Internships/Graduate Education

[Pelagic Penguin]

I'm curious to see what kind of feedback I get from these boards, there are some pretty knowledgeable folks on here....

I am an Environmental Science major at the University of Mary Washington, and finishing up my junior year. Summer is approaching quickly. I am looking for an internship/job related to my field that I can experience this summer (2009), or potentially long-term (1-2 years) after I graduate May of 2010.

I am also starting to look at doctorate programs in an environmental science-related field. Hydrology, soil science, interdisciplinary studies, and oceanography are right up my alley. I am not picky about where I study (one of my problems when looking at schools - I'm having trouble narrowing it down).

Any suggestions on good programs/profs/etc? Any suggestions for me as I begin my journey into this world of higher education? Tips? Anything? I'm structuring this as an open thread.

Oh, and FYI: I have a 3.3 cumulative, 4.0 major, and I'm working on research this year and next year. I'm accomplished both academically and in extra-curricular activities, with a strong overall resume.

 

[covediver]

For internships, please look at the Student Conservation Association. Many NGOs and government agencies get summer interns through the SCA. But do it soon as many of those positions have already been filled. In this economy, everyone is looking.

Also, go to USAJOBS.gov and see what summer positions may be available. These often lead to a career if that is what you want to pursue.

Take the GRE early if the school you are applying to need it. If you are applying to grad schools for 2011 admission, you will need those numbers by October or November for application.

Have you considered taking some time off and working before applying to grad school? Many programs do think it makes you a better candidate if you have. You seem a bit uncertain as to your specialization. If you plan on going directly into a Ph.D. program, you really need to be certain where you want to go before applying. That certainty is critical for successful grad school completion of the Ph.D. It is not as critical for a terminal Masters, but many grad schools that grant Ph.D.s don't really spend a lot of time screening people who want just a masters or giving them support for that matter. Figure out what you really want to do, figure out who you want to study under, get to know them, and then apply. It does make a difference in the long run, at least it did for me.

 

[nkb535]

Lyssa,

It sounds like you are preparing yourself well for graduate school. Keep in mind that research experience and good references are extremely important to potential major professors, often more so than GRE scores and grades.

A PhD is a huge undertaking, so you need to be absolutely sure that you are ready for it. It is very common for students to begin a masters program, and then switch to a PhD once they've decided that graduate school is right for them. I just finished my first year of my masters program in stream ecology, and while I'm happy I decided to start graduate school, I could not imagine three+ more years of it. My advice is to talk with graduate students at your school, as well as faculty members. They are your best resources with regards to information about current research fields and good/bad major professors (and yes, there are lots of bad MP's). With regards to a potential MP, it is extremely important that you meet personally with him/her and you are sure that he/she is someone that you can stand working closely with for 4+ years. I've seen plenty of graduate programs go sour because of bad student professor relations. Other graduate students in a potential lab are an invaluable resource for information about the major professor, so contact them and ask for absolute honesty (be sure to say that you will keep their responses confidential).

One last piece of advice. Professional society (Ecological Society of America, American Society of Limnology and Oceanography) websites usually have job posting sites for all related jobs, including internships/short term jobs, graduate programs. That is how I found my graduate program.

Good luck!