Jean Cowan
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council)
New Orleans, LA USA
"You make change no matter what—and it’s your choice what energy, what ripples, you’re putting out into the world."
Career Roadmap
Jean's work combines: Environment & Nature, Science, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Sometimes I've doubted my path but it's mostly been during times that I feel insecure about other people's projections about what my values should be. There have been times in my career that I could've taken a different job and made more money. But that job wouldn't have lined up as well with my values. It just takes me sitting with that realization for a while until I feel confident again that what I'm doing now really aligns with what my true core values are. That's what's most important.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Environmental Science
University of Virginia
Graduate Degree
Marine Sciences
University of South Alabama
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I loved being outdoors and was passionate about the environment, so I knew I wanted to make a career out of that.
2.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia, followed by a master’s degree in marine sciences from the University of South Alabama.
3.
I spent time working at marine research stations doing water quality research—I liked collecting data but I wanted to move into the management aspect and learn to make decisions about the data.
4.
I moved to Louisiana in 2001 and got the opportunity to work for the state at the main agency working on the massive land loss issue.
5.
When the BP oil spill happened in 2010, the entire Gulf of Mexico was affected, causing all five Gulf states to jump into restoration work.
6.
I now work for the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council where I collaborate with others to conduct large-scale, multi-purpose, multi-agency ecosystem restoration.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I could make more money if I just pivot and take this other job.
How I responded:
Sometimes I've doubted my path but it's mostly been during times that I feel insecure about other people's projections about what my values should be. There have been times in my career that I could've taken a different job and made more money. But that job wouldn't have lined up as well with my values. It just takes me sitting with that realization for a while until I feel confident again that what I'm doing now really aligns with what my true core values are. That's what's most important.