Working Toward Sustainability beyond Smith: Are Students Ready?

This project sought to evaluate the Environmental Science and Policy (ES&P) program and the Career Development Office (CDO) for their encouragement and preparation of Smith College students for environmental careers after graduation. Two areas of the project’s focus were the ES&P curriculum and the career development services by both the ES&P program and CDO. The data were collected through a combination of personal correspondence, alumnae databases, student surveys, and archival research. The study found that more Smith College students majoring in natural science pursue environmental careers after graduation than those majoring in social science or humanities. They also feel more encouraged and prepared by Smith College, particularly certain individuals and the ES&P program, to enter the environmental field. The study also found that the majority of seniors responding to the surveys want a more applied ES&P curriculum. Results from the study indicate that the ES&P program can strengthen the curriculum of the minor to be more applied for natural science, social science, and humanities majors. The CDO can also help alleviate the burden of the ES&P program and improve its image by disseminating information about internship and employment opportunities to students. The project is within the context of preparing students to contribute to sustainability in the workforce beyond Smith College