Member Spotlight - August 2012 - Lauren Barker, EHS Professional; Caterpillar Inc.

August Member Spotlight Lauren Barker

This month we introduce you to Lauren Barker, EHS Professional at Caterpillar Inc., one of the members who helps make our network so unique.

What are currently working on?

Mergers and Acquisitions EHS Integration Process, Transitioning Caterpillar's Zero Waste Sustainability Operations Goal, US Environmental Bootcamp, Waste/ Recycling Contractor Strategic Partnerships, etc.

What do you like about your job?

Working and meeting new people. The job is challenging and always evolving.

Has your environmental program received any awards or recognition? If so, what?

2011 Illinois Recycling Associations Hero's Award

What is your biggest challenge in your current role?

Meeting the Global EHS expectations for compliance and conformance

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

Obtaining my Master's degree in Environmental Engineering

What advice would you have for someone entering the field today?

Build a solid educational base. A relevant college degree (core environmental science or engineering) and even Master's is critical to standing out from the crowd. Obtain experience before you graduate (intern, work during school, coop, etc.) Be open to new opportunities and step out of your comfort zone. Most importantly, accept and expect change; because sometimes the best career opportunity is the one you never knew existed.

What are the three words your best friends would use to describe you?

Direct, Honest, Passionate

What aspect to the natural world/environment impresses you the most? Why?

Whenever I travel, there is always a something (a scenic mountain, local park, ocean, or vista), that makes me take pause and brings me back to center. Whether very small or magnificent, these things and places remind me why I do, what I do.

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