Looking for Environment Scientists and Geologists

[Cwadda]

Just a quick update...

A few days ago I contacted a TA in the GSCI department who had taught one of my classes last semester. I asked if there were any research opportunities available. With high regard, she directed me to the program assistant who spread it over the department. Within 25 minutes there was a person emailing me asking for assistance! I couldn't help that professor because it was for summer, but I don't think I'll have any problems getting research! I also applied to work in the GSCI department office for 5 hours/week and it's paid. TA said it would be a good way to meet the department and staff. I'm so excited!

[Glenstache]

Great job, Cwadda. Keep it up.

[libertarian4321]

Alright, here we go again. It's another 2 weeks later. I've decided that I will take Calculus 2 this summer because my internship provides a good amount of time to study in a good study environment.

What I've learned so far in the internship is that technical skills, like the majority of you have mentioned, are critical. As far as I know I am one of the only guys that knows how to use Excel proficiently! I'm able to complete work that much faster. I think a good move would be to take a GIS course next semester and see how I do with it. I'm at a point at which I want to set up my schedule for next semester and I still don't know how to approach the whole degree thing. Here are my questions, some of them I have asked before, and asking again.

1. Is it worthwhile to get a double major in Geoscience and Environmental Geoscience? If I already have work experience in Environment Science, would having that Environment Science degree useful?
2. When dealing with GIS, is it important to have a GIS minor as a credential or is it fine to just "know how to do it". So should I take just a few classes for it, or go for a minor? I'm thinking of doing an intro class for it next semester and seeing how that goes.

You folks are an invaluable resource. Thanks :)

I had another thought.  It may not be necessary to get a double major.  Most people I know in the industry do not have them.  If they do have double field of expertise, it's often getting an MBA as they get more senior and get into management.  Just specialize in one area, then learn the other stuff the way most of us do- OJT.

You'd be surprised how much you'll learn in your first few years on the job just by doing it.  Geologist will learn the engineering aspects to some degree, and vice versa.  I took no Geology as an undergrad, and only touched on it in grad school, but over the years have learned enough that I can confidently BS my way through it :)

[2ndTimer]

After reading that you wanted some input on the Environmental field, I handed the computer over to the Hub who is currently working as a CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) for the Feds.  He has done quite a bit of hiring in the field so he knows whereof he speaks.

Hi!
PhD in chemistry, been in and out of the field for around 10 years.
My personal experience was that the educational environment can create some misleading expectations about the world of employment. Higher education can be a two-edged sword-it can allow you to qualify for higher level positions, but it also can price you out of the market. Also, many employers don't want to deal with the ego and expectations of someone with too many degrees. All of which is to say, don't cut your ties with your employer now-the fact that you can do a job now, and show up sober, and get along with people when tempers flare are traits employers value, and which are never tested in school. I would try and keep working for your present company while you picked up a degree somewhere.

Heartily agree with everyone above-GIS skills are rapidly becoming a critical discriminator among applicants. Good luck!

[Cwadda]

After reading that you wanted some input on the Environmental field, I handed the computer over to the Hub who is currently working as a CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) for the Feds.  He has done quite a bit of hiring in the field so he knows whereof he speaks.

Hi!
PhD in chemistry, been in and out of the field for around 10 years.
My personal experience was that the educational environment can create some misleading expectations about the world of employment. Higher education can be a two-edged sword-it can allow you to qualify for higher level positions, but it also can price you out of the market. Also, many employers don't want to deal with the ego and expectations of someone with too many degrees. All of which is to say, don't cut your ties with your employer now-the fact that you can do a job now, and show up sober, and get along with people when tempers flare are traits employers value, and which are never tested in school. I would try and keep working for your present company while you picked up a degree somewhere.

Heartily agree with everyone above-GIS skills are rapidly becoming a critical discriminator among applicants. Good luck!

Thanks for your response!

I do Industrial Hygiene consulting now. There are a number of guys in the company that have the CIH along with the MSc.

As a quick follow up, this semester I will be taking classes for the Environmental Geoscience and Geoscience majors that overlap. Next semester I can decide the path I want to go with! Since I plan on going to grad school I can specify a degree further there. I will be taking an intro GIS course and will try to get in a technical writing class as well. I'm also still looking for research opportunities and I applied to work in the Geoscience department to get familiar with the staff.

The construction manager has congratulated me on a job well done this summer. The project has gone very smoothly and we are wrapping up in the next few days. The job as made me a lot more confident as an individual. And knowing I can handle a $4 million job and hang with the guys with degrees is an awesome benchmark for where I am now.

[Anatidae V]

It's great that you got such positive feedback! I didn't chime in before, being only a few years out of Uni, but I am kicking myself for not doing any kind of GIS unit! I'm working on learning it now as we get jobs where it's better for me to have a go than for us to flick it to the dedicated GIS team. It's very piecemeal, but I'm getting there.

[Rika Non]

Congrats.  It sounds like you are having a great summer.

It sounds like you are definately on a good path.