May 1, 2012
Barnard College Career Development Elliott Hall, 2nd Floor www.barnard.edu/cd
212 854-2033 EMAIL: ocd@barnard.edu PHONE NUMBER:
STAFF Robert Earl, Jr. Director Alexandra Nestoras Senior Associate Director Won Kang Associate Director / Student Employment Rachel Tannenbaum Associate Director Valerie Chow Program Director / Internship Programs & Civic Engagement Purnima Taylor Program Director / Employer Relations & Campus Recruitment Victoria Passarella Career Counselor Sarah Noel Alumnae Counselor Katherine Hendry Assistant Director Lindsey Allen Assistant to the Director Hiraida Crespo Office Assistant Bruce Ross Administrative Assistant Nancy Ferro Recruiting Program Assistant
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WHAT TO DO WITH A MAJOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE? You’ve decided on a major and are not sure what career path to follow after college. To help you out, we asked three Barnard alumnae who majored in american studies to share their career experiences with you! Emily Spokowski’11, ALC Environmental, Environmental Project Coordinator and Field Inspector I knew I wanted to major in environmental science after taking Professor Peter Bower's Introduction to Environmental Science course during my freshman year. In addition to classroom lectures, Professor Bower and other faculty brought to life my interest in nature and the environment through handson experiences in the lab, field, and on class trips. A particularly memorable experience took us boating on the Hudson River, where we examined the contents of mud dug up from the river's bottom. With this degree, my goal is to contribute to creating a more sustainable and environmentally healthy society. In regard to my current work, I guess you could say I have rather an unusual job; I travel around the city inspecting apartments for mold and performing other indoor air and water quality tests. Very weird, I know. Back in the office I analyze results, generate reports, and provide recommendations for clients. My favorite part of my job is that everyday is a new adventure. I have met so many people from all walks of life and have had more than a few story-worthy experiences. Interestingly enough, I found this job through the Barnard Career Development website! Allyza Lustig’11, Columbia University Climate Services Partnership, Senior Research Staff Assistant When I started at Barnard, I didn’t know what I wanted to study. I spent the first year taking an eclectic bunch of courses, ranging from studio art to biological anthropology. For the most part I enjoyed them all but the one that really stuck out was a course I took about the earth’s climate system. At the end of the course we covered alternative energy and it was at that point that the idea of environmental policy dawned on me. What goes into decision-making and how are people and the environment affected by those decisions? Later in an environmental anthropology class we asked questions like, what is sustainable development? These questions, though seemingly theoretical, have a real-life application I found appealing. The answers affect policy and policy affects both the natural world and human society. The environmental policy curriculum at Barnard is extremely interdisciplinary. From chem lab to international politics, the coursework constantly allowed me to use my brain in different ways, which was both challenging and thrilling. Environmental policy makers are ideally able to speak the languages of both science and society – it is dynamic field that has always interested me on a personal level. Combining that personal investment with my academic studies was certainly inspiring. Cont’d on pg. 6 1
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TEN CAREERS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MAJOR 1.
ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
Internships.com serves as the leading nexus between internships and students, higher education and employers. The website’s mission is to develop tools and services to enable every student, employer and educator to better understand and optimize the work opportunities of the future. The offer information about the difference between internships and temporary jobs, how to prepare for an internship search, and how to approach the application in addition to an extensive database of open positions. INFORMATION: http://www.internships.com/ student
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Environmental Consultant: Major corporations rely on environmental consultants to offer guidance in conserving the energy expended in the production process, to monitor the elimination of waste and byproducts, and to make sure that a company's actions are in accordance with government regulations. 2. Oceanographer: Oceanographers study the chemical and physical properties of the earth's oceans and how they impact coastal regions, climates, and weather. Many of the issues of concern to environmental scientists are also studied and analyzed by scientists specialized in studying the earth's oceans. 3. Environmental Analyst: Environmental analysts focus on data collection and interpretation, using information to create solutions to environmental problems. Typically dividing their time between fieldwork and laboratory testing, they examine surveys and samples collected on-site and perform historical research to determine the extent and causes of environmental changes. 4. Urban/Regional Planner: Urban and regional planners develop long- and short-term plans for the use of land and the growth and revitalization of urban, suburban, and rural communities and the region in which they are located. Often work with local officials to alleviate social, economic, and environmental problems by recommending locations for infrastructure and suggesting zoning regulations for private property. 5. Toxicologist: Toxicologists plan and carry out laboratory and field studies to identify, monitor and evaluate the impact of toxic materials and radiation on human and animal health and the environment. 6. Conservation Scientist: Conservation scientists manage, improve, and protect the country's natural resources. Working with landowners and federal, state, and local governments, they devise ways to use and improve the land while safeguarding the environment. Conservation scientists advise farmers, farm managers, and ranchers on how they can improve their land for agricultural purposes and control erosion. 7. Public Health Administrator: Public health administrators apply professional, technical and managerial expertise to evaluate the impact of environmental contamination on public health. Specialists are asked to interpret complex environmental and health data and recognize the issues and concerns of government agencies and members of the public. 8. Hazardous Waste Manager: Hazardous waste managers are responsible for disposing of toxic waste materials in a manner that will not harm human health and the environment. Managers often work for consulting engineering firms specializing in waste management who are then hired by government agencies or chemical companies. 9. Environmental Engineer: Environmental engineers conduct hazardouswaste management studies, design municipal water supplies and industrial wastewater treatment systems and research the environmental impact of proposed construction projects. Some specialize in ways to minimize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion. 10. Watershed Manager: Watershed managers create and implement plans, programs, and projects to sustain and enhance watershed functions that affect the plant, animal and human communities within a watershed boundary. Sources: http://www.bls.gov/
May 1, 2012
THE PCA’S Kate Bergin Geraldine Cheung Lianna Fox Lily Icangelo Jenny Lyubomudrova Jaqueline (Jackie) Rossiter Sylvia Scodro Michelle Yip Margaret Yukins
PEER CAREER ADVISOR BUZZ Dealing With Rejection Applying for jobs and internships can be a frustrating experience and one that sometimes involves rejection. Dr. Joseph Reynoso, staff psychologist at Furman Counseling Center, explains that many students might not have experienced the feeling of rejection in a professional context. Although getting rejected from a job or an internship can initially feel like a huge blow, the news may not be as bad as one might first think. Rejections and other “temporary setbacks” can allow students room to learn how to improve their next job applications. An internship or job hunt is a time-consuming and often stressful process. Creating an action plan can help one manage stress. Dr. Reynoso suggests breaking a to-do list into manageable chunks and creating a realistic timeframe in which to accomplish each piece. For instance, for a senior without a job, going home for the summer may seem like a permanent move home. However, Dr. Reynoso suggests thinking of the summer as just one such chunk of time, not a permanent posting. He explains that sticking to a routine, continuing activities, and staying connected with college friends can help students handle returning home. Dr. Reynoso also notes that some students may feel that others are “doing better,”that peers already have jobs or internships. Students should know that they are not alone in having such anxieties. Talking to friends, family members, and counselors can help. For example, it might be helpful to go out with friends and decide not to talk about job hunting. Finally, Dr. Reynoso observes that some students might feel pressure to have their lives or majors all figured out. He remarks that planning in moderation is helpful but that over-planning can create stress and anxiety. For instance, First-years might find it useful to plan their major courses but allow for flexibility when choosing electives. He also stated that Barnard is an environment full of helpful and supportive individuals, many of whom are alumnae. Conducting informational interviews are a great way to hear about others’ lives and career paths, which usually are not on a straight line and did involve at least some rejection. By Lianna W. Fox '12, PCA
DROP-IN HOURS Peer Career Advisors Monday - Friday 10 AM - 5 PM
SOURCE: http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/Another-reject-Carol-Let-s-
face-it-I-ll-never-make-a-living-writing-ey-Cartoon-Prints_i8642483_.htm
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FEATURED INTERNSHIPS For these and other great opportunities, check out NACElink at www.barnard.edu/cd.
INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT:
By Kelsey Umemoto ’13 Major: Environmental Science & Political Science Last spring I interned for the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), which is located just four blocks from Barnard’s campus above Tom’s Restaurant. GISS is one of the leading centers for atmospheric modeling and combines research across various disciplines to predict the effects of natural and human induced environmental changes on climate. As an intern at GISS, I was responsible for designing “Rediscovery Experiments” for the Educational Global Climate Change Modeling Software (EdGCM). I helped to create lesson plans for high school and college courses that guided students through their own model simulations. This opportunity not only furthered my understanding of climate systems but also provided an exciting application of the material I had learned in the classroom.
Japan Society - Communications Intern. Japan Society's Communications Department seeks interns to assist with publicity and promotion for Summer 2012 (June-September). Interns will assist with marketing the Society as a whole and individual events from various programs. Candidates will have an opportunity to gain an understanding of non-profit communications while developing valuable skills in all facets of publicity, promotion and advertising. Department of Consumer Affairs - Office of the Chief of Staff Intern. The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is seeking an intern to provide high-level support within the office of the Chief of Staff. The Intern will assist with special projects as well as day-to-day operations within the DCA administration. Candidates for this internship should have an interest in government organization and management. Organicworks PR - Intern. Organicworks PR is currently seeking versatile applicants for a variety of responsibilities that include but are not limited to phone work, compiling press kits, managing databases and participating in fun and highenergy client projects. Interns will learn valuable skills in the field and will have the opportunity to be very hands on. Office of UN Ombudsman & Mediation Services. - Public Information Intern. The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) is the informal component of the system of the administration of justice in the UN. It is the primary recourse mechanism for resolving workplace concerns in the United Nations and acts as an alternative to the formal complaints mechanism. UNOMS is looking for an intern to support the Office's Outreach/Mediation Division. Working with the supervisor, the intern will participate in the production of an educational video in the area of conflict resolution. Vencon, Inc. - Intern. Vencon, founded in 1973, is one of the nation’s oldest venture capital firms. Venture capital work spans across fields, including: economics, law, accounting, psychology, and finance. Vencon focuses on certain areas, which include the environment, global warming, green energy, and high technology. Interns will gain experience on various aspects of venture capital procedures. Tower Group Companies - Intern. Tower Group Companies is a publicly traded, growing property and casualty firm located in downtown Manhattan. Delivering a broad range of property and casualty insurance products and services, Tower has been recognized for each of the last three years as one of the fastest-growing companies in the New York Metropolitan area by Crain's New York Business. Tower's Internship Program has been created to assist in providing opportunities for college students who have an interest in working in property/casualty insurance following graduation. Yves Saint Laurent - Marketing Intern. YSL is seeking a marketing intern for the summer and fall semesters. Potential candidates must be professional, outgoing, and analytical with a strong interest in luxury fashion. Prior luxury experience is recommended. The internship will be unpaid, but will garner excellent experience in marketing and database management.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
May 1, 2012
TOW FOUNDATION SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND Would you like to attend a professional development conference? If so, apply for a grant from the Tow Foundation Special Professional Opportunities Fund!
GET VOLUNTEER AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT RELATED INTERNSHIP AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR EMAIL!
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis so apply as soon as possible! Please email internshipgrants@barnard.edu or call Barnard Career Development at 212-854-2033 with any questions about this fund. INFORMATION: www.barnard.edu/cd/students/funding/tow
Sign up for the New York City Civic Engagement Program email listserv. You will receive weekly announcements of newly posted civic engagementrelated opportunities. SIGN-UP: www.barnard.edu/
nyccep
VOLUNTEER FOCUS: ALL STARS PROJECT, INC. !
The All Stars Project, Inc. (ASP) is dedicated to promoting human development through the use of an innovative performance-based model. The ASP creates outside of school, educational and performing arts activities for thousands of poor and minority young people. The organization sponsors community and experimental theatre, develops leadership training and pursues volunteer initiatives that build and strengthen communities. The ASP has various volunteer and internship opportunities available to undergraduate students, including assisting with the production and staffing of performances and interning with administration departments such as the Office of the President and the Marketing Department. INFORMATION: www.allstars.org/get-involved
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RACHEL’S CORNER RESUME & GPA 101 When hiring managers scan a resume, they will notice the presence, or lack of, a GPA listed. When I meet with students and notice that their GPA is not listed, I ask them why. To my surprise, students are very unclear about the rules regarding GPAs and resumes. Read below to learn more: You DO list 3.0 and above In many cases, when I ask a student why they haven’t listed their GPA, they explain (through pained faces) that it’s because it’s too low. If an employer sees you have omitted your GPA, he/she will think it is because it falls under 3.0. If you meet the 3.0 criteria, be proud and list your GPA! Calculate your major GPA Perhaps you took some classes that pulled down your cumulative GPA below a 3.0. If these classes fall out of your major requirements, you still have the option to calculate your major GPA. Just make sure to list accurately, like this: Major GAP. Add the finishing touch to a high GPA Many awards can come from having an excellent GPA such as summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude. Make sure to include such distinctions, as well as the numerical GPA associated with them. By Rachel Tannenbaum, Associate Director SOURCE: “What’s the Point? When to List Your GPA on Your Resume” from
www.wetfeet.com
WHAT TO DO WITH A MAJOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE? Cont’d from pg. 1 Allyza Lustig’11, Columbia University Climate Services Partnership, Senior Research Staff Assistant I currently work for the Climate Services Partnership (CSP), which is run by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) at Columbia’s Earth Institute. The CSP is a network of institutions that use, provide, donate to, and research climate information. Partners work together to share knowledge, increase communication, and establish good practices. My interest in climate information started with my senior thesis, which I wrote about near term climate change, water scarcity, and agriculture in a small, semi-arid river valley in the north of Chile. After graduating I served as a rapporteur at the International Conference on Climate Services (ICCS), where the CSP was started. Listening to representatives from organizations such as NOAA, the World Bank, the National Weather Service, and the World Food Programme was fascinating. I recently started a full-time position as an assistant to the CSP coordinators at IRI. So far, I’ve been editing case studies and researching existing climate information websites. In the future, I’ll be communicating with partners and assisting the organization of ICCS 2. Thus far, I’ve really enjoyed working at IRI. Everyone is constantly traveling and work is very interdisciplinary. It’s definitely an interesting and dynamic atmosphere and I feel like I will learn a lot from being there! 6
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STUDENT EMPLOYMENT UPDATES Academic Year The academic year payroll ends on Thursday, May 10th. You need to submit all timesheet and payroll documents by Friday, May 11th. The last pay date for the academic year is May 25th. This paycheck along with other checks in the summer is delivered to the Bursar Window and will be held there for two weeks before being forwarded to the student’s permanent address. Summer Payroll The summer payroll begins on Friday, May 11th and ends Monday, September 3rd. There is no work study during the summer; all summer hires will be processed through regular department funds. Graduating seniors are permitted to work at Barnard all summer until September 3rd. Finding a Job If you are looking for summer jobs, a few job postings will be on NACElink. Not all job openings will be listed on NACElink, and you can contact the departments directly to inquire about open positions. I-9, W-4, WTPA Forms Students are required to complete their I-9, W-4, and State Pay Rate forms if they are working at Barnard for the first time. Please come to Career Development with a US Passport or SS Card if you need to complete these forms. Timesheet X For instructions on using Timesheet X, please refer to the tutorial called "Getting Started"(student employment). The summer payroll schedule is now available on the Career Development website. Please pay close attention to the due dates and payroll period dates. Some of them are not two-week periods. Labor Policies If you are working more than 6 continuous hours, you need to take at least a halfhour unpaid break. Students are permitted to work up to 40 hours per week from May 11th through September 3rd.
EMPLOYER FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND The Environmental Defense Fund is a non-profit environmental advocacy group that was established in 1967 by a small group of scientists. The fund’s mission is to preserve the natural systems on which all life depends through scientific and economic innovation, finding lasting solutions to the most pressing environmental problems. The group is known for its work on issues including global warming, ecosystem restoration, oceans, and human health. Often working with topics that are intertwined, the EDF seeks solutions that take a multidisciplinary approach, working in concert with other organizations—as well as with business, government and communities—and avoid duplicating work already being done effectively by others. INFORMATION: NACElink, http://www.edf.org/ 7
SUMMER AT A GLANCE-Events Happening Across the Country Events are listed alphabetically.
AFP TechKnow Conference: Rewire to Inspire 6/4 to 6/5 Orlando, Florida
The conference is designed to connect nonprofit fundraising and management professionals with leading-edge information and effective practices in using technology to accomplish their organizations’ missions. INFO: afptechknow.org
American Art Therapy Association 43rd Annual Conference 7/9 to 7/13 Savannah, Georgia
The conference will focus on the importance of inclusion and collaboration, and the impact that research has on art therapy in healthcare, education, and community-wide programs. INFO: www.arttherapy.org
American Mental Health Counselors Association Conference: Counseling in the Modern Era: Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing World 7/19 to 7/21 Orlando, Florida
The conference is devoted to high-quality education in the field of mental health counseling and offers an opportunity for peer connections, exploration, and relaxation. INFO: www.amhca.org
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American Society for Microbiology 112th General Meeting 6/15 to 6/19 at 10:30 AM San Francisco, Moscone Convention Center
The conference will consist of presentations and discussions about advances in the field of microbiology. INFO: gm.asm.org/index.php
NJ Collegiate Career Day Wednesday, 5/30 at 9:30 AM Rutgers Student Center New Brunswick, NJ
This career day will bring together nearly 150 employers seeking liberal arts, science, technical, and business majors for fulltime jobs and internships. INFO:
Marketing Research Association Annual Conference 6/4 to 6/6 San Diego, California
The conference aims to provoke new ideas and solutions by bringing together experts and practitioners who are shaping the future of marketing research. INFO: marketingresearch.org
National Conference for College Women Student Leaders 5/31 to 6/2 College Park, University of Maryland
The conference provides a transformative experience by bringing together collegeaged women to address pressing contemporary leadership issues. INFO: www.nccwsl.org/
NAEYC’s 21st National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development 6/10 to 6/13 Indianapolis, Indiana
The conference is designed to develop the skills of individuals who train and mentor early childhood professionals. INFO: www.naeyc.org
careerservices.rutgers.edu
Society of Professional Journalists-Online News Association JournCamp Friday, 5/18 Phoenix, Arizona
The conference will focus on developing training tools in all areas of digital journalism. INFO: www.spj.org/ spjona.asp
Presentation of Barnard Degree Candidates Monday, 5/14 at 12:30 PM South Lawn, Columbia Campus
CONGRATULATIONS
Class of 2012!