Spring 2011 Courses to Ease Stress for Science Students

College students have a lot on their plates - juggling classes, activities, and a job search are not easy tasks. But here’s some good news. Science students scheduling for Spring 2011 have two class options to help them to prepare for their future careers - SC 101 and SC 497C. Job Search Skills and Strategies for Technical Majors, cross-listed as AG 100 and SC 101, guides students who are beginning the internship and job-search process. It’s most appropriate for juniors and seniors, since it addresses the transition from school to the workplace.

It is taught in a discussion/lecture format, but it includes plenty of time for student practice. Assignments range from reflective writing, composing application materials, and networking and planning activities to participating in a mock interview and developing a job-search plan.

Students will master the process of hunting for a job or an internship through learning about various search implementation strategies. Students interested in applying to graduate school can tailor their assignments to fit the graduate programs to which they are currently applying. The skills learned in this one-credit course will be valuable throughout a person’s entire life. 

SC 101 is offered for the spring 2011 semester on Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Space is limited, but additional sections may be added to accommodate demand, if necessary.

While SC 101 is a great course for learning practical job-search skills, SC 497C, Corporate Organizations, Opportunities, & Expectations, is designed to provide advanced level undergraduate and graduate science students with the information and skills necessary for them to succeed in science-related positions in industry. This one-credit seminar course is taught by Dr. Ann Marie Daniel, and provides students with the opportunity to network with science professionals each week, including a required one-on-one meeting with one of the course’s guest speakers.

“The invaluable knowledge comes from our accomplished PSU alumni, faculty, and friends. We are most fortunate to have these devoted, friendly guest lecturers. Upon seeing them interact with the SC 497C students, it is very clear that our guest speakers truly care about the students and want them to succeed,” Daniel said. According to Biology major Nivla Hamilton, “SC 497C is a must-take course. This seminar goes beyond the textbook and into the next world by bringing in professionals with tips about scientific employment. It is also a great way to network!”

Many students know they love science but are unaware of their endless career options. This can sometimes lead to entering a specific career path without knowing about other possibilities. With SC 497C, students learn there’s no need to settle for less than what they really want.

Above all, the class provides overall value. It allows students to delve into the real world and see the broad spectrum of opportunities for today’s science graduates. Seeing real-world examples on a weekly basis is a huge confidence-booster.

“This class has really helped me figure out what I want to do with my life after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Biology,” senior Meagan Maloney said. “I am not afraid to reach out and ask questions to people in possible career choices anymore and going out into the ‘real world’ doesn’t seem as big of a deal anymore because I feel much more prepared after hearing the many speakers that we did. We learned many things that ranged from the beginning years in a scientific company, to what to put on job applications, to what to do and not do while on the job and how to handle certain scenarios.”

SC 497C is offered for the spring 2011 semester on Wednesdays from 1:25 to 2:15 p.m.

SC 101 and 497C are tremendous in-class opportunities to learn about and to prepare for science careers, but the College also offers a range of out-of-class options for science students to map out their futures. The Eberly College of Science Alumni Board will be hosting their annual Careers in Science event on Saturday, October 2, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Life Sciences Gateway. Science students can interact with science alumni who have pursued various career paths and learn more about different options available to them with a science degree. The event also includes panel discussions on careers in industry, government, and health care fields.

The Science Career & International Education Office provides a range of career-related program options for science students, from one-day job shadowing to six-month co-op assignments, and everything in between. For more information about the program options, visit scienceengagement.psu.edu.

It’s no doubt having a Penn State degree in science already sets you ahead of the rest after graduation, but these two courses will help science students to be even better prepared to stand out from the fierce competition in graduate school and the workforce.