TRAIN Mixer

 Oops! I didn't take any pictures. 

I talked to two transfer students that I didn't already know. Their major anxieties were similar to mine when I was in their position. Some of the degrees are very broad and have different track focuses. It can be intimidating trying to chose which focus you want and what degree to commit to. No one told me until I was two semesters in at ASU, that you can mix track focus electives and don't actually have to pick a track. I take most of my classes from the conservation biology track in environmental science, but have included electives from other tracks like science communications, ecosystem/global change, and business/leadership. There are some benefits to mixing electives. It gives you an idea of areas you like or don't like. It also diversifies you from other students in your major. Many agencies and employers want well-rounded employess that have leadership knowledege and commmunication skills, so it doesn't hurt to have those classes on your transcript. 

My biggest helpful hint is apply for admission as soon as you know when you are going to transfer so that you can meet with an ASU West advisor. They know a lot more about New College classes and degree requirements than the advisors at your trasnferring institution. Also, I can't speak for the other degree programs, but if you are in environmental science, Dr. Ball is the lead of ENV Science bachelors of science at West. She is an amazing support and really knowledgable about classes, capstones, and labs to work in. If you reach out to her, she is very happy to help students. She also sends out a newsletter about what classes are only offered in fall and what classes are only offered in spring. Check your email for it and plan accordingly. 

Lastly, I would say look for summer internships or REUs. An REU is research experience for undergraduates. They are ALL over the country and even other countries like Africa. Most of them pay for your travel expenses and flights. Many of them offer housing/boarding. You also get paid a stipend for food and living expenses. Some pay alot and some pay less. They are so much fun. You meet lots of amazing people and friends, and also establish valuable connections. Most importantly, you get research experience and skills to add to your resume. A list of some can be found here:

https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp

Also, agencies like Arizona Department of Game and Fish and US Forest Service offer summer internships or seasonal summer jobs that are SO much fun. The consesrvation center at Phoenix Zoo oftern has summer jobs or interships. I spent a lot of summers taking classes, but I highly suggest using them to explore career opportunties and have fun.