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November 30, 2023
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Britteny Schalk, a second-year student in the Duke Environmental Leadership Master of Environmental Management (DEL-MEM) program, recently shared insights into why she's pursuing her degree, how she balances her studies with her career, and how she's applying what she's learning to her job.
Schalk is a global packaging engineer at DuPont de Nemours, Inc. She helps oversee the design, development and implementation of packaging solutions that align with both brand identity and product needs. Additionally, she drives sustainability initiatives aimed at enhancing recyclability and minimizing waste, all while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. As a leader in her organization, Schalk mentors team members and serves as a subject matter expert across multiple business units.
I am pursuing the DEL-MEM degree primarily to fulfill my deep desire for personal growth and to explore innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges. Secondarily, I chose this program to broaden my expertise and skillset, ultimately preparing me for advanced leadership roles within my industry.
One of the highlights of my time in the program has undoubtedly been the international study opportunities. Last semester, I had two unique experiences to explore sustainable development on a global scale. The first took me to Colombia, where I visited the capital city of Bogotá and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Santa Marta.
Later, my studies led me to several cities across Norway and Denmark. Throughout the semester, each course delved into distinct aspects of sustainable development, examining both the opportunities and challenges it presents. These experiences broadened my perspective, offering insights into global challenges and solutions I would not have gained otherwise. Engaging with diverse cultures, learning from international experts, and witnessing firsthand how different countries address environmental and educational issues has significantly deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of our world. It underscored the critical role of cross-cultural collaboration in fostering sustainable, innovative solutions. These transformative experiences have shaped not only my academic journey but also my professional and personal outlook.
In my current role, I am actively applying what I’ve learned from the program in several ways. The leadership strategies and problem-solving frameworks have enhanced my ability to manage teams more effectively and make informed decisions. I’ve been able to implement best practices in organizational management, leading initiatives that streamline processes and improve overall efficiency. The program's focus on critical thinking and strategic planning has also allowed me to approach challenges with a more analytical perspective, ensuring that I consider both short-term goals and long-term impacts. Whether it's enhancing team collaboration or leading projects with a more sustainable approach, the skills and knowledge I've gained are directly shaping my contributions and leadership in my current role.
Balancing my career with my studies requires a combination of time management, discipline and flexibility. I prioritize tasks by breaking them down into manageable steps and setting clear deadlines for both work and academic responsibilities. I’ve also learned to be disciplined in setting aside dedicated time for this coursework. This allows me to stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Maintaining open communication with my employer has also been essential, as it allows me to adjust my workload during particularly busy times in my studies. Overall, flexibility is key, so I remain adaptable when unexpected demands arise in either my job or studies, ensuring I adjust my schedule accordingly while staying focused on my long-term goals.
Above all, maintaining balance also means taking care of my well-being, ensuring I get enough rest and downtime to stay productive and focused in all areas of my life.