Author: shotwelk

 

Words from Britt Hoskins, COF Career Development Center Assistant Director:

 

I recently visited the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency headquarters in Washington D.C., and wanted to share with you what I learned about careers in intelligence that are well suited to people studying things like GIS, earth/geology/geography, ocean science, climate science, and atmospheric science and really, STEM in general.

First off, OSU is one of the NGA’s 30 priority schools in the U.S. They are building a relationship with us because they want to hire our students. Shouldn’t Oregon students get some of 300 internships nationwide the NGA opens up every year? I think so.

 

Why Work at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency?

1. 300 intern openings for summer 2019!
2. 80% of interns are hired for full-time positions. Internship is the best way to get your foot in the door with the NGA.
3. The free security clearance you get with NGA transfers to other federal agencies like CIA, NSA, etc.
4. You can repeat the internship at subsequent summers.
5. Access to 1,700+ continuing education courses for NGA employees; paid-for master’s/Ph.D. programs after 2 years of work.
6. Student debt forgiveness after 10 years (any federal employer)
7. Joining a community of other interns with mentorship programs, support, and fun activities like sports leagues
8. 3 hours of paid gym/workout time during every work week
9. Government benefits, including a retirement pension
10. Intelligence is always in demand, no matter which president is in office. Stable jobs and the opportunity to work toward a mission for the U.S.

 

Summer Internship Details:

• Applications for the summer 2019 are open now until Sept. 30. Don’t wait to apply, they start picking people as applications come in. By Sept. the intern openings may be all full.
• Apply through nga.mil. Remember, NGA openings are not something you can apply for and then start right away. You have to plan ahead because security clearance can take many months.
• Requirements: GPA of 3.0, U.S. citizen, enrolled in any level, Associates through Ph.D.
• Paid at an hourly rate based on the level of your degree.
• Housing may be subsidized (not covered) in the summer of 2019, awaiting confirmation. Travel cost is not covered. (But flights from PDX to D.C. are reasonable…)

 

Facts About the NGA:

1. It’s a government agency with 14,500 employees.
2. Military and humanitarian focus. NGA’s specialty is spatial, visual intelligence and using data in really practical ways.
3. Two main locations in D.C. and St. Louis, as well as smaller locations in California, Colorado, and across the globe. 2/3ish of jobs are in D.C., most of the rest are in St. Louis, a few others at other locations. You can mention desired locations in your cover letter.
4. Housed within the Department of Defense. Partners with agencies like FEMA, CIA, NSA, and the President.

 

What Types of Careers Are Available?

Many! For example, a geo-intelligence analyst might use satellites and layers of data to help with hurricane response, firefighting, ebola outbreaks, ice caps melting, and counter-terrorism. (For example, analysts, model makers, and data visualization professionals provided the intelligence in the Osama Bin Ladin raid.) Jobs include: Imagery analysts, geospatial analysts, aeronautical analysts, maritime analysts, cartographers, geodetic scientists, data scientists, engineers, research analysts, info systems security specialists, geodetic orbit scientists, geodetic earth scientists, human geography, information visualization, maritime navigation, bathymetry, photogrammetry, remote sensing, etc.

 

How Can I Stand Out to the NGA?

Depends on the job, examples of desirable skills include:

• Big data savvy, knowledge of tools like GIS, lidar/radar, tableau, SQL, etc. (See job descriptions)
• Adaptability to learn and change and technologies and situations shift
• Ability to identify patterns, leadership
• Team player with a high concern for customer service
• Good writers/communicators
• Global mentalities/international experiences
• Statistical skills, STEM fields

 

How Can I Get My Foot in the Door?

• Like so many federal/state jobs, the buck stops with the application. Fill it out their online resume system incredibly thoroughly. Do not limit yourself to one page!!! More is more with government applications.
• List and explain how you meet all  of the minimum requirements. If you haven’t listed it, they will assume you don’t have the skill. Recruiters scan for keywords as a way to filter people out.
• Use your cover letter to explain how you have met all the minimums.
• Remember that veterans get priority in interviewing, so list relevant military experience.
• It’s difficult to network your way in, but you can run your application materials by OSU’s NGA recruiter: Melissa Johnson, Melissa.s.johnson@nga.mil. Before approaching Melissa, it’s not a bad idea to make an OSU career appointment to brainstorm strategy.

 

What is the SMART Scholarship Program?

Also, check into the SMART Scholarship program for a full tuition reimbursement scholarship. This is a highly competitive program that pays for your schooling in exchange for a commitment to work for the NGA during school and for a period after graduation. Great for someone who knows they want to work in the intelligence community after graduation.

 

WHY PEACE CORPS?

• Work and learn in 60 possible countries. Use your major and experience to impact communities across the globe.
• Housing and a living wage provided in your country + $9,450 when you finish your assignment to reestablish in the U.S.
• A leg up on federal jobs after you finish the program. You get extra application points to help you get noticed by a great gov. agency.
• Many volunteers are hired on in their respective countries after their term.
• A 3-month training program prepares you to serve + you’ll have a partner in your assigned country.
• Access to apply for a special fellowship that pays toward future graduate studies.

 

Agricultural/Forestry Majors:

The Peace Corps is competitive. The good news is that agricultural and forestry majors are desired. Actually having a degree in your fields is not common among applicants. So you can stand out! With your background, you may be selected for an educational position, usually with small farmers around the world. Duties could include helping with sustainable farming practices, food security, irrigation in dry climates, and income supplementation. You may help with everything from crops, to bees, to livestock.

o   E.g. You may help tackle deforestation, understanding economic forces that drive it and how communities can begin to recover.

 

Environmental Sciences/Natural Resources:

STEM fields are greatly desired in the Peace Corps. An important tip, if you plan to apply, is to get some educational experience outside of the classroom. You may have research and fieldwork (like sampling/trail maintenance) on your resume, but showing you can communicate with and teach others is a big selling point for you on an application.

o   You may work on climate change and how it is affecting an arid region. Showing a community how to recover and address their farming practices or soil erosion.

o   You may tackle issues like poaching or introducing eco-tourism to preserve wildlife. Or work on a nature preserve.

o   It is also very common for hard science students to teach math or science in high schools across the globe.

 

HOW CAN I STAND OUT?

• Knowing a foreign language is a big deal, especially Spanish or French. Even some introductory courses count.
• Education experience. Consider volunteering to teach English or getting together with international students to practice conversation.

 

WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?

• Reach out to Scot Roskelley, the Peace Corps recruiter for Oregon State. He can help you strategize about how and when to apply: sroskelley@peacecorps.gov or 503-290-4024.
• Note that there is a 8-10 month gap between when you apply and when you go. For graduates in June 2019, apply by Oct. 1.

Commencement is only TWO weeks away! Graduating seniors: are you struggling to come up with ideas to decorate your mortar board? Don’t worry, we got you covered!

Each student is unique and should individualize their mortar board accordingly. Many students choose quotes, pop-culture references, celebration of their accomplishment, career dreams, college/university pride, graduation year, ode to the parentals, and many more creative ideas.

Drop by the 2nd floor knuckle in Richardson on Thursday, June 15th from 9:30-4pm for a mortar board decorating party. Snacks and supplies will be offered. This way you can collaborate with students and save money on supplies! Come prepared with ideas that fit YOU.

A few ideas are displayed below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whatever style you choose, it will be PERFECT for YOU! Congratulations graduates of 2017!

Many students find it more useful to take notes on their computer as opposed to typical handwritten notes. It often is easier to keep up with the professor, you can obtain more information, and sometimes do a little side work.

A recent study actually determined that students using a laptop scored between 0.27 and 0.38 grade points lower on a four-point GPA scale than their classmates who took notes without a laptop. That is half a letter grade!

Students who used laptops to “take notes in class” spent over a third of class time browsing the internet for nonacademic reasons. Even in the cases where students were using their laptops to look up academic information to supplement the course work—something that many instructors think of as a benefit—the study found no improvement to final exam scores.

Rethink your note-taking techniques! Handwriting your notes can be much more beneficial for the outcome of your grade.

For more information visit here.

With the advent of tax season, we’re seeing an increase in the number of phishing emails received, and urge caution when clicking on links contained in emails or responding to requests for account information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

• Do not open any attachments or click on any links in emails unless you were expecting to receive them–particularly about financial matters. When in doubt, double check with the department sending the email.
• Read carefully!
• Be on the lookout for a new scam where the scammers disguise their email and make it appear as though the email is being sent from an executive of the organization. They frequently request that an HR or payroll employee send a list of all employees and their Form W-2s and thereby gain access to this sensitive information about employees. It is easy for a scammer to make an email appear like it is from a person you know—always use caution.
• Phishing websites often look exactly like official OSU login pages. If you did happen to click on a link in an email, do not enter your account info into that site.
• Use the “hover” technique to see where a link goes. Hold your cursor over a link but don’t click. (On mobile devices, touch the link and hold it.) The address where that link is really going will show on your screen. Inspect that address carefully. Be wary of URL shortening services such as tinyurl.com and bitly.com.

We would encourage anyone receiving a phishing message to report it. This will help us try to block or disable the phish.

To submit a phish, send the email as an attachment to phishing@oregonstate.edu.

As students, we focus on our education in the classroom, but do not spend enough time expanding our professional development in order to obtain a job. Although school may keep us busy, it is important to include time for job workshops. By attending job workshops you will:

1. Increase your communication skills
2. Gain contacts for future use
3. Practice speaking with employers and researching companies/organizations
   • This can help you determine what you are looking for in an employer and narrow down what you wish to do in the future
4. Meet with like minded people to discuss topics of interest
5. Ask questions about professional pathways
6. Find a JOB!

By meeting face to face with employers you will have a better chance because they will remember you and you won’t just be another name on a page.

Events to attend:

• Federal Job Employer Panel and Networking Event on February 3rd from 1-3 pm in the Valley Library Willamette East and West Rooms
• How to Apply for Federal Jobs/Internships: US Forest Service Job Seeker Workshop on February 7^th  4-6 pm in the Valley Library, Willamette West Room
• Winter Career Convention on February 15th and 16th from 11 am-3 pm in the LaSells Stewart Center
• Employer Information Night: Sierra Pacific Industries on February 28th from 5-6 pm in Strand 262
• How to Apply for State Jobs/Internships on March 3rd from 12-1 pm in the Valley Library Willamette Rooms East & West
• How to Negotiate Job Offers on March 9th from 12-1 pm in Strand 148

 

Other resources to find a job include our College of Forestry Jobs Page and Employer Information Nights. Make sure to make yourself known in the industry you wish to be involved in!

 

The 2016-2017 school year is almost over! Graduation is just over a week away for seniors. But first, we have to survive finals week.

During this stressful time of the year it is important to make time for all of your work, but still maintain healthy habits.

1. Get plenty of sleep. Staying up to study may seem like the only way you can do well, but pulling an all nighter can be harmful and your brain will not be able to retain as much information as you become fatigued. Don’t be like Buddy.
   
2. Exercise. Exercising your brain does not count for this one. Make sure you are staying physically active and not sitting all day long in a desk chair. Take short breaks every hour or two if you are working on a computer. Even a short walk or some jumping jacks can help stimulate the brain and boost energy levels. The warm weather is here on most days, take advantage of it! Try and take a friend too.
3. Avoid social media. I promise that nothing exciting will happen when you are gone. If it does, it will still be there once finals are over. Rewarding yourself with funny videos or cute cats may be another technique for study breaks.
4. Stay organized. Clutter and messiness will only add tension and anxiety to your stress filled finals week. By keeping on top of your tasks and schedule you will be able to focus on what is truly important.
5. Eat well. Although time is limited because of studying, it is imperative that you make time for healthy food options. Eating three balanced meals and having snacks throughout the day will help you maintain energy levels, stay focused, and perform better on your finals. Do not skip meals because you do not have time, it will only drain your brain and reduce retention rates.
6. Breathe. I know it may seem like you will not be able to make it through, but YOU CAN! Stay strong and positive. If you feel overwhelmed make sure you take a break and go for a walk, play a game, or talk with a friend.

Good luck! Congratulations to all the graduating seniors. Have a fantastic summer.

Anybody got a good picture of John Sessions riding away on his bike?

 

 

Thanks to the WSE staff who placed two Giving Trees with 60 tags benefiting children via the Vina Moses Center in the FERM Office in Snell and in the FES Office in Richardson. Please consider selecting a tag from a tree with a child’s gender and age and providing gifts and/or clothing to a child in need. Gifts should be placed back under the tree by December 13.

The Student Services Office has also made a “Giving Column” with nearly 40 tags for the Vina Moses Center. Please drop by and pick up a tag!

Each month about 1,000 people come to the Center to select clothing, toys, and household goods for their families.  For the holidays, an array of toys and clothing are displayed, and parents pick out appropriate gifts and clothing for their children. These are the items that you make available by taking tags from our Giving Trees. It is a huge success with Center families and volunteers. This season, the Center looks forward to being able to provide up to 1,200 families with food and/or gifts. Your gifts make a difference to the families in our community.

 

The College of Forestry is also sponsoring an Adopt-A-Family.

Each child will get three gifts; one they want, one they need, and one they can read; see the list below for ideas. Gifts for grownups are optional, but basics like body wash and grooming items are always welcome. The family will receive a holiday meal from Mega Foods; if you would like to provide a gift certificate or cash the cost of the meal is $29.99.

Please let Jessica Fitzmorris know what item or items you would like to purchase so that she can remove them from the list and keep things current. All items should be new and unwrapped. All items need to be delivered to RH 109 in no later than 3pm on December 9^th.

• Garrett (12yrs, boy): hot wheels, size 3 boots, captain underpants, books
• Aiden (2 months, boy): size 1 diapers, wipes, newborn socks, baby books
• Cristina (4 months, girl): rattles, teething chews, size 6/9 month clothes, baby books
• Chance (1 month, boy): newborn clothes, size 1 diapers, wipes, baby books

 

Happy Holidays to everyone! Don’t let finals get you down.

A message from Ron Reuter-OSU Cascades Natural Resources:

We are living in a digital world and the grammar used by media and celebrities is often incorrect; use of grammar has an impact on those listening to you or reading your works. Word selection matters, so select wisely and correctly. Being smart includes the ability to think AND clearly articulate those thoughts in verbal or written form.

As you begin to think about term papers, or your essay questions on midterms, remember that your professor is influenced strongly by what your writing looks and sounds like. Dr. Appleby, a retired crop science professor, has configured a list of common grammar mistakes. Take a look at these to make sure you are using the correct form.

 

 

 

The 2016-2017 school year is now under way. Whether you are a new or returning student the beginning of a school year is always stressful. Don’t forget to attend the great Welcome Week events.

The College of Forestry is hosting two great events next Thursday, September 29th:

 

The College of Forestry has been moving throughout the summer because of the construction project of Peavy Hall into the new Forest Science Complex which should be complete by Spring 2018.

To keep updated with the transition visit: http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2015/jan/osu-launches-initiative-forest-science-complex

 

Although the college is now scattered throughout campus, you will always be able to reach us. Advisors are located on the 4th Floor of Snell Hall and the Student Services Office is in Snell 133. Self-Learning Centers can be found in Snell 129 and Snell 123.