For Jen Grace:

1.  Decide what area you want to concentrate on. 
"Environmental Studies" is a very broad category.  Far
too many students follow this track and get a
catch-all "program" with no focus and little training
in practical/technical skills that can get them a job.

2.  Don't choose a program or university, choose a
professor.  To do this:  do a little research on who
is doing what in the fields of interest to you.  Then
contact them directly (letters get attention because
they are rare these days, but e-mails and phone calls
are part of the process too).  Ask if they are taking
new students.  Talk to them about their work and what
you think you'd like to do (don't worry if you don't
have real specific ideas at this point).  Try to meet
the ones you like best, either at their university or
at a professional meeting (I understand this isn't
always possible and can be expensive, but it is an
important decision you are making).

3.  Apply to a couple/few of the best options, based
on the kind of work you might do, whether you seem to
get along with the professor, type and reliability of
funding they can provide for you, location that works
for you, etc.

4.  Whatever you choose, be sure to take a bit more
technical, skill-based coursework than you feel
comfortable with at first.  Get involved in research
as soon as possible.  Be hungry to learn the "how-to"
stuff, and get experience doing it (even if only in
coursework).  If you aren't going the PhD/academic
route, these are the things that will get you the job
opportunities.

Disclaimer:  these are, of course, only my opinions
based on what has worked for me and people I know.

Good luck,
Joseph Gathman MS PhD
Aquatic/Wetland Ecologist


> Date:    Mon, 22 May 2006 14:40:02 -0600
> From:    Mini Super <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: Re: env studies or env sciences or..
> 
> Sorry Everybody. I did mean Graduate programs. Thank
> you to everyone who has
> responded with their ideas!
> 
> 
> Jen Grace
> Irish National Snowboard Team
> www.jengrace.com



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