The mission of the Department of Earth Sciences is to transform students into scientifically literate citizens and professionals by engaging them in high-impact learning activities focusing on the principles, techniques, and issues relating to earth science, geology, and meteorology. By doing so, we will prepare our students for careers in the fascinating and critical field of earth system science.
Recommendations for Majors in Earth Sciences
Students are exploring who they are, what they are interested in, if they are in the right major, what potential career paths exist.
- Complete APS course
- Meet with your major advisor to discuss career pathways and options
- Attend Part-Time Job Festival (Fall)
- Attend Research and Internship Day (Fall)
- Attend ESC Scholars Day presentations (Spring)
- Join a Living Learning Community
- Sign up for Eagle Connect
- Take a Career Interest Instrument
- Apply for scholarships
- Attend ESC scientific seminars
- Explore options for gaining professional experience
- Join the Earth Sciences club or other student-run organizations
Students begin developing a professional demeanor, learning career options, and participating in activities relevant to the profession.
- Begin participating in professional activities
- Learn more about career options in your major
- Attend Research and Internship Day (Fall)
- Attend ESC Scholars Day presentations (Spring)
- Attend Jobs and Internships Fair (Spring)
- Begin gaining experience outside of the classroom (e.g., work study, assisting with faculty research)
- Consider Study Abroad programs, internships, and other external for-credit opportunities
- Discuss a complementary minor with your major advisor
Students complete opportunities to distinguish themselves from others through research, internships, volunteer work, study abroad, etc.
- Consider career options in your major
- Attend Research and Internship Day (Fall)
- Attend ESC Scholars Day presentations (Spring)
- Attend Jobs and Internships Fair (Spring)
- Attend professional conferences in your field
- Develop a resume and have it reviewed
- Have a professional photo taken at the Jobs Fair and create a LinkedIn account
- Seek out internship opportunities
- Run for elected office in the Earth Sciences club
- Become a peer mentor, resident assistant, or other campus leadership role
- Research graduate programs by contacting potential graduate advisors
- Contact potential capstone advisors
Students polish and refine their job materials and prepare for entry into
the job market/grad school
- Refine job materials with Career ServicesPRACTICE professional networking and interviewing
- Continue building your professional profile
- Begin applying for post-graduation positions
- Present at Scholars Day and/or professional conferences
- Complete capstone experience
- Enroll in ESC 492 or 494/495
- Refine communication and critical thinking skills
- Take the GRE and apply to grad programs (if interested)
- Attend Research and Internship Day (Fall), and Jobs and Internships Fair (Spring)
- Seek another internship opportunity
- Send resumes and cover letters to potential employers during and after Winter Break
- Update, scrub, and align all social media accounts