When I came to VLS last year, my goal was to finish the MSEL degree in one year and pursue a career in land conservation.  Well, I’ve accomplished the first goal and almost given up on the second goal.  I received rejection letters from both the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and the Conservation Resource Alliance.  The rejection from the Conservancy seems par for the course.  But, I was really surprized that I didn’t even get a second interview from CRA. The job at CRA was three parts program management and one part landowner outreach, which I have lots of experience with, especially in Northern Michigan.  So, I was shocked not to get a call back.  I must say that the whole job search experience has been a disappointment.  I strongly believe that one cannot break into the land conservation field, even with the MSEL degree, unless they have 3-5 years of experience.  In fact, I think that land conservation may be one of the few fields where an advanced degree, like the MSEL, makes little difference. There are just too many people with experience in conservation easements and stewardship activities looking for jobs.  I cannot distinguish myself from the crowd, even with the MSEL degree. So, I’m very frustrated and I wonder if applying for more land conservation jobs is a waste of my time.  Obviously, I’m down on myself right now.  When I left the Senate, it never occured to me that I might not be able to find a job right away.  I’ve always been sucessful at finding rewarding work quickly. But, not this time. 

Since I can’t get interviews in land conservation, I’ve focused all my attention on carbon sequestration.  I’ve registered for the global cap-and-trade conference in D.C.  Hopefully, I’ll be an employee of the Delta Institute when I arrive.   But if not, I couldn’t think of a better place to network with individuals.  So, I’m excited about the conference. 

I still don’t have all my grades from summer term.  I’m waiting on my grade for National Energy Policy from Prof. Dworkin.  I’m amazed that this grade is still out, considering that the class was in term 3 and ended in July! 

Otherwise, I’ve been working around the house.  I decided to replace some rotted boards on my front porch. Of course, (like most home improvement projects in 80 year old homes), this project has become more complicated than I first imagined.  In addition to replacing boards, I also have to replace several rotted joists.  Thankfully, the job doesn’t appear to be too difficult.  It’s just time consuming and means that my porch will not be ready for my parents arrival this weekend.  Oh well.  Just another day in an old house. 

Have a safe and enjoyable labor day weekend…

tp