Careers in Natural Resources

Career Advice or What I Learned Last Spring Semester by D. Gershenson '09

Every year another generation of graduates leaves Rutgers SEBS for the professional world. Yet it seems that many have little idea as to what awaits them. A few settle into temporary jobs that only delay the inevitable. Others volunteer or do internships. Some find work in their field, but the money isn’t always “sufficient” at first. The rest enter graduate school, which always seems like a wonderful idea, and yet a percentage of graduate students regret their decision. So what can one do to improve their chances? What can you do?

Well, for a start, you can do what I did, and talk to people. Do this as early as possible. And I do not mean just your advisor (although they can be a very useful resource), but professionals in your field as well. Ask them what tools you need to find a job quickly, to have the right credentials. Ask them what you need to learn to be ahead of the game. However, if your plans include working in the field of Natural Resource Management, you can benefit from my experiences, and save yourself some time. I spent a large portion of last semester searching for the answers to the questions that many of us have in our last semesters at Cook. I visited with representatives of NGO’s, DEP, private organizations, and this University. And although a wealth of knowledge was imparted upon me, much of it can be summed up in a few pieces of advice:

1) Take the time to find what you love to do. Don’t leave college with a degree that means little to you because you committed to a false idea. You are at Cook for you, and no one else, so spend the four years productively.

2) While you are here, and have the time, do an internship or volunteer outside the university. If you can, get a job, but for many the time required does not exist. University positions (especially in laboratory environments) are wonderful places to acquire a very specific skill set, but only in the real world, can you acquire certain professional skills which will be key in the future. So, find something with the DEP, or with an NGO like the Audubon Society, or with a private organization like Duke Farms. Talk to your advisor or other professors about this, they can connect you with a whole plethora of people.

3) Find out what you need to take in terms of classes in order to succeed in the future. Core and major requirements are one thing, but the professional world frequently requires knowledge that isn’t always mandatory. So, talk to your advisor and other people in your field (preferably some that do not hold university positions). They can tell you what they do on a daily basis, what skills they use, etc. I found that one ability has become absolutely priceless in Natural Resource management over the last decade: geomatics and GIS. Not only does everyone use it, but some rely upon GIS to get them through the day. A certificate in Geomatics may not be necessary, but at least some knowledge is highly recommended. I made the mistake of skipping that portion of the 704 curriculum, and I have regretted it ever since.

4) Networking, networking, and more networking. The relationships that you form in college are absolutely crucial in forming your future. It is all about meeting professors, talking to government employees, chatting with lab technicians, etc. These are the people that can help you find a job once you have your baccalaureate. Who you know will help you get what you need, sometimes over people who are equally qualified. In today’s market, much depends on your contacts.

5) If you are still unsure of your “place in the world” when you graduate, take the time to find yourself before continuing on to a graduate program. You options are unlimited, but all of my interviewees agreed that the time you spend between college and graduate school is invaluable. Get a job in a related field. See what it entails. Or, get some space. Go skiing in Colorado or traveling through South America. Study abroad. You may find your passions developing, your ideas mixing to form something “concrete”, pun intended. Just be careful, and don’t stray. Keep focus, or you may lose sight of your goals, and then it becomes difficult to regain your footing.

In the end, it is all about finding what you love, learning how to do it, and finally doing it. It sounds like a daunting task, I know, but there are many people out there who are happy to assist you. Do not be afraid to ask for help, and use the experiences of others to your advantage. Why learn from your own mistakes, when you can avoid them altogether by being prepared in advance.