Whether or not you earn credit, faculty will support you in finding hands-on learning opportunities through internships, research, extra-curricular clubs and activities, and other volunteer or paid positions. Exposure to different activities, people, work settings, mentors, and practical application of skills is useful and rewarding - and sought after by employers.
The Environmental Sciences degree program stresses hands-on experience to test out your career objectives, broaden your worldview, build your resume and help you gain professional experience. These extracurricular experiences range from contributing to ongoing field research at the Harvard Forest, to interning at environmental consulting firms, to assisting with compliance and planning at government offices.
Internships
Relevant internships allow students to earn academic credit for contracted work experiences. ENSC students work with their faculty advisor and staff in their home college and the UVM Career Center to identify opportunities. Students interested in earning Environmental Sciences credit for internship or research experiences should contact Rubenstein School Career Counselor and Internship Coordinator Anna Smiles-Becker (Anna.Smiles-Becker@uvm.edu). Internship credit is also possible through the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and students should talk with their advisors to sign up for the appropriate credits in their home colleges.
Research
Undergraduate research is a great way to hone skills and techniques learned in the classroom and gain valuable experience to boost future job and graduate school applications. UVM offers many opportunities to work with faculty and graduate students on research projects or on independent research studies with faculty advisors. More information on research opportunities.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad offers rich learning opportunities and experiences that allow students to grow both personally and professionally. Many ENSC students study abroad in one way or another—either through a UVM faculty-led course, summer, or semester abroad programs. Some students use their study abroad to complete their concentration requirements, taking advantage of the opportunity to immerse themselves in courses and experiences related to their specific disciplinary interests that may not be available at UVM. There are many programs tailored especially for environmental students. View some of the most common programs chosen by ENSC majors.
Service-Learning
Students are regularly engaged in real-world projects through their ENSC coursework. For example, in ENSC 160 (Pollutant Movement) students partner with a local landowner to monitor and analyze pollutant levels, as well as develop pollution mitigation plans. In ENSC 201 (Ecological Restoration) students work in local degraded landscapes to develop and implement a restoration plan to improve ecological structure and function.