The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies hosted its annual year-end reception for participants of the Practicum in Geography, Geomatics and Environmental Studies on Friday, April 1, 2011, in the 2nd Floor Loeb Lounge.
The annual event celebrates the contributions of both participating students and the 60 public and private sector sponsors to the practicum.
The program provides fourth-year honours students with an opportunity to apply their geographical and environmental knowledge and skills in government agencies, industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and schools. Their knowledge and skills encompass a diverse offering in geography, including geomatics, cartography, remote sensing, social geography, urban studies, economic geography, physical geography and environmental management, geotechnical science, historical geography, rural and resource development, and cultural and political geography.
Through their practicum experience, students apply their problem-solving skills, develop or research new processes, analyze data, or provide a new perspective in a real working environment. A few examples of student contributions include mapping for government departments, teaching geography at local schools, delving into food security issues at a not-for-profit.
“Over the years, many practicum placements have resulted in full time job opportunities due to the networking possibilities afforded during the practicum, and many students are placed with our graduates currently working in the field,” said Steve Prashker, practicum coordinator.
Prashker, Mike Pisaric, geography undergraduate supervisor, and the Dean of FASS, John Osborne, presided over the event.