Jill Guerra graduated with a Master’s in 2016 under the supervision of Dr. Hannah Wittman. Her thesis, titled “Pathways to agroecology: mediated markets and credit access in Santa Catarina, Brazil”, included a mixed-methods project examining the transition to sustainable agricultural practices. She is now a Senior Food Systems Advisor at Global Affairs Canada.
How did Jill’s time at IRES translate into real-world skills? Read below to find out!
Question: What values do you remember being in the air at IRES?
Answer: I recall a culture of curiosity and rigour that inspired me to investigate issues deeply and from multiple perspectives. By working and learning alongside students and professors from various disciplines and across departments, we expanded how to interpret and approach real world issues by transcending domain-specific methods or ways of thinking to broaden how we view the problem and what solutions are possible. In addition to a commitment to doing good, interesting, cross-disciplinary work, we always found time for sharing good food and getting out on adventures together. Grateful to have met so many bright and passionate people during my time at IRES.
Question: In what ways did your experiences at IRES help prepare you for what you do now?
Answer: Overall, IRES really levelled up my critical thinking and analytical skills and helped me to refine how I communicated this thinking to others through more succinct and impactful writing and presentation skills. Related to my area of expertise, I was able to significantly deepen my understanding of sustainable agriculture and food systems and I had the challenging, but extremely fulfilling, experience of conducting field work with smallholder farmers in Brazil. All of this has been central to what I offer in my current role at Global Affairs Canada where I work on agriculture and food systems within Canada’s international development portfolio.
Question: How did you find employment after graduate school?
Answer: After graduating, all my jobs have stemmed in small or large part from connections within my networks. I’ve found building relationships and connections helps others to see your strengths and what you could bring to a potential role down the road, including your technical knowledge but also the way you work with others, demonstrate integrity or reliability in your endeavours. It all matters. And it goes both ways, since having solid networks means you will have a better sense of where there are good people that you may want to bring onto your team or project when the time comes.