The Program on Climate Change (PCC) Undergraduate Cohort (UCo) is a community driven to connect students to diversified opportunities and networks in climate science. Each year, UCo strives to host a variety of professional development events gauged toward students entering climate-centric careers. The group strives to break down barriers for careers and opportunities in climate and provide resources for personal advancement.

Last year, the leadership team felt the need to refocus on building skills and experiences outside the classroom. The Autumn into Winter Undergraduate Involvement Series drove a point to promote access to opportunities available at UW. We kicked off the frightful application season with an Internship Search Party in mid-November. The undergrads gathered for a short resource presentation and time to work in a dedicated environment to begin to find and apply for internships. This community event was a lighthearted way to begin navigating the rather complex realm of internship application. Students could connect over interests, resources, advice, and, of course, snacks.

In tandem with the Autumn event, we held an Environmental Opportunities for Undergrads resource session in mid-January. This session focused on organizations on campus that host opportunities, events, and resources that help students engage further with their degree interests in new ways. 

The UW Career & Internship Center began presentations with information on student support resources, career events, prep courses, and more, all hosted at UW. The UW Office of Undergraduate Research followed with resources to engage with research on campus and tips on how to find, apply, and get advice for research. Miriam from the Program on Climate Change expanded on climate education with the Climate Science Minor and the Self-direction Undergraduate Climate Education resources. These are great opportunities to gain climate literacy, develop skills, and diversify undergraduate education. Finally, PCC Grad Student Isaac Olson shared about the NOAA Hollings Scholarship Program, which is a substantial 2-year internship program for sophomores.

After the presentations, the event transitioned to a breakout tabling session. We were joined by over 12 environmental-focused UW Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). These RSOs brought energy, resources, and information on their groups and how they provide opportunities to build experiences in leadership, activism, STEM activities, and more. This breakout session also included space for attendees to connect with presenters, ask one-on-one questions, and enjoy refreshments.

Slides and additional resources from this event can be found in this drive folder.

UCo looks forward to gathering at the PCC Winter Welcome on February 26th and for a group UW Greenhouse tour on March 7th. The planning team will be spending the remainder of the winter quarter prepping for spring events and organizing faculty, grad, and researcher coffee chats. If you would like to connect with or join the undergraduate leadership team, please reach out to uwpccuco@uw.edu. Stay up to date with UCo events with the Climate Undergrads Listserve and @uwpccuco on Instagram.

A huge thank you to our speakers and RSO representatives for their quality and energy in their involvement with this event. A special thanks to the UCo undergraduate planning team, Luciana Calle, Elise Herzfeld, Carmen Jimenez, and Lorenzo McCleese for making this event possible. 

Written by Elise Herzfeld, PCC Undergraduate Assistant