From Classroom to Career: Preparing Environmental Professionals

MECC Pre-Conference Workshop

June 8, 2026

Preliminary Agenda

This workshop includes general sessions for all attendees and concurrent breakout tracks focused on Technical Foundations and Professional Development.
Track 1 - Career Exploration: Overview of regulations and key environmental programs applicable to environmental professionals.
Track 2 - Professional Development: Guidance on hiring process and career preparation.
Time Length General Session (All Attendees)

Track 1:
Career Exploration

Track 2:
Professional Development
12:30–1:00 60 min
Registration
1:00–1:15 15 min
Welcome and Introduction
1:15–2:00 45 min
Being Present to Win
2:10–3:00 50 min
Breakout Sessions

Choose one track.
Technical 101
  • Air Quality
  • Materials Management
  • Remediation
  • Sustainability

Job Search Strategies in an Uncertain Market

This session will focus on how to effectively plan, implement and adjust your job search strategy in the current job market. Included will be discussions on how government agency applicaton, screening and hiring practices differ from the private sector. Participants will walk away with valuable tools to help take the anxiety out of securing their first career
3:00–3:10 10 min
Break
3:10–4:00 50 min
Breakout Sessions

Choose one track.
Technical 101
  • Drinking Water
  • Wastewater
  • Water Resources
  • Resources for staying up to date

Exploring Beyond Your Degree; Not so Obvious Careers or Career Paths

This session wil focus on helping students and early career professionals look at their career options through a wider lens. During this panel discussion, particpants will learn how to look beyond their perception of what they think they can do with their degree
4:00–5:00 60 min Networking Reception with Guided Option
Stay, connect, and engage with fellow environmental professionals.