TAPPING THE TOP - Monday, February 9, 2009 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Facilitators:

Randy Reichert, USFS, Greeley, Colorado; Heidi Olbert, Montana Department of Natural Resource and Conservation, Helena, Montana; Jake Powell, USFS, Buffalo, Wyoming and Jill Burkhardt, Crooked Lake Land and Cattle, Gwynne, Alberta, Canada.

For over 15 years, SRM has given students and professionals the opportunity to "Tap the Top". In the beginning Tapping the Top (TTT) gave students a chance to shadow a professional throughout part of the SRM meeting. When TTT outgrew this format, the student professional mixer evolved. The mixer has provided students with the opportunity to interact with more professionals and professionals the chance to visit with more students. The one thing that hasn't changed is the opportunity for students to ask the professionals questions and learn what it is really like to be a professional in the natural resources field. TTT also gives students opportunity to ask "How do I get involved with this SRM Committee?" Or "Who is the best contact in my Section for my prospective specialty?"

The Student Activities Committee and the TTT subcommittee have refocused TTT to give college students the most bang for their buck. And to expose the professionals to the outstanding college students with whom they will soon be working.

TTT is a great place for students to ask professionals questions like "What do you really do day-to-day? What is the best part of the job? What is the worst?" It is also a place for students to make contacts and build networks within SRM that will serve them throughout their careers. For professionals, TTT is a great place to give back some of the knowledge that SRM has given them. Professionals that attend TTT are frequently energized by the enthusiasm of people new to the profession.

If you are looking for a place to come get a free meal, visit with your friends and meet people to go out with later in the evening, we recommend the Trade Show Mixer. If you are looking for a place to pass out resumes or job announcements do it at the Job Fair, then come to Tapping The Top to learn more. If you are serious about your future career don't be late for TTT!

TTT is a great SRM tradition and a great service provided to its newest members. We invite you to take part in this great program in 2009.