Professional Days offer practical experience in environmental health and/or safety professions for students, enabling students to make responsible internship and career decisions. Employers provide "hands-on" challenges of these careers outside the classroom by sponsoring a student for a day. Professional Days are held in the fall semester and Exchange Days are held in the spring semester 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
Professional Days
Professional Days for Safety Majors are held during the fall semester. They are usually held during the sixth week of each semester on a Thursday and Friday. Dr. Rod Simmons, Safety Program Director,
, contacts employers and coordinates this activity. Any employers wishing to participate in this program, please feel free to contact Dr. Rod Simmons.
Exchange Days
The Student Section of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Central Illinois Chapter conducts Exchange Days with professionals who are members of the ASSE Central Illinois Chapter. Exchange Days are held in conjunction with March meeting date of the Chapter. For more information, contact an officer of the Student Section of ASSE.
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 the Program Director for any questions, problems, etc.
Role of Program Director
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
