Reporting on Environmental Practicums
Doing a practicum in the environmental studies field is a great way to gain additional credits while obtaining internship experience. This guide will provide suggestions for brainstorming a topic, writing the proposal, and writing the practicum, as well as some sample papers for each and a guide to finding environmental jobs/internship positions where you might carry out your practicum.
Remember that the Writing Center is a great place to come during any step of your writing (from brainstorming to making a final draft) if you have questions or want some feedback!
Brainstorming a Topic
- Make a list of your environmental interests and talents (farming, local food, environmental art, ecological design?).
- Visit the Bittersweet to meet with an advisor or check out the bulletin boards for job and internship listings.
- Don’t be afraid to contact a company you would like to intern for with a cover letter and resume.
- Check out environmental volunteer opportunities (WWOOF- Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or various conservation projects).
Writing the Proposal
- The guidelines provide very specific questions to answer in the proposal and a clear planning process; be sure to follow instructions very carefully.
- Leave some time to plan and write the proposal, as it is quite specific and requires thought.
- Be clear and specific about learning expectations, and how you will be graded upon completion.
- Choose an advisor based on their interests and specialties.
- Provide a preliminary draft to discuss with your advisor before the deadline.
Writing the Final Paper
- Review your proposal, and reflect upon how well you met your learning objectives.
- The final paper should essentially discuss how well you achieved your learning objectives and goals, and how you have changed over the course of the practicum.
- Be specific and provide examples portraying what you learned.
- Be honest.
- Keep your audience in mind. This should be a formal piece geared to your advisors, ENVS faculty, students and even potential employers.