10 Job Search Tips from a NRES Alumnus
NRES Graduate, Eric Hope, offers tips for breaking into the job scene
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Don't be afraid to apply to everything you have an interest in, even if the position seems somewhat out of reach.
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If you're looking to break into federal wildlife positions, understand that most jobs are highly competitive. Eric has found success in seeking paid or AmeriCorps internships, while continuing his search for full-time federal employment on USAjobs (www.USAjobs.gov).
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For federal job applications, it's important to update and tailor your resume to each position to which you apply, even if the positions have the same job title. Federal resumes are long and tedious—the opposite of what you're taught to do. Though tedious, applicants should list every possible skill or experience from previous jobs that are relevant to the application.
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Another lesser-known resource is www.volunteer.gov. Less-advertised, paid or AmeriCorps internship opportunities are often posted on this site. It includes listings with all federal agencies and several state agencies.
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American Conservation Experience (www.usaconservation.org) offers a lot of positions, although often focused on manual labor, the variety is increasing. Eric suggests this organization can be less complicated to navigate than the SCA program application, but it is worth searching both resources for opportunities (www.thesca.org).
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Check job sites frequently for new postings.
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Texas A&M University job board (www.wfscjobs.tamu.edu/job-board) is a popular site for job announcements, which means that competition is high for the jobs posted there. Check the site often and apply quickly.
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Have your resume and references ready to go. Posts can close as quickly as within a week.
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Once you've applied for a job, follow up and stay in contact with hiring managers about the timeline for choosing a candidate for a position.
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Use your network. References and who you know can go a long way to helping you land the job you want. Join LinkedIn and connect with your fellow students, professors, and employers. (www.linkedin.com)
New Course! NRE 390 Environmental Communications
The Natural Resources and Environmental Science program is now offering a course on Environmental Communications (NRE 390) for Spring 2015. Becoming an effective environmental communicator can catapult your preofessional goals. NRE 390 will provide students with persuasive theories, strategies and skills for both mass and interpersonal communication related to environmental topics.
Students will learn to use social media and marketing campaigns to identify, understand and communicate with target audiences to gain support, inspire action, and ultimately acheive their environmental campaign goal. This course will also count toward the Environmental Education Analytical Skill Development Area (ASD). Contact the instructor, Angela Poe at arpoepoe@gmail.com for more information about the course.
NRES Summer Camp is now offered in TWO countries!
Students now have two options for NRES Summer Camp. Option one is in the beautiful Robinson Forest, where it has been taking place for the last 10+ years. Option two, led by Rob Paratley, is in Costa Rica, where the students travel from coast to coast, learning in a tropical environment. Read about student experiences during the Costa Rica Summer Camp 2014 course.
