Gopher Peavey 1986 - Department of Forest Resources - University ...

SPECIAL SECTION:
SUMMER JOBS
Summer jobs play an important role in
the education of a forester. Applying
classroom experience to practical field
work can be an invaluable learning experience
and in many cases, can be a
stepping stone for permanent work
within the forestry profession. The
following is a description of summer
jobs by the college's career opportunities
coordinator, Phil Splett, and
some impressions by students who
held jobs this previous summer.
40
Summer Employment
Opportunities
by Phil SpJett
Career Opportunities Coordinator
Summer jobs are an important part of the overall learning
experience for College of Forestry students.
These jobs help to defray the high cost of tuition, but
more frequently, they provide valuable "hands on"
experience. This experience is especially important
to students majoring in areas where a competitive job
market exists, such as wildlife and forest resources.
I am encouraged by the fact that, although the permanent
job situation is competitive for resource
majors, the summer job opportunities have been excellent.
This is important because the critical factors
that I see as having significant positive impact on a
graduate's employability are:
(1) Grades. Maintaining an above average record of
B or higher.
(2) Related work experience JJdv.u::: graduation,
e.g., summer forestry/recreation jobs.
(3) nexibility in where and for whom you are willing
to live and work.
(4) Job search preparation and professionalism including
communication skills and interview
performance.
Most students will have at one summer's worth
of experience before graduation, some will have two
or more. (Note: many students enter the College of
Forestry as transfer students beginning their junior
year.)
In many cases the type of work that initially interested
a student in the forestry, or wildlife
professions is done on a summer