Checklist for degree requirements

Complete general education courses

Compete prerequisite courses

Complete major courses

Participate in Professional Days

Complete Professional Practice (internship)

Checklist for graduation

Register with Career Center

Complete the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) examination

Join the Illinois State Alumni Association

Professional Days

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. , Coordinator, contacts employers and coordinates this activity.  Any employers wishing to participate in this program, please feel free to contact Tom Fuller.

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