Continuous learning and a people-centric approach are Jennifer Privé’s philosophy for a successful career

Today, Jennifer Privé is a Senior Biologist and Manager of the Environmental Sciences team in Vancouver. However, her career in the environmental sciences almost never began; when she was a first-year university student, Jennifer wavered between pursuing a degree in the arts or science. She eventually settled on a major in biology, as it interested her the most, specifically vertebrate biology.

During her studies and early in her career, Jennifer was fortunate to meet and work with some influential people who gave her solid advice. One of these individuals was her supervisor at the time, who was teaching a course at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and suggested environmental science might interest her.

Later, when an opportunity became available, Jennifer took a position at an environmental consulting firm. She shares, "My background in vertebrates and biochemistry turned out to be useful after all dealing with all those fish!"

Early in her career, at the age of 24, Jennifer received a promotion to a management role. She recalls feeling unprepared for the role, so she took courses, learned from others already in the role, and became a keen student of human behaviour.

Three decades later, after working for small firms, large multi-nationals, and as a sole proprietor, Jennifer reflects on the challenges and successes that have shaped who she is now, and admits it is a bit mind boggling. Her constant has been learning something new in every role, and connecting with the people she works with.

Jennifer was actively looking for a change, when she learned about a group manager opportunity with Associated. While she didn't know much about the company before she joined, except for having previously worked on a successful project with an Associated staff member, the role aligned well with her experience. Jennifer reached out to a friend to learn more and soon after was hired to lead the environmental team in Vancouver.

Jennifer tells us, "I have been involved on many projects and worked with great people, but Associated is like no other firm I've ever been at. I've worked for three different consulting firms and one large multi-national and none of them had the same cultural philosophy as Associated. When I'm interviewing people I try to describe it and I never quite do it justice; the few times I've been close, people have said that sounds too good to be true… but it is true!" Jennifer believes Associated is a very unique firm, as one of a very few medium-sized, employee-owned firms remaining in Canada.

"Our philosophy of focusing on employee development as the core to driving excellent service delivery is unique."

The common denominator of our project success is the strength of our people. Jennifer believes that managing a project is managing the people delivering it, so being a great communicator and tailoring how you communicate is key to being an excellent consultant.

Reflecting on her own career experiences, Jennifer shares that one's career goes through three stages. The first ten years is intensive learning. The next ten years is focussed on applying knowledge. And lastly, the following ten years is focussed on teaching others and encouraging continual learning.

Jennifer believes that mentoring is a great opportunity for everyone involved and the best advice comes from people in roles you aspire to be in. She encourages young professionals to seek out role models as mentors.

"Mentors can help build your self awareness, identify your strengths and your opportunities for improvement, provide guidance, and facilitate company support. Young staff need to learn that they control their career, and they need to take initiative."

Jennifer encourages young professionals to also develop communication skills, including listening, speaking, and writing, in addition to their technical abilities.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys photography, especially in nature, developing her photography knowledge and skills. She even plans her vacations around her hobby. Jennifer is also currently serving as the Chair of the Discipline Committee for the College of Applied Biology.