Name: Evelyn Gonzalez
Current Position: EHS and Facilities Manager at Eaton
Current Industry: Aerospace
Track (1 or 2 year): 2-year

“If you want to further your educational background, look no further; this program is for you! You’ll learn the real-life challenges of sustainability due to the complexity of being interconnected.”

What sparked your interest in sustainability, and how do you define it personally?
My undergraduate degree is in Environmental Health and Safety, which touches on many sustainability topics, like protecting the environment and employees. So, I’ve always cared about sustainability. For me, sustainability is minimizing our footprint on the environment and helping those who are less fortunate.

What motivated you to choose USC’s Online Master of Sustainability Management program, and what were your initial goals?
When I saw that USC had a Sustainability program, I knew that’s the school I would want to attend due to its strong connections to the outside world and because I have a Trojan family. I aim to leverage my work experience and educational background for a higher role in sustainability, whether consulting, government, or industry.

Can you describe your journey in the MSM program so far? What has surprised you (if anything) about any aspect of the program?
I had been out of school for over a decade, so it was a bit daunting to get back into schoolwork. However, I have to say, it’s totally manageable and a lot of what we are learning is practical information that we can use personally or professionally. What really surprised me is some of the guest speakers we’ve had in class who are currently working in sustainability, whether in construction or an NGO.

How has your experience been as an online student?
My experience as an online student has been great and manageable. As a full-time manager, I find this program flexible, and Canvas is a one-stop shop for coursework, including weekly meetings, and it is user-friendly.

Have you been able to apply any concepts from your classes to your current role?
The concepts we are learning in the program give us a lot of insight into why corporations and governments are pushing for specific sustainability initiatives. They help us understand the whole circle, including why and how.

Which class has been your favorite so far, and what makes it stand out?
All the classes stand out in their uniqueness, but one of my favorite parts is the broad spectrum of backgrounds from the professors. Learning from their real-world experiences is invaluable knowledge.

How do you envision using your MSM degree in your future career?
I plan to use my MSM personally by making better choices as a consumer and professionally to leverage a job in sustainability management.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MSM program?
If you want to further your educational background, look no further; this program is for you! You’ll learn the real-life challenges of sustainability due to the complexity of being interconnected. It teaches you basics, like leading from your values and keeping your end goal at the forefront regardless of hurdles because nothing works to plan.

Learn more about the Online Master of Sustainability Management program.