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Professional Development for Careers in Ecology


Course Description

Ecology majors will be introduced to common careers with an Ecology degree, complete assignments to identify their interests, as well as create personalized programs of study, resumes and cover letters. Career and graduate school opportunities will be discussed through guest speakers. Networking amongst peers, alumni, and faculty will be encouraged.


Athena Title

Prof Dev Careers Ecology


Prerequisite

Second year student standing and permission of major


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall and spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student learning Outcomes

  • Students will identify the similarities and differences between different possible career paths with an ecology degree, as well as the experience-related requirements for each path.
  • Students will identify important sources of information for on-campus and off-campus professional development opportunities.
  • Students will create clear, concise and personalized professional written documents that will increase student success, such as their programs of study, resume and cover letter.
  • Students will relate to peers, alumni, and faculty in the ecology community.

Topical Outline

  • Introduction to Opportunities in the Odum School of Ecology (OSE) and at UGA (clubs, study away and abroad, research, outreach, etc.
  • What do OSE graduates do with their degree? A discussion of career plans
  • Safety in the Field, and Persistence in STEM
  • Email Writing Workshop (Do’s and Don’ts for initiating an opportunity, asking for a letter of recommendation, etc.)
  • Resume Writing Workshop and Peer Review
  • Cover Letter Writing Workshop and Peer Review
  • Why and why not go to graduate school?
  • Recent Alumni panel and perspectives

Syllabus