Campus News

GC's NRWT students participate in mock interviews

Students gain real world experience through interviews

Pictured are NRWT students Christian Stanton (Williamsport, Md.), Ouray Gaines (California, Md.), Kaden Hebb (Swanton, Md.), Atlee Wise (Deer Park, Md.), and Colten Plum (Bruceton Mills, W.Va.); George Eberling (Maryland DNR Forest Service), Roy Musselwhite (Maryland DNR Park Service), Melissa Nash (Maryland DNR Forest Service), Greg Short (AllStar Ecology), and Rande Brown (Maryland DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service).

Garrett College's Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree program continues to receive positive attention across the state as it adequately prepares natural resources professionals for the world of work.

This unique program, led by GC's director of natural resources and wildlife technology Kevin Dodge, is designed to represent a wide range of natural resources fields and seeks to attract students interested in careers such as parks and recreation, water quality monitoring, wildlife habitat management, fisheries management, wetlands management, forestry, environmental and ecological restoration, environmental consulting, soil and water conservation, and nature education and interpretation.

Five upcoming graduates are on track to complete the mandated seminar II capstone course, NRW289, this spring semester. The course curriculum aims to introduce students to effective job search strategies and prepare them for employment promptly after graduation, if not sooner.

Course content emphasizes identifying an ideal position, conducting a successful job search including preparing an effective resume and cover letter, interviewing, and using multiple resources to locate potential internship/job opportunities in natural resources and wildlife technology areas.

During a recent class session, students experienced valuable mock interview scenarios with professionals in the industry. Five regional experts, representing the private and public sector careers, provided mock interview sessions to all five students.

Following a virtual experience during spring 2021, this semester's mock interview rite of passage returned to an in-person experience, providing a realistic experience for occupations within this career sector.

"My experience with the mock interviews was valuable and gave me a look into what I can expect when being interviewed in the natural resources field," said Christian Stanton, GC student and rising spring 2022 graduate.

Students must prepare for the mock interviews as they would a real-world job interview: appropriate interview attire, eloquently verbalizing academic and professional accomplishments, and discussing technical skills and proficiencies.

"The mock interview process is a valuable learning experience," remarked Colten Plum, GC student who is also on track to graduate this spring. "Students learn what to expect from state and private jobs and get to meet future potential employers, which may increase their chance at a successful future interview."

The mock interview activity is only one of a variety of employability skills seminar II students experience in the spring semester immediately before graduation.

"It is incredibly humbling to see industry professionals who are willing to lend time and expertise to our graduating students," stated Kevin Dodge. "Students are always thrilled with the experience and much more prepared and confident going in to future interviews."

"This class is intentionally designed to teach students how to search for, apply to, and successfully secure a career in the natural resources and wildlife technology employment sector," explained Ashley Ruby, GC's director of advising and academic success and seminar II instructor. "Graduates of this program leave Garrett College with a polished resume, interview confidence, and – very often – a job in their desired field!"

Garrett's NRWT program includes practical, field-based instruction and hands-on classes (most with an outdoor component). Students manage wildlife habitats, sample fish populations, survey timber, map plant and animal communities, monitor rare plant and animal species, restore eroded stream banks and degraded wetlands, and help children learn about nature.

As part of the program, students also enjoy small class sizes and personalized attention, advanced technology including Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems, employment and volunteer opportunities, class trips to the Chesapeake Bay and other regional environments, and spring break trips to southeast Arizona.