Professional days are held once during the fall and spring semesters. They are usually held during the sixth week of each semester on a Wednesday and Thursday. Tom Bierma, Professional Days Coordinator,
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contacts employers and coordinates this activity. Any employers wishing to participate in this program, please feel free to contact Tom Bierma.
Professional Days offer practical experience in various environmental health and/or safety professions for students. This practical experience enables students to make responsible internship and career decisions for their futures. Employers provide the "hands-on" challenges of these careers outside the classroom by sponsoring a student for a day. Professional Days are held in the fall and spring semesters and can range from a half to a full day (full day is preferred) in length. The opportunity allows students to:
Observe the daily challenges and decision making of professionals
Analyze the differences and similarities in various industries and organizations
Interact on an individual basis with environmental health and/or safety professionals
Select a career path of study for a profession that inspires them
Network with professionals
Role of Employer (Sponsor)
A more valuable experience for the student is one in which the student is allowed to "shadow" the employer during a daily routine. The employer can share information on the individual tasks, the profession, the industry, etc. during the course of a day. This is a much better experience than "lecturing" a student on the profession in a conference room or office for the day. Some suggestions for a worthwhile visit may include:
Sharing knowledge and expertise gained through the work experience
Discussing the products/services the company manufactures or provides
Showing the range of responsibilities a professional may have
Demonstrating job activities, procedures, problems and solutions
Sharing the various skills required in the profession
Allowing the student to assist with sampling, inspecting, note taking, etc. where practical
Having the student sit in on a meeting
Introducing the student to staff members, workers, management
Role of Student
Review the list of employers (sponsors) for each semester
Determine which type of industry/organization they would like to visit each semester
Select an employer in that industry/organization available that semester
Contact employer (sponsor) and make all necessary arrangements for the visit
Contact Professional Practice Coordinator for any questions, problems, etc.
Role of Professional Practice Coordinator
Maintain an employer database
Contact employers concerning future Professional Days
Provide a list of interested employers (sponsors) to students for each semester
Assist students in their efforts to contact and set up Professional Days visits
