Grad School, More and more appealing

I had my first real interview last Wednesday with an environmental consulting firm called ICF International. And although I did like the company, something about walking around all day in a suit, using words such as "management skills" and "professional development" really got to me. I mean, I am not sure that I am ready to enter that world....what if I never come out?!? This weird feeling got me thinking about graduate school, and I realized that I haven't really done a blog on environmental graduate schools in a while. But, truth is, in this field you will almost certainly get paid more if you have a masters degree. In fact, most of the upper-level entry positions that I have looked at require one.




One of my own personal favorites is the Yale School of Forestry. And even if you are not thinking of applying there, they have a a good website on possible environmental careers. Check that out at:

http://environment.yale.edu/1939/favorite_cdo_job_&_internship_sites/


Here are the Masters programs that Yale offers:
Master of Environmental Management
Master of Forestry
Master of Forest Science
Master of Environmental Science

The Masters program that appeals the most to me is Master of Environmental Management - the most policy oriented one. It prepares for careers as wide ranging as environmental management (duh), consulting and policy analysis.

So How Do I Get In?

The most important thing to know is that the online application deadline is January 7th. This means that if you are considering applying, you can plan in advance. Here is what you need to send in by January 7th.

1. A completed application form.
2. A resume or curriculum vitae.
3. A personal statement discussing career plans and the reasons for applying to
F&ES (600-word maximum).
4. One official transcript or mark sheet from each college and/or university attended. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by official/certified English translations. A certified translation of the diploma certificate must also be provided if the transcript does not include the date of graduation and the type of degree awarded.
5. Three letters of reference (academic and/or professional). The submission of the recommendation form and a one (1) page letter is expected.
6. An official GRE, GMAT, or LSAT score report (copies will not be accepted).
7. An official TOEFL or IELTS score report if English is not a native or customary language of instruction (copies will not be accepted).
8. The application fee ($70 online, $90 paper).

The only fly in the ointment is the GRE test, which you can expect to be required at most graduate schools. Luckily scheduling an appointment for the GREs is not the same as scheduling one for the SATs - there are a number of test dates which work. But if you are thinking of applying for graduate school, the first thing you should do now (if you haven't already done so) is take the GREs. However, keep in mind that many graduate schools do not like to see a GRE score that is more than 2-3 years old. They technically are good for 5 years. I am not as familiar with LSAT or GMAT scores.



Anyways, I have to go get some work done. But stay tuned for info on more environmental graduate schools.