While I'm still funemployed, it's time for me to start exercising my climate knowledge as well all the the science that got me excited during my most recent adventures in "way too much school in far too little time". (For those who don't know me or haven't read my my profile: in between 2012 and 2019, I amassed four degrees (Associate, two BSci and a Master of Natural Resources) as well as three undergraduate minors (Fisheries and Wildlife Mgmt., Rangeland Science, and Aquatic and Riparian Mgmt.) and a graduate certificates in Water Conflict Mgmt. I did all of these things while working more than full time, completing three internships (with rave reviews and high accolades), introducing my little boy into the world in 2014, wrapping up operations at my organically-managed CSA farm, moving five times across three states, AND carrying a 3.92 or higher across the entirety of this long, strange trip I completed as I near midlife.)
I have zero problem tooting my own horn regarding my scholastic achievements, or my GPA. I will state unequivocally that my level and depth/breadth of knowledge are unparalled in the realm of food and beverage, organic management, riparian and aquatic sciences, lotic and lentic waters (especially of the Pacific Northwest/Western Cascades and Olympics) as well as the biological, chemical, physical, ecological, social, and anthropological aspects of he entirety of the Salish Sea Basin.
With that said, let's have a moment to ponder and discuss what it means to be a subject-matter expert (SME).
Now, there is urban legend amongst some of the more, shall we say, "conspiracy minded" members of my peer group/retinue-in-waiting. this urban legend states that to be an SME, all one has to do is read for seven years on the topic in question. Now we're not talking reading John Grisham to become an expert in law, or simply checking some library books out and casually poring over them whilst working on your tan.
Nay. What I am suggesting is a program of reading that follows logical order, highlights differing opinions on the major topics which are poignant today, not 25 years ago. It means being verbally and in written format, capable of not just defending your position but positing new ideas of your own, and explaining how they fit into the historical, sociological, anthropological, and topical contexts into which YOU step into and currently reside.
If you couldn't tell, I augmented and put some meat onto that bandy-legged, bare boned skeleton of a proposition of "seven years. read a bunch." I believe there is merit, and this is one way for folks to get their own education and path into and through the subject of their choice. Yet, isn't this what we end up doing when we sign on for and complete a Bachelor's program, then a Master's? Is that not what an American PhD student is?
stay tuned for the continuation of this post where I explore dropping college enrollment numbers and what that means for us degreed folks.
Managing Director at Gearup
11moI have forward to many of my contact in case they call pls update me thanks