Boise State’s School of the Environment boasts a diverse curriculum across the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities that teaches students the theory they need to graduate into impactful conservation jobs. A new program is working to bridge the gap between classroom skills and actual conservation careers.
The Professional Mentoring Initiative in the School of the Environment pairs Boise State students with local conservation professionals. Students learn about the day-to-day experience in the fields they will enter and mentors are eager to give back to the community and help prepare the next generation.
Mentors like Alyssa Uhl from Boise Parks and Recreation can choose their own level of engagement, based on their interest and availability. Working with a student starts with a few meetings over coffee to talk about career paths and professional experiences. The most engaged mentors may take students out into the field for a day as a job shadow or find opportunities to involve mentees in real-world research projects.
“It has been my pleasure to participate in the SoE mentorship program and become connected with such an intelligent and passionate young professional,” Uhl said, “as well as a network of individuals invested in making our world a better place.”
The Professional Mentoring Initiative helps students explore career options and build their professional networks, setting them up for professional success after graduation.
“Working with Alyssa was an incredibly rewarding experience that provided me with valuable guidance and insight,” said McKenna Schmitt, a Master of Environmental Management student and Uhl’s mentee. “I’m grateful for the strong connection we built and look forward to fostering our relationship beyond the program as we continue to grow both personally and professionally.”
The Professional Mentoring Initiative will soon enter its second year with an expanded pool of interested mentors and students.