Examining the Professional Development Experiences and Non-Technical Skills Desired for Geoscience Employment

Abstract:

Professional development experiences, such as internships, research presentations and professional network building, are becoming increasingly important to enhance students’ employability post-graduation. The practical, non-technical skills that are important for succeeding during these professional development experiences, such as public speaking, project management, ethical practices and writing, transition well and are imperative to the workplace. Thereby, graduates who have honed these skills are more competitive candidates for geoscience employment. Fortunately, the geoscience community recognizes the importance of these professional development opportunities and the skills required to successfully complete them, and are giving students the chance to practice non-technical skills while they are still enrolled in academic programs.

The American Geosciences Institute has collected data regarding students’ professional development experiences, including the preparation they receive in the corresponding non-technical skills. This talk will discuss the findings of two of AGI’s survey efforts – the Geoscience Student Exit Survey and the Geoscience Careers Master’s Preparation Survey (NSF: 1202707). Specifically, data highlighting the role played by internships, career opportunities and the complimentary non-technical skills will be discussed. As a practical guide, events informed by this research, such as AGI’s professional development opportunities, networking luncheons and internships, will also be included.