Page 12 - gt1503-04
P. 12
How to Successfully Each of these programs offers a unique experience, and GSA
encourages you to apply to and participate in as many programs
Apply to GSA Education as you’d like. The following are some general tips to help you
with the online application processes:
& Outreach Programs
1. Before applying, carefully read through the program’s
GSA offers many programs and opportunities for students and eligibility requirements to see if you are a good fit.
recent graduates to gain important geoscience research and career Applications are screened, and only those that meet the eligi-
experiences. By participating in GSA’s Education & Outreach bility guidelines are forwarded to the selection committee.
(E&O) programs (listed below), you can acquire the skills,
networks, and research opportunities that will prepare you for a 2. Apply early! Your application will take some time because
successful career in the geosciences. you will need to request recommendation letter(s). Aim to
complete your application at least two weeks before the
The following E&O programs are competitive and require an deadline to avoid last-minute complications. Of course, all
online application that includes a cover letter or answers to appli- applications completed before the deadline are given equal
cation questions along with grades and one or two letters of consideration regardless of when they are received.
recommendation.
• GeoCorpsTM America offers paid, short-term volunteer geosci- 3. You will be required to obtain one or two letters of recom-
mendation. This is done through the online application
ence positions in public lands throughout the United States. system. Consider who might be a good fit to write a positive
• Mosaics in Science offers paid, short-term volunteer STEM recommendation for you. Once you decide whom to ask, tell
him or her a bit about the opportunity and the deadline.
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) positions Allow the person sufficient time to compose and submit the
at National Park Service sites. letter. It may be necessary to send a reminder as the deadline
• The GSA/ExxonMobil Bighorn Basin Field Award is a one- approaches. Even if you complete all other fields in the online
week, all-expenses-paid field seminar in the Bighorn Basin of application, your submission is not considered complete until
north-central Wyoming, USA, emphasizing multidisciplinary your recommendation is received.
integrated basin analysis for undergraduate students, graduate
students, and faculty. 4. Be prepared to answer a question about how you can add to the
• The GSA/ExxonMobil Field Camp Scholars Program provides diversity of the program.
twenty undergraduate students with US$2,000 each to attend
the field camp of their choice based on diversity, economic/ 5. If it has been five years or fewer since you last completed a
financial need, and merit. degree, have a copy of your transcript(s) handy, because you
• On To the Future provides partial travel assistance to diverse will need to enter your relevant courses and grades into the
students who are underrepresented in the geosciences to attend online application. If you are chosen as an awardee, you may
their first GSA Annual Meeting. need to provide original transcripts to verify the information
you submitted.
Please visit the GSA Education & Outreach department’s
application home page, https://rock.geosociety.org/eo/ 6. Thoroughly review your application for errors before you
index.asp (or use the QR code below), for details about all submit it and consider it complete. Make sure that you have
of these programs, including deadlines. Some programs are completed every required field, check for correct spelling,
currently accepting applications, so GSA encourages you to and verify e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Read
get started on an application now. through your cover letter(s) to make sure all your text was
saved. Each part of the application, including the cover letter,
GSA TODAY | MARCH/APRIL 2015 has a character limit that you should note before composing
your responses.
7. After your application is submitted, review the program’s
Web page for the timeline of what comes next. You do not
need to follow up with GSA; if you are selected for an interview,
position, award, etc., GSA will contact you directly by e-mail to
make the offer.
8. Be persistent! If you are not offered an award the first time
you apply, GSA encourages you to apply again. GSA’s E&O
programs are very competitive, and many awardees are selected
after applying two or more times, so don’t give up!
9. Contact the designated program officer listed on the
following page if you have questions or encounter a problem
with your application. Conversely, if you won’t be able to
participate in the program or you decide not to participate,
please contact the program officer immediately. GSA may be
able to offer your spot to someone else.
12
