Thoughts from Natural Resources Alumni and Future Employers About Writing!!!!

Conclusions from recent surveys of SNR alumni and employer include:

1. Communicating effectively through writing is highly valued.
2. The ability to write is an important skill to employers.
3. Skills need to be developed in the context for whom you will writing. For example:
   • Reports for government agencies
   • Informational pieces for non-technical audiences
   • Writing for scientific audiences.
4. SNR students need to develop the ability to write for different audiences.

Employers want new employees to have the ability to write as indicated by their unedited responses to the following questions:

“When looking at applicants for entry level jobs, what skills and abilities do you find lacking?”

• Effective writing, lack of a work ethic, job commitment.
• Writing communications.  Active rather than passive writing.  Limit use of academic and unnecessary scientific jargon.  Example:  use clay rather than arqillaceous.
• They can't communicate verbally or in writing (grammar and spelling).  They want to use email way too much!!
• Writing, speaking, and social skills
• Computer (advanced skills), analytical abilities-process data, writing skills
• 1 Plant ID 2 GIS 3 Resume/Interviewing 4 Basic letter writing 5 Game and nongame species habitat management 6 ability to operate machinery (tractors, manual transmissions, etc) 7 knowledge of the Farm Bill and other conservation programs 8 Plant ID
• The ability to write proficiently with minimal review and revision.
• Writing skills, especially technical writing.  Understanding of regulatory permitting process, such as clean Water Act Section 404 and 401 permit applications.
• Writing skills seem to be lacking.  Knowledge of local/regional natural resource issues.  Knowledge of environmental/outdoor education skills and principles
• Writing/communication skills, basic geology classes, ground water or hydrogeology skills
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
• Writing skills
• Good writing skills. Training in field geology methods and techniques including geologic mapping

“What other skills and abilities should graduates of the School of Natural Resources have?”

• Good writing and oral presentation skills
• To be able to better communicate and understand our users.
• Spelling, grammar, talk with a good vocabulary.  Dress appropriately.
• Aquifer pump test, advanced computer skills, computer programming, surveying, strong written and oral skills.
• Basic field skills, manual transmissions, ability to orient and travel with map, compass, GPS unit. Basic understanding of people skills, different communication styles, etc.
• Writing and communication skills are very important.  Understanding of regulatory issues and laws.
• Strong communication skills.  An understanding of local/regional natural resource issues.
• Strong writing skills-especially technical/scientific writing.
• Broad curriculum, hands-on technical experience with apparatus and procedures for their field, whether GIS, GC-MS, data evaluation, technical report writing, data analysis, field work experience.
• Excellent communication skills written & oral.
• Time management, writing ability and oral communication.
• I'd like to further emphasize the importance of good communication skills.