GETTING STUDENTS INVOLVED: REFLECTIONS OF A RECOVERING POLICY INTERN

Becoming involved in the community can be both fun and educational for the geoscience student. Through participation in policy, business, and/or educational activities, geoscience students can enhance their own skills and also help promote the inclusion of geoscience perspectives in decision-making. However, as I've learned through my own experiences in community involvement, stepping out of the academic world can be frustrating for a young scientist. To be effective in serving the community, students must prepare themselves for the challenge in several ways. First, students must become familiar with the language and the norms of the outside community. Communication ability is crucial to successful interaction. Second, students must be proactive in finding opportunities for involvement. For those interested in public affairs, policy internship programs sponsored by geoscience societies are a great opportunity. Finally, students must fight the inertia that discourages time spent away from research. Participation in community activities develops important abilities while simultaneously helping expand the influence of the geoscience profession.