2020 Joint Section Meeting

Looking for Student Volunteers

Earn free meeting registration when you volunteer to work at the meeting for 8 hours, plus get an insider’s view of the meeting.

How to Sign Up:

  1. Sign up as a student volunteer on SignUp Genius.
    • Enter your email address. (You can access the site as a guest. You are not required to register an account.)
    • Choose your spots. Make sure your shifts equal at least 8 hours. SignUp Genius will send you an automated confirmation and reminders.
  2. Contact Wilma B. Aleman to confirm your hours and to receive the free registration code.
  3. Register for the meeting (click the "I am a Student Volunteer" button).

Opportunities for Students and Early Career Professionals

Roy J. Shlemon Mentors Program in Applied Geoscience
Fri., 20 March, noon–1:30 p.m., Ballroom E.

GSA student members will have the opportunity to discuss career prospects and challenges with applied geoscientists from various sectors over a FREE lunch. GSA student members will receive priority; any remaining space will be offered to student nonmembers on a first come, first served basis.

 

John Mann Mentors Program in Applied Hydrogeology
Sat., 21 March, noon–1:30 p.m., Ballroom E.

GSA student members interested in applied hydrogeology or hydrology as a career will have the opportunity to network with professionals in these fields over a FREE lunch. GSA student members will receive priority; any remaining space will be offered to student non-members on a first come, first served basis.

 

Mentoring Café
Fri.–Sat., 20–21 March, 1:30–5:30 p.m. Grand Ballroom G.
Mentoring and résumé review on a first-come, first-served basis. Show up early to secure your 30-minute consultation. If you need résumé assistance, please bring a copy of your résumé with you.

Mentoring Roundtables
Fri., 20 March, 4:00–5:30 p.m. Grand Ballroom G.
Numerous mentors will be available to answer your questions, offer advice about career plans, and comment on job opportunities in their fields.

Mentoring Panel
Sat., 21 March, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Grand Ballroom G.
Panelists will be geologists working in positions you may not have considered for employment. They will discuss their jobs and offer advice.

Career Workshop Series

Geoscience Career Workshop Part 1: Career Planning and Networking.
Fri., 20 March, 9–10 a.m., Grand Ballroom G.

Your job-hunting process should begin with career planning, not when you apply for jobs. This workshop will help you begin this process and will help you to practice your networking skills. This section is highly recommended for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. The earlier you start your career planning the better.

 

Geoscience Career Workshop Part 2: Geoscience Career Exploration.
Fri., 20 March, 10–11 a.m., Grand Ballroom G.

What do geologists in various sectors earn? What do they do? What are the pros and cons to working in academia, government, and industry? Workshop presenters and professionals in the field will address these issues.

 

Geoscience Career Workshop Part 3: Cover Letters, Résumés and CVs.
Sat., 21 March, 9–10 a.m., Grand Ballroom G.

How do you prepare a cover letter? Does your résumé need a good edit? Whether you are currently on the job market or not, learn how to prepare the best résumé possible. You will review numerous examples to help you learn important résumé do’s and don’ts.

 

Learn more about mentors and career workshops, or contact Jennifer Nocerino at jnocerino@geosociety.org.

Student Travel Grants

Application deadline: 18 February
Students who are GSA members and who register for the meeting are eligible to apply for student travel grants from their respective sections. Not a member? Join now.

Northeastern Section

Apply

More information.

Southeastern Section

Apply

More information.

Travel Awards for Non-Traditional Students

Applications will be accepted through 5 February to attend the Joint Section Meeting. Students nationwide who work full-time, care for dependents, or are considered non-traditional are eligible to apply for a travel award. Send questions to Tahlia Bear, Diversity and Career Officer, tbear@geosociety.org.

Get application details and see a sample budget sheet and tips

Apply

Professionals

If you like to share your interest, enthusiasm, and experience in applied geology, consider being a GSA mentor at the joint meeting. Being a mentor is a rewarding experience. To learn more, contact Jennifer Nocerino at jnocerino@geosociety.org.

This meeting also offers an excellent opportunity to earn CEUs toward your continuing education requirements for your employer, K–12 school, or professional registration. The CEU certificate can be downloaded from the meeting website after the meeting.

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Deadlines

Abstracts Due:
10 December

Early Registration Ends:
18 February

Hotel Deadline:
26 February