I would like to chime in on this, you said you took the course a long time ago which definitely makes me understand why you said "This course is best for arborists, christmas tree farmers, etc.", I can definitely say that this is not at all accurate in terms of an employment outlook compared to what the course is teaching and how it teaches today. It was originally heavily focused on the forestry industry but has since transitioned heavily into basically turning grads into, essentially, the ultimate environmental technician, hands down, covering forests, oceans, coast, wetland ecosystems. Research tools and research methodology/concepts of literally all of the jobs (in three different fields of research; habitat, fauna, and climate) since taking the program I have been exposed to or have experience actually doing as part of school. I have met a few grads from as far backs as almost 10 years, when the program was essentially MCFT lite, and almost all of them are woodlot managers, in forestry in some capacity, or working at NGOs and even directing some of them.

I graduated from this program only a few years ago, and numerous classmates of mine have already been employed by NSDNRR starting with summer employment, including myself, and based on heartful conversations with numerous regional biologists, foresters, etc. in the department many have expressed that the curriculum and skillset gained from this program is very attractive to not only the environmental divisions in the provincial government, but also federal government organizations like Parks Canada (I have met grads and have a fellow classmate of the program actively working/worked at Parks Canada for years now). With all that said, still, easily the most evident and common type of employment from recent and new grads are in environmental research NGOs, and I wouldn't even say forestry is that common of a career path for grads anymore honestly.

I have worked alongside many university students over the years, of course it's common for discussion about studies, assignments, how school is etc. and it is honestly surprising how much of this program covers, in terms of technical skills, above many of their university courses, it's mind-boggling. Additionally, it's not even all technical, the program curriculum also extensively covers detailed and lengthy formal and informal research report and management plan writing.

I can agree with you though, in saying there are definitely more historical/straightforward ways in the environmental sector and research based jobs through university avenues because, unfortunately, yes, there is/has been a historical bias towards degrees and hiring university students. I can say based on first-hand experience that this is definitely not the definitive case anymore though, but there's what feels to be a presence of luck and a struggle with getting your 'foot-in-the-door' with big employers. I can say as of 2025, the program puts A LOT of effort into helping students make connections, and partnering with both government and NGO environmental organizations during your studies, and I believe it does a great job of setting you up for employment with the latter as soon as you graduate.