habitat, and other vital but often overlooked life history parameters; discuss the historical conditions that led to their extirpation and subsequent recovery; and explore the ecological services provided by beaver engineering. This presentation will build a fundamental base of knowledge, thus laying the groundwork for subsequent talks about beaver-based restoration from the Tulalip Tribe, King County, Beavers Northwest, and the Methow Beaver Project. n
the enormous opportunity to be harnessed by more effectively including students in Society leadership. n
Education & Communication
Duffie, Laura, HDR
Presented during S1: Working in Wetlands I - Leveraging Non-traditional Experiences as a Student & Early Careers in Private Sector, GIS & Academia (Co-Sponsored by South Central Chapter and Student Section), 6/1/2021 8:35-10:25AM ET
BRIDGING THE GAPS: BUILDING A PEER-MENTORING AND LEADERSHIP NETWORK FOR STUDENTS IN SWS Munguia, Steffanie, Florida International University Scientific societies like the Society of Wetland Scientists are critical to building and maintaining robust professional networks, especially for students. Yet they often fall short on delivering on a key component of this: opportunities for leadership. Academic juniors are invited into these spaces to learn the dominant culture, a process of academic assimilation, with little consideration for the bidirectional nature of relationships. This leads to vast disparity in the demographic makeup of leadership and can contribute to organizational stagnation. One opportunity to bridge these gaps is through peer-mentoring of students to develop deeper organizational knowledge and leadership capacities. In 2020, the Student Section launched the Delegates Program, a unique year-long community building and training program for SWS student members to extend their relationships and impact within the Society through service. Program participants are expected to contribute to content creation for the Student Section, support the work of a chapter, section, or committee, and design a project of their choice to advance the mission of SWS. In return, they receive monthly trainings in leadership, project management tools, and professional development, as well as monthly informal community-building events. By engaging them in structured micro-volunteering opportunities, and providing support for a project they’re passionate about, these students have a unique opportunity to take ownership of their SWS experience. This year’s diverse cohort supported a variety of initiatives, including organizing World Wetlands Day events, contributing to the Section’s strategic realignment, and designing novel engagement opportunities for students worldwide. These eight students are a testament to 178 Wetland Science & Practice July 2021
Presented during S1: Working in Wetlands I - Leveraging Non-traditional Experiences as a Student & Early Careers in Private Sector, GIS & Academia (Co-Sponsored by South Central Chapter and Student Section)
CLEAR AS MUD: NAVIGATE PRIVATE SECTOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND UNLOCK THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET Many university degree plans funnel environmental students toward traditional academic or government career paths. As a result, new professionals face heightened competition when they utilize the same job boards and apply for the same positions as their peers. If your job hunting methods have proven ineffective, then you may need to update your approach. Consider the numerous, diverse career paths available within the private sector. Geared toward students and new professionals, this presentation provides the framework needed to accelerate your career development. Learn how to navigate private sector environmental career opportunities by unlocking the hidden job market! What are private sector environmental positions and where do you find them? Start with company name recognition. Can you recognize potential private sector employers in our industry? Better yet, which private sector employers provide high-caliber professional development for their employees? By leveraging a targeted approach and differentiating yourself from the competition, you can invigorate your career outlook and professional network simultaneously. n Presented during S1: Working in Wetlands I - Leveraging Non-traditional Experiences as a Student & Early Careers in Private Sector, GIS & Academia (Co-Sponsored by South Central Chapter and Student Section)
TRANSITIONING FROM STUDENT TO PROFESSOR: DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONT Shoemaker, Cory, Slippery Rock University Many students in wetland science have traditionally aspired to 1) gain a tenure-track faculty position at 2) a university in an area where they want to live and to 3) be able to conduct research that better increases our ability to reclaim, restore, and rewild wetlands. The pathway to this goal is deceptively simple: Go to graduate school, do good research, get an offer, is in reality anything but simple. Extrinsic and intrinsic obstacles such a tight job market, declining college enrollment and concurrent tightening of university budgets, and reaching a work/life balance in a competitive environment face the aspiring faculty mem-
