Christa Cherava
Why was the Master of Forestry attractive to me?
I initially wanted to pursue a career in environmental/natural resource policy. My undergraduate work prepared me for this because I studied the social, political, and economic portions of ecology and natural resources. Although I possessed a diverse background in general science (i.e. chemistry, geology, biology, astronomy, zoology, etc.) I wanted to focus exclusively on natural resource science and management. This graduate program provided me the opportunity to obtain that goal. Also, Dr. Pickens acknowledged my anticipated career path and provided the flexibility by tailoring the program to suit my personal needs as what was perceived as benefiting me the most.
What did I like best about the Master of Forestry?
I loved the structure of the classes the best. I feel that there was an excellent balance of required textbook learning and the application of the studies in the actual setting- the outdoors. The laboratory assignments extensively reinforced the classroom concepts.
How has the Master of Forestry helped me in my career since graduation?
I currently work for an environmental non-profit in the Government Affairs Department where I focus my attention to air quality issues and climate change impacts to national park units. Although my job is not directly related to the graduate program, I feel that it definitely provided me with the analytical and technical skills that are required in an environmental/natural resource career. Just one example (of several) of me recognizing the significance of my forestry education is in my work with climate change on federal lands. It has been recently confirmed that forest fires have increased in magnitude and frequency- direct correlation to changing climatic patterns. Congress is considering the implementation of several different management options to alleviate the damage imposed by these fires on public land. Various mitigation and adaptation strategies for these ecosystems are contemplated and discussed such as proactive vs. reactive approaches to forest management practices. It is essential that someone in my position understand these concepts when producing communication materials for a diverse (politically, professionally, etc.) audience of participants.
What is the Graduate Field Forestry (fall camp) class during the fall of
the second year?
The Graduate Field Forestry Class, otherwise known as “Fall Camp”, was a semester-long commitment comprised of several classes. Based in a remote location away from the MTU campus at the Ford Forestry Center, students are required to live in the cabins/dormitory onsite. The classes are primarily conducted outside from 8 a.m. to at least 5 p.m. every weekday regardless of weather conditions. This does not include the time one needs to allow for report generation and homework completion. The skills and knowledge one obtains here are invaluable (including proper time management!) and the overall experiences will conclude with a designation of an 80-acre tract of land that needs to be thoroughly assessed. Small groups will participate in the collection of all raw data for their tract to determine- tree height, dbh, and species identification; soil type; wildlife presence; vegetative cover-type; etc. Once this is completed, the group must produce- GIS maps with the coordinates collected from a GPS unit and compass; calculations of financial value of land (timber); and a detailed report proposing management options and their time frame, with the various components of the overall assessment divided into chapters. Although exhausting at times, Fall Camp immensely reinforces the laboratory and data collection skills, allows one to apply their former educational background to the content, and encourages academic growth. <top>
Keith Martell
The Masters of Forestry program appealed to me due to the fact that I did not have a bachelors degree in forestry but was sure that I did want to go into private forestry consulting. The program consisted of a core forestry curriculum that prepared me for work in the consulting field in just three semesters. I had looked into masters programs at a number of different schools throughout the country but none had a program specifically designed for students without a forestry bachelors degree. I found all of the professors at MTU to be very helpful from the time that I first started looking into the school through after graduating.<top>
Chris Nieman
Prior to coming to Michigan Tech I was working for a conservation district. I enjoyed working in the field helping landowners manage their property for wildlife and recreation. My knowledge of forestry was limited to two summers of work experience with the U.S. Forest Service and what I had learned from reading field manuals. I was fortunate enough to have several mentors that worked for various agencies to consult with if I had questions regarding forest management practices or agency sponsored assistance programs.
As the future of my employment with the conservation district become uncertain I looked at my employment options. My experiences with working with landowners were positive and the job was fulfilling and I wanted to continue working as a forester. My mentors encouraged me to go back to college to pursue a forestry degree, but I was reluctant. My undergraduate degree provided me with little practical experience and I felt that I was ill prepared for working under real world conditions. I picked up an MTU School of Forestry Flier at a outdoor venue. I decided to make a phone call to learn more about Master of Forestry program. As I talked with the program’s advisor I became interested in the hands-on approach and the emphasis that was placed on practical field skills that were taught in the FERM, the advisor had convinced me and I made the choice to enroll into the program. The Master of Forestry program was everything I expected and more. The field skills learned in the first few weeks where utilized and built upon throughout the program. Skills and knowledge learned in one class was applicable to other classes. The one thing that I did not expect to gain from the program was a group of new friends. The school of forestry is a tight knit community whose members help each other and provide value information about job openings or opportunities for continued learning. I am glad I made the choice to enroll in the Master of Forestry program at Michigan Tech. <top>
Forrest Gibeault
What did I like best about the Master of Forestry?
In my opinion, one of the most attractive components of the Master of Forestry program is the flexibility in the curriculum and professional direction in which you are most interested. This fact allows the student to acquire the specific skills and knowledge that will be most useful in their chosen career path. Although many courses are required to obtain the degree, in my experience the program allows you to sample the diverse array of forestry courses offered at the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences at MTU.<top>
Jeff Breuker
About using the Master of Forestry to complement other natural resources degrees:
The Master of Forestry program was exactly what I was looking for to complement my BS Degree in Wildlife Management and get me ready for a career in consulting forestry.
About the FERM:
Can't get a job without experience? Can't get experience without a job? Learn and work with foresters that have practiced in the public and private sectors and get that experience with the FERM. <top>
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