Campus News
April 24, 2018
Mock Interviews Prepare Students as Future Natural Resources Professionals
Garrett College's Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology program is one of the College’s two signature degree programs receiving nationwide recognition. Led by Kevin Dodge, Director of Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology (NRWT), the associate in applied science degree program attracts and welcomes students across the state and surrounding region, while preparing them to become the next generation of natural resource professionals in the workforce.
Designed to represent a wide range of study, this unique program appeals to students interested in careers focusing on wildlife, fisheries, forestry, soils, wetlands, parks, and other areas of natural resources management and conservation. Graduates from the program are prepared to find employment as technicians in these fields, but many choose to pursue additional education towards a bachelor’s degree. Those who transfer to a four-year school after graduation find that they are exceptionally well-prepared for upper division classes at that university.
Fifteen students in the NRWT program are on track to graduate this May. As part of the curriculum, students are required to enroll in a seminar II course, NRW289, during the final spring semester. The course aims to introduce students to effective job search strategies and prepare them for employment promptly after graduation.
The course emphasizes identifying an ideal position, preparing an effective resume and cover letter, interviewing, and using multiple resources to locate job opportunities in the natural resources field.
During a recent class session, students experienced genuine mock interview scenarios with natural resources professionals representing the private, public and non-profit career sectors.
"It was great to see the high caliber of individuals the NRWT program has produced with this round of students," commented Garrett College NRWT graduate Greg Short Jr., Senior Project Manager/Owner of AllStar Ecology. "I was very impressed!"
Students must prepare for the mock interviews as they would a real-world job interview: wearing appropriate interview attire, eloquently verbalizing academic and professional accomplishments, and discussing technical skills and proficiencies. The mock interview activity is only one of a variety of employability skills seminar II students experience in the spring semester immediately before graduation.
"This class is exceedingly valuable in that it teaches the tangible skills employers are looking for in today’s workforce. I can truly say that the NRWT graduates leave Garrett College with a striking resume, interview confidence, and – very often – a job in their field of choice!" noted Ashley Ruby, Director of the Advising and Academic Success Center at Garrett College and seminar II instructor.
The NRWT program includes practical, field-based instruction and hands-on classes (most with an outdoor component). Students learn a variety of real-world skills, including how to 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.
In addition, students enjoy small classes 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.
For more information on the Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology program, contact the Office of Admissions at 301-387-3044 or visit https://www.garrettcollege.edu/natural-resources-and-wildlife-technology.php
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Pictured in the front row from left to right are: Craig Hartsock (Allegany Soil Conservation District), Brady Flowers, Ryan Drake, Caroline Blizzard (Maryland DNR, Deep Creek Lake State Park), Kara Kyle, Kevin Dodge (Director of Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology at Garrett College).
Middle row, left to right, are: Melissa Nash (Maryland DNR Forest Service), David Wood, Collin Bucher, Michaela Bush, Johnny Fetchko, Nancy Doran (Maryland DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service), Francesca Gullion, Julia Vache, Andrew Yoder.
Back row, left to right: Greg Short (AllStar Ecology), Levi Cameron, Samuel Reckart, Tyler Bowers, Kyle Klotz, Roy Musselwhite (Maryland DNR, Deep Creek Lake State Park), George Eberling (Maryland DNR Forest Service), Donnelle Keech (The Nature Conservancy), Robert Mulligan.
