While it may seem that that the importance of networking is often overstated it does work very well. Last Semester (Fall 2003), I, a full time graduate student in the program, was searching for some volunteer opportunities within the program. Based on my past experiences Professor Deason suggested I try and help the National Parks Initiative. I met with the two doctoral students (Nick Martin and Mark Andress) working on the Initiative, and discussed my knowledge and where I felt I could be a help in their research. At the time they did not need my help, but we discussed where I might be helpful in the future. About a week later, Nick Martin remembering my interest in getting some “hands on” experience, emailed informing me of an internship position at the Global Environmental and Technology Foundation where he worked. I applied and consequently received the internship. This internship was not only paid, but I heard about it because I had networked with a fellow student in the program. I have been told that this is not the first time this has happened in our program and likely will not be the last.
The Global Environmental and Technology Foundation (GETF) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the development and use of innovative technology to achieve sustainable development. One way GETF achieves sustainable development is through aiding organizations in their implementations of Environmental Management Systems (Some of these organizations are now also ISO 14001 certified). The reason that the internship position was created, was due to a partnership between GETF, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the American Association of Port Authorities, to provide EMS training to nine select ports, the Portland District Corps of Engineers, and the Maritime Administration.
The internship has been an excellent learning experience, and way for me to build off my classroom learning. My duties are split between helping GETF with this EMS project and AAPA with creating an online “Ports Environmental Clearinghouse” to provide the ports of the western hemisphere and the public, information on environmental projects and technologies that can and are being used and implemented at our ports.
Websites for the organizations I work with are below:
www.getf.org
www.aapa-ports.org
article by:
Scott Christian