How I Got Hired: Communications Officer, Arctic Council Sustainable Development Working Group

My name is Kimberly Aiken, and I graduated with an MA in International Environmental Policy (IEP) with a specialization in Ocean and Coastal Resource Management from the Middlebury Institute in 2020. My language of study was German. Prior to coming to Monterey, I studied at Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY). 

I am now the first-ever communications officer for the Arctic Council Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) Secretariat based in Québec City, Québec, Canada. In my current role, I am responsible for developing the organization’s communications plan, managing web content and social media networks, and promoting the activities and projects of the SDWG through articles, reports, podcasts, promotional interviews, and publications. I also support the organization and logistics of the SDWG executive and plenary meetings, as well as associated SDWG side events at Arctic-related conferences such as the Arctic Youth Conference, Arctic Frontiers, and ArcticNet. I work closely with the Arctic Council Secretariat communications teams, Permanent Participants of the Arctic Council, the Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat, and other Arctic Council Working Groups. Together with the SDWG executive secretary and project coordinator, we are the newly established SDWG Secretariat hosted by Université Laval in Québec City.

In previous roles, I supported Arctic governance, Arctic plastic pollution, and Antarctic and Southern Ocean environmental conservation campaigns, which allowed me to expand into communications, producing a digital story map on Antarctic protection. 

You can see examples of my work on SDWG’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Some of my recent work highlights SDWG projects like ARENA, Gender Equality in the Arctic, and Local 2 Global, with additional features on projects showcased at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly. Being in this unique position to shape the role of the first-ever SDWG communications officer is both exciting and fulfilling.

Talk to Everyone

My journey was a mix of hard work and persistence. I began scouting master’s degree programs in 2016 but didn’t officially join the international environmental policy (IEP) program at the Middlebury Institute until 2018. My initial visit to the MIIS campus was unconventional—I sat in on classes and met with professors like Professor Jason Scorse, Dr. Lyuba Zarsky, Professor Jeff Langholz, and Liz Chornesky. This visit was pivotal in shaping my path forward. My practicum, supervised by Dr. Zarsky, provided me with hands-on experience that helped shape my career.

I also met with Dr. Brendan Kelly, formerly executive director, now scientific director of the Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH), which led to my involvement in Arctic initiatives during my studies. My passion for working at the Arctic Council grew rapidly as I made valuable connections, including Ambassador David Balton, former chair of the Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council, and Lawrence Hislop MAIEP ’97, an Institute alum who is communications director at REV Ocean Norway.

My advice to current students is to not be afraid to put yourself out there—talk to everyone—whether at a workshop, conference, or virtual meeting. Email the directors and managers of organizations you’re interested in, even if you don’t have everything figured out yet. If you don’t get a reply, send another email! 

The Center for the Blue Economy has an Environmental Justice and Sustainability Speaker Series—don’t miss out! I found a lot of value in attending these events, as they introduced me to key individuals in my field and shaped my career path.

Persistence and determination haven’t failed me yet. Live, breathe, and dream your goals, and manifest them. Every person you meet will contribute to your journey. Challenges are your friend, not your enemy. Embrace being uncomfortable and continue to grow.

Today, almost nine years later, I’m proud to be an employee of the Arctic Council—a full-circle moment. My journey has been filled with Arctic and Antarctic projects that I’m personally and professionally proud of.