As an undergraduate student, finding a career and professional place in society is an important goal to have. There are many different paths and steps to take on this journey, and there are equally many ways to be guided by the experience provided by others. There are many professional societies and organizations that aspiring students can join to begin to integrate into the botanical community. A decisive path for students is to engage in undergraduate research and internships, directly involving themselves into active Botany and Plant Pathology workings. It is important to begin involvement in this options early, as they will help aspiring undergraduates place the building blocks that will help their future bloom into a bright career.
Experiential Learning
Learning through direct experience is a requirement for Botany Major undergraduate students, as nothing matches actively engaging with the things that have been learned. There are several ways to earn this requirement:
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Internships
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Research
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Study Abroad
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Student Teaching
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Service Learning/ Community Engagement
Experiential learning is equivalent to 2 credits, there are credit or non-credit options, prior advisor approval is required, and is a minimum of 60 hours of work/observation.
Botanical Professional Societies
It's never early enough to start joining professional botanical or mycological societies. They are a great way to bridge connections to others in the field in addition to staying current with new studies and research. Get started early, many of these organizations have reduced rates for students!
- American Society of Plant Biologists
- Botanical Society of America
- American Phytopathological Society
- The Ecological Society of America
- American Bryological and Lichenological Society
- American Society of Naturalists
- American Society of Plant Taxonomists
- American Fern Society
- Mycological Society of America
- Crop Science Society of America
- Society for Ecological Restoration
- American Botanical Council
- Native Plant Society of Oregon
- Phycological Society of America
- American Society of Botanical Artists
- The Garden Club of America
CAS Undergraduate Professional Development Award - This award is for CAS undergraduate students who need financial assistance to attend a professional conference or travel for a field trip associated with a CAS course. Students can receive up to $250 and need the support of an advisor or course instructor. The application opens on the Monday of Week 1 and closes on the Friday of Week 3 (5pm PST) every term except for summer.