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Advising for Fisheries and Choosing a Graduate Program UWSP Student Subunit of the AFS September 18, 2013
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Advising… What do I take? Pretty well laid out for Fisheries majors Coursework will allow you to become a certified fisheries biologist with AFS Try to take these courses in the order listed (or close to it) Prerequisites Order is done for a reason!
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GPA ≥ 2.5
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What is your end goal? This will help us determine courses, etc… May steer you towards or away from certain electives depending on the answer.
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The AFS Guide to Fisheries Employment Editors David A. Hewitt William E. Pine, III Alexander V. Zale Ch. 3 – Pursuing Graduate Studies in Fisheries Alexander V. Zale
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Is Grad School Necessary? Simple Truth – an advanced degree is essentially required for full-time, permanent, entry level jobs Acquiring a grad school position can be thought of as getting your first real job
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Before You Apply When to go? Working for a while – may get used to making money and never go back School right away – may perform poorly Qualifications? – GPA, GRE, experience, involvement Degree in fisheries or related field GPA - ≥ 3.0 (3.5 is better) GRE - ≥ 300 (310 is better)
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Where to go and what to do? Program title “Fisheries” or other (biology, natural resources, etc.) Degree? M.S. – better for management jobs Ph.D. – better for research, teaching
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Graduate vs. Undergraduate Undergraduate Focused on coursework Graduate School Focused on your research Especially R.A. positions Year-round similar to a job; summers, breaks, nights
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Finding a Position Internet, universities, peers What are your interests? Choose a position that matches Projects and Assistantships Funding?
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How do faculty select their students? Sometimes a faculty will approach you! Be known Work in the field Go to meetings; talk with professionals Be involved with organizations (like this one!) If not, Assistantship announcements Similar to applying for a job
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Evaluating a Position Be selective (if possible) Funding? Respected professor? Location? – be flexible and willing to move Project interest? Do not choose a project just because it’s the only one around if it doesn’t fit your interest See Schultz and VanDeHey 2012 (and references within).
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Contacting the Faculty Member Use email or regular mail to send an application packet Include a concise, detailed letter describing your interests, career goals, and why you are best for the job Research the faculty – reference in your letter Proofread your letter! Also include your CV, transcripts, GREs, and professional references
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Telephoning the Faculty Member Wait a week or two Use email to schedule a time Address professor as “Dr.” until told otherwise Be informed of the project – ask specific questions Do some research on the topic Show you have genuine interest Do not assume the professor read all of your information – stress your strong points Use your references to help you
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Visiting Prospective Advisor Arrange a visit Make sure you can get along with the advisor Especially important for Ph.D. Check out the school and its resources Boats, vehicles, lab space, etc… Talk with advisor’s current grad students! Dress nicely
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Your Decision If you get an offer Give it careful consideration Tell your advisor within a couple days Complete paperwork, schedule a start date, make moving arrangements
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Finally… Enjoy your grad school experience
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Assistantship Resources www.fisheries.org www.fisheries.org http://wfsc.tamu.edu/jobboard/index.htm http://wfsc.tamu.edu/jobboard/index.htm http://www.iaglr.org/jobs/ http://www.iaglr.org/jobs/ http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/StudentSuccessCen ter/Pages/careerLinks.aspx http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/StudentSuccessCen ter/Pages/careerLinks.aspx http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/StudentSuccessCen ter/Pages/careerLinks.aspx http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/academics/career s/index.cfm http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/academics/career s/index.cfm http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/academics/career s/index.cfm
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