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Caleb Reid, BSc Forest Business Management

Putting two and two together leads to a career in forest management

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Sometimes career paths choose you, not the other way around. What appears to be a series of unrelated affinities and work gigs begins to coalesce into a pattern, revealing itself when the time is right. Often, such discoveries are made in hindsight, and for Caleb Reid, it is precisely how he found himself in the forestry business management program. 

It was his mother who made this connection first, putting together her son’s love of the outdoors and the jobs he had taken that all seemed to have something to do with the woods. She encouraged Caleb to explore the idea of a forestry degree and after thinking about it for a while, it started to resonate. The forest business management program, jointly offered by the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences and the ß÷ßäÉçÇø School of Business, would give him a unique educational experience — hands-on learning (in the woods!) and practical management skills. He knew it was the right choice. 

“I only applied to this program and was accepted almost instantly,” he says. “My fate was sealed.”

After graduation, Caleb plans to travel the world before launching into his professional life.   

Congratulations Caleb!

What program are you graduating from?

Bachelor of Science in Forest Business Management. 

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A for your studies?

I guess at the end of the day I chose my degree purely on a whim. I didn't have any clue what I wanted to do after high school, but I knew that I liked being outside and that I wanted stability. Looking back now I see that my path has always seemed to be leading me towards this career. My first job was at a forest nursery where they grow the seedlings used to replant the forests we harvest. Subsequent to this job, I worked at a sawmill and then a small local company that functioned as an arborist/landscaping business.

It was my mother who first brought up the idea of going into a forestry degree. Where she heard about it I have no idea, but she brought it up one Saturday morning while drinking coffee on our front porch and it kind of just made sense. It is hard to explain but the idea of me going into forestry just felt right. 

Once I decided that I wanted to go into forestry, I then had to choose a school. I chose the ß÷ßäÉçÇø because, for one, I would be a third generation alumnus if I graduated from the U of A. My grandfather got his degree in agriculture at the U of A, and both of my parents got their degrees there too. In fact, they met at one of the campus clubs. The U of A was also far enough away for me to learn some independence but close enough to home that if need be, I could be home within a couple of hours. I chose the Forest Business Management program  because it was practically the same as a forestry degree but with the bonus of some business experience included. How could I lose? I only applied to the U of A and to this program (maybe a bio degree also for a backup) and was accepted almost instantly. My fate was sealed.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at the U of A?

I would have to say that my favourite memories were always during the . This is where I would reunite with my old friends while at the same time making new ones. I always had a great time laughing with my friends over a drink in the beer gardens. When it comes to the rest of the year, as much as this sounds lame, I look back fondly on all of the last-minute cram study sessions I would have with my friends while trying to finish an assignment or right before an exam.

Tell us about your favourite professor and/or class.

I find this question a little difficult because throughout my degree I have had my fair share of really good classes and professors and very bad classes and professors. However, a class and professor that sticks out in my mind is and his class (Introductory Forestry Field School). This was a solid week of traveling to different parts of ß÷ßäÉçÇø to see the different aspects of the forest industry.

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student?

For the last two years of my degree I served as the treasurer for the . I found this position quite fulfilling as I felt like I was doing something important looking after the money for a club that played such an important part of my university experience. While at times I did find it a little stressful, I found it a great opportunity to put into practice some of the skills that I learned throughout my degree.

Did you face any significant obstacles or challenges during your program?

Anxiety, I struggled and continue to struggle with anxiety. Therapy and doing things that I enjoy did a lot to help me out in this department. Also spending time with the people that I care about helped to mitigate my anxiety.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

Grades are important of course but don't forget to enjoy and take advantage of the 50 per cent of the university experience that isn't school. Say yes a few times when people invite you to do something fun. Take the time to study but make sure to chill out, hang out with some friends and try new things. Generally, if you put in even just the tiniest bit of effort you will pass your classes. However, I recommend a little harder than just the bare minimum.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I plan on going to the ceremony and then going for dinner with my family afterwards.

What's next after graduation?

I will work for a little while to build up my savings and then spend some time traveling the world. After that, I will finally settle down and start my true career.