director Stephanie Siehr where they focused on GHG and climate action planning. At the time he was also working as an Environmental Manager for Recology. He then became a CEQA manager, but still looking to do more he later accepted a fellowship in Cambodia. Upon returning Brian was able to take all his work and research experience to enter the corporate world. He founded a small business, BAR Sustainability, in 2013, working as an environmental consultant who offered climate action planning and mitigation, environmental review, sustainable community planning, and environmental program development both domestically and abroad. In 2015, through his growing network, he began working in government, with SF Environment. Through his Master’s Project and work experience, Brian learned the importance of interpersonal skills and emphasized stakeholder engagement. As the current Sustainability Planner for Marin County, Brian now works on developing and implementing climate action policies. As a planner and policy maker, Brian recognizes that a written plan isn’t effective unless you get people involved in the process and they agree to implement the plan. Inviting people of all communities and backgrounds to be involved in a meaningful way is essential for progress.
When we asked Brian for advice for prospective and current students, he reflected that you can always learn from others, whether about technical skills or the details of their career path. “Be open, not only talking but listening. Invite someone you’re interested in working with to connect on Linkedin. Make sure you follow up! You never know if that $6 coffee or $9 beer can lead you to a $75,000 position!”
