Science & Outdoors
UW-SP SAF attends national convention in Reno, Nevada
The Pointer
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The Society of American Foresters attended their national convention in Reno, Nev. Nov. 5-8. The convention is intended for students interested in forestry and included presentations, a job fair and the chance to meet and greet with forestry professionals.
“It’s a really good opportunity for students in that it’s a really good chance to network with professionals. You get a chance to talk with people you don’t normally get to talk with, and you meet new people,” said Amanda Bradshaw, vice president of SAF at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Students could apply and interview for jobs nation-wide at this event. They could also talk to forestry professionals and find out what jobs are right for them.
“We had one guy who had a couple of interviews; he ended up taking a position out in Idaho, so if he hadn’t gone to this convention he wouldn’t have been able to apply to the job, had the interview, and may not have been offered the job,” said Bradshaw
The UW-SP student chapter of SAF also received the second place award for Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year. The award is based on service to SAF, school and community. A plaque was presented to the group and a second to UW-SP’s SAF advisor, Dr. Paul Doruska.
“We thought it was very exciting,” said Bradshaw. “That goes off how involved we are, what we do as an organization, how many members there are and other things, so it was very exciting to receive that award.”
Participants of the trip were also educated on current issues and research being conducted at other campuses. Those who are not looking to pursue a career in this particular field could also be influenced by these studies.
“Non-forestry students have the chance to see things such as the technology and tools used in forestry; engineering students might find this particularly interesting,” said Kenneth Price, president of the SAF at UW-SP. “Many of the companies with displays are not just forestry companies, and many of the people that work for them are in fields indirectly related to forestry. So a non-forestry student would have a great opportunity to network with these people.”
SAF also finished second for the third consecutive year in a 32-school forestry quiz bowl during the convention. They defeated UW-Madison along the way in a head-to-head match to propel their accomplishment in the quiz bowl.
This event hosts campuses from all over the United States, and even some schools from Africa.
“It is a great place to consider and hear about issues from many perspectives,” said Dr. Paul Doruska, “some of which are quite different from what they might hear by staying just in the region in which they live.”
Doruska understands the importance of networking and notes that it is essential and key for anybody’s success in their line of work.
“Students have the best opportunity they will ever have during their studies to network with professionals from around the country,” said Doruska, “even interview for and receive offers for summer employment throughout the country. Students can draw on this network the rest of their lives.”
The concentration of the convention was forestry’s climate of change. This is a global issue that SAF understands shouldn’t be underestimated.
“[Students] should learn about forestry, especially now in our climate, where things are changing, the economy is becoming different and global climate change is a factor. This stuff is really important to keep abreast of,” said Bradshaw. “Because if you stay stagnant in your field, obviously you won’t grow and you may not have a profession anymore.”
If any student would like to get involved with SAF on campus, it is more than just going to a conference annually. Activities such as work in the community, planting trees, service projects and garbage clean-ups are other things that are done in the organization.
“One thing I would like to drive home is the importance of supporting the forestry profession and working to promote sustainable forestry around the world,” said Price. “Without proper management of our forests, no amount of technology is going to be able to save our environment.”
For more information on SAF at UW-SP, contact Kenneth Price at kpric846@uwsp.edu.
