MPA-MSES Alumni Spotlight: Meghan Ploch, Regional Director @ Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Alum: Meghan Ploch

Organization: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)

Current Position: Regional Director, Office of External Affairs

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Alma Maters: Indiana University, BS (2012) / Indiana University, MPA-MSES (2014)

Can you share a little bit about yourself …

By Elizabeth Gawron
Elizabeth Gawron Assistant Director of Career Services
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O’Neill Student Spotlight: Emily Williams

Name of student: Emily Williams

Hometown: Zionsville, IN

Program: Master of Arts in Arts Administration

Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

Can you tell our students a little bit about yourself?

In the fall I will be a second year MAAA student …

By Juliette Kniola
Juliette Kniola Assistant Director of Career Services
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Young college women graduates don’t negotiate – is that true?

Business team having a meeting in an office. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

In the business environment, having the ability to negotiate efficiently is vital. If you want to succeed and help your company thrive, there’s no way you can avoid …

By College Recruiter
College Recruiter believes that every student and recent grad deserves a great career.
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3 Steps to Successful Career Planning in the Arts and Culture Sector

(artsconsulting.com)

There’s more to finding a new job than submitting an application and waiting for an email inviting you to an interview. Start now. Do your research. Expand your network. Talk to people. Creating an effective strategy is not difficult, …

By Juliette Kniola
Juliette Kniola Assistant Director of Career Services
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10 Things You Can Do Right Now As A DACA Recipient

“Founded in 2006, Immigrants Rising transforms individuals and fuels broader changes. With resources and support, undocumented people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community” (immigrantsrising.com). Find out what you …

By Juliette Kniola
Juliette Kniola Assistant Director of Career Services
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8 Ways AI Will Transform Job Search for Students, Recent Grads

(from College Recruiter, May 24, 2023)

(image: unblast.com)

The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology like ChatGPT is transforming various aspects of life, including how students and recent graduates apply to part-time, seasonal, internship, and other early career job opportunities. …

By Juliette Kniola
Juliette Kniola Assistant Director of Career Services
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Hard-Working Women May Get Promoted with This One Tip

(image: freepik.com)

You put in the hours. You never complain. You cross the t’s and dot the i’s, delivering quality products and services time after time. So why are you being overlooked for a promotion again and again? This quick …

By Juliette Kniola
Juliette Kniola Assistant Director of Career Services
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Understanding the priorities of nontraditional college students

Are you a nontraditional college student who has some concerns about your educational experience?  If so, some of them may be included in the following post about the priorities of nontraditional students.

Every year, Noel-Levitz compiles national data on the …

By College Recruiter
College Recruiter believes that every student and recent grad deserves a great career.
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O’Neill Alumni Spotlight: Grace Rimkunas

What drives you to be successful in your job every day?

In talking about her career journey, we touched on Grace’s first professional role.  When Grace was still in her graduate program, she interned for a nonprofit in Indianapolis called …

By Juliette Kniola
Juliette Kniola Assistant Director of Career Services
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Explaining Gaps in Employment for Parenting Roles

by Jane Kellogg Murray, Indeed, April 7, 2023

Recently I met with a student who wasn’t sure how to present a 2-year gap in their employment history. They took time out to be with their young child, a decision that …

By Juliette Kniola
Juliette Kniola Assistant Director of Career Services
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How to Approach Your First 90 Days

You secured your job or internship for summer, now let’s make sure you do everything right in those crucial first 90 days! Click here for a brief video and access to a very informative podcast!

By Juliette Kniola
Juliette Kniola Assistant Director of Career Services
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What Companies Are in the Energy Field in 2024?

The energy field is massive, spanning renewable energy, nuclear power, and oil and gas. But, what companies are in the energy field? Many of the largest energy companies focus on oil and gas, though companies in solar power and electric …

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5 Great Careers in Renewable Energy

There are many benefits to renewable energy, such as reduced pollution, improved public health, and economic development, just to name a few. According to The International Renewable Energy Agency, 90% of the world’s electricity should come from renewable energy sources …

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Five recommendations for aspiring scientific illustrators

Scientific illustration is more than just art; it helps to communicate and simplify complex scientific concepts into accessible and attractive visual representations. Click here to read the article By Kerry Flaherty Walia posted on Women of Fisheries, Inc.

By Miranda Redman
Miranda Redman Associate Director of Career Services
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How to Build a Career in Sustainability

O’Neill students: Are you pursuing a career in sustainability? Sustainability is a broad and diverse field that is in high demand. Organizations are prioritizing sustainability today and will continue to in the future. But, what does sustainability look like within …

By June Coleman
June Coleman Assistant Director of Career Services
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15 Environmentally Friendly Companies for Gen Z on the Job Hunt

It’s clear that Generation Z is passionate about the environment and ensuring a sustainable planet. In fact, 67% of Gen Z respondents in a Pew Research Center survey said the climate should be a top priority.

But what about in the …

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7 In-Demand Green Skills Right Now

Every major change in the world impacts the labor market, and climate change is no exception. As environmental crises escalate and new challenges emerge—like meeting the 2030 emission reduction target—companies are pushed to invest in sustainable practices. To navigate …

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USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service Environment, Energy & Sustainability Career Fair – Sponsor Feature!

United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS): Through financial and technical assistance, NRCS helps private landowners voluntarily improve the health of their farm while protecting natural resources and the sustainability of American agriculture. Right now, we’re …

By Miranda Redman
Miranda Redman Associate Director of Career Services
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O’Neill Incoming Intern Spotlight

Name: Eric Schmidt

Degree Program: MPA-MIS (Concentrating in Policy Analysis and Data Analysis)

Incoming Organization: MISO

Incoming Role: Intern at Standards and Assurance Department

Can you tell us a little about the internship and what you will be doing this …

By Miranda Redman
Miranda Redman Associate Director of Career Services
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O’Neill Internship Spotlight: Shannon Halinski – Environment America

Name: Shannon Halinski 

Organization: Environment America 

Position: Federal Team Intern: PFAS Campaign 

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid) 

Major: Law and Public Policy 

Year: Junior 

I started my first internship during my senior year of high school at the Fishers City Court. …

By Brianna Wright
Brianna Wright Peer Educator
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