Alumni Spotlight: Paul Algu

What did you study at LSU, and what year did you graduate?

I studied Environmental Management Systems and graduated in 2011. I also received an MS in Environmental Science from LSU in 2015.

 

Tell us about your current role and what you enjoy most about it.

I am currently the Corporate Environmental Affairs Manager for Riviana Foods. I also manage corporate sustainability and ethical sourcing for the company. My previous roles have been in environmental consulting and in the automotive industry, so taking a role in the rice industry felt like coming home to agriculture in a way. We also have a large presence in Louisiana, so I have enjoyed working with farmers and millers to innovate and improve sustainable farming practices.

 

What was your career path like after graduating? Any unexpected turns?

I worked as an environmental consultant in Baton Rouge and New Orleans focusing on permitting and compliance for oil, gas, and chemical manufacturing plants for a decade before moving to Carvana where I assumed the role of Senior EHS Manager. After leaving Carvana to relocate to Houston I was hired by Riviana in my current role. Although I didn’t graduate top of my class, I was very fortunate to land with a great firm out of college with fantastic mentors who focused on training and developing me as a scientist and project manager.

 

How did your experience at LSU prepare you for the workforce?

The Environmental Management Systems program has a strong relationship with trade organizations which allow students to attend technical and networking events and even participate in design competitions. I was able to use these opportunities to create a large network of professionals which has led to every job opportunity I've had in my career. The EMS course structure also allowed me the flexibility to take classes I otherwise would not have been able to take on campus - in the MBA, MPA, and other graduate programs which I believe have helped immensely in my career as I was able to see problems from a holistic view as opposed to a siloed one.

 

What industry trends or challenges are you currently seeing in your field?

Right now, is a moment of regulatory turmoil - companies are being forced to change operations and plans day-to-day based on the latest rulemaking, tariff, or court decision. My company is based in the EU so in the face of domestic policy changing rapidly we also must pivot and implement sustainability practices which require a fair amount of tightrope walking. To quote Jimmy Buffett, "If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane."

 

What advice do you have for students or recent grads entering the job market?

The best time to begin networking was yesterday. It's a tough market and the best way to find prospective jobs is to make connections. The environmental community in Louisiana is tight knit and the more visibility at events you have the more likely a job opportunity may arise. I'd also say think outside of the box when given an extracurricular opportunity. Take the faraway internship if you can. Present at the conference outside of your discipline. Attend the class that has nothing to do with your major. Getting to experience life outside of your comfort zone will lead to growth and opportunities you may have never even knew existed.

 

How do you stay connected to the LSU Ag community and support others in the field?

I would like to take the opportunity here to say that Dr. Maud Walsh is the best student advisor to ever exist. I stay in contact with her and other LSU EMS alums through the Air & Waste Management Association and try to get back to campus to speak to the student chapter once a year. I also am a member of the COA Alumni Association and active in LSU events here in Houston.