Use this section to research career paths, typical job titles, and how to start building skills to get prepared for this industry. Below are a few platforms you can use to explore and learn more about Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences:

• Please consider viewing other industry clusters pages besides Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences as there can be overlap, especially if you are interested in the business aspects or science/research aspects of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.

Use this section to learn about student organizations you can join at UT to learn more about your desired industry, network with professionals and peers with similar interests, and build transferable skills.

  Student Organizations You can view a list of student organizations related to Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences on VolLink or by going to the Student Organization website for the Herbert College of Agriculture. Below are a few examples of some student organizations:

• American Society of American and Biological Engineers
• Crop, Soil, & Environmental Science Club
• Earth and Planetary Sciences Student Association (GeoClub)
• EcoVols
• Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
• Plant Sciences Club
• Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville (SPEAK)
• Society of American Foresters
• UT Alliance for Geographers and Sustainers
• UT Compost Coalition
• Wildlife and Fisheries Society
• Wildlife Disease Club

Research Research is another experience that can be helpful in exploring careers and gaining relevant experience. If you are considering a Masters or PhD, gaining research experience is very important (possibly even critical) for graduate school admissions. Explore the following resources for ideas on how and where to get started.

• UT’s Office of Undergraduate Research
• Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Undergraduate Research
• Department of Geography Research
• Herbert College of Agriculture Undergraduate Research

For specific research opportunities, students are encouraged to reach out to faculty directly by browsing the department websites to learn about research areas and sending a direct email to the faculty member. Students should make sure their email is professional and may want to consider attaching a resume.

There are numerous opportunities to volunteer within the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences industry. We recommend researching organizations of interests and following them on social media or signing up for newsletters to find more volunteer opportunities. Below are a few highlighted resources:

• University of Tennessee Office of Sustainability Volunteer Opportunities
• Beardsley Community Farm
• Keep Knoxville Beautiful 
• Ijams Nature Center
• Tennessee State Parks
• UT Gardens

Professional Organizations can be helpful in exploring more about certain sub-industries within Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, finding job opportunities, and connecting with professionals in your area of interest. Many have their own job search boards along with a way to sign up for job alerts. You can view a list of Professional Organizations associated with your area/major on What Can I Do With This Major. Below are a few examples of some professional organizations:

Check out these sites in addition to our Handshake feed below. Below are a few platforms you can use to research specific job opportunities within Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences:

Graduate School Application Resources Many graduate school resources can be found on our Prepare for Graduate School website, including deciding on graduate school, resumes, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays/personal statements. Graduate School Applications take time and will require roughly 6-9 months of preparation. The key to applying to a graduate program within Natural Resources and Environmental Services will be exploring each school and program’s process for obtaining a faculty mentor. You will likely need to research faculty associated with the program of interests and contact them to inquire about research opportunities and faculty mentorship. Below are some links you may find helpful:  

• Graduate School Admissions Guide
• American Association of Geographers: Guide to Geography Programs
• University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture Master’s Programs
• University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture Doctoral Programs

Current Graduate Student Resources Graduate students at the University of Tennessee have access to all of the resources offered by the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration. Please see the “Make an Appointment with Your Career Coach” section above to explore all your professional development options.