Tommy Negovanlis

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Networking brought Tommy Negovanlis success and led him to his career path as a sustainability consultant with Ernst and Young (EY). His role includes working with clients from different sectors, including crown corporations, real estate companies, resource extraction and public institutions to develop strategies related to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

Negovanlis completed an undergraduate program, with an honours double major in American Studies and Political Science. As the first in his family to attend university, he was drawn to Western for the campus experience.

“Being able to get away from home and having a community around me, being close to campus and libraries really helped me focus and succeed,” he said.

Negovanlis was involved in the campus experience, serving as a Soph in Med-Syd, and as VP of Academics in the Political Science Association.

In 3rd and 4th year, Negovanlis received the Morrison Scholarship in American Studies. The History department celebrated its award winners with a ceremony and presented framed certificates.

“It made it much more personal, and was a nice touch from the department,” Negovanlis said. The engagement and support of his professors kept him engaged and interested in his studies. He also received the Gold Medal in both Political Science and American Studies, in recognition of earning the highest marks among the graduating class.

As an undergraduate student, he was able to secure internships with mining companies in roles focused on sustainability. This experience inspired Negovanlis to follow his undergraduate studies with the one-year Diploma (GDip) in Mining Law and Sustainability, also offered through Western.

The Political Science and American Studies courses helped develop his skills in research and communication, particularly essay writing skills essential to his role.

“If you go to professors and TA’s, they are all very helpful,” said Negovanlis. “You should make sure you use those resources. They want to see you do better.”

He also learned the importance of time management, and find balance in life.

“I learned to manage time wisely and get things done,” said Negovanlis, “It’s about getting experience, and figuring it out on your own. Western has a lot of avenues and support to teach these aspects.”