New steps for Eco U

As jobs connecting both a business and environmental mindset emerge in growing numbers, UW-Green Bay prepares students in a number of ways unique to the university. These efforts were boosted with the creation last year of the Environmental Management and Business Institute (EMBI). The development of the EMBI is a major step toward strengthening UWGB's leadership position in the promotion of environmental awareness and eco-friendly initiatives. EMBI will hold its second conference April 23, the day after Earth Day. During the conference, UWGB alumni will be recognized for their involvement in environmental activities. The establishment of this institute is a step in the evolution of UWGB's historic mission of studying environmental issues and developing solutions to problems-solutions that recognize the critical connections among science, policy, business and the social contexts within which they occur. UWGB earned early recognition and national acclaim in Harper's Magazine and other national publications as Eco U due to its multidisciplinary approach toward solving problems, including those of the environmental sector. Professors John Stoll and John Kater, both graduates of UWGB, are the co-directors of EMBI. Each wants to get faculty and students involved as a team rather than having different people working on their own projects. UWGB is unique because it takes a different approach to education through its interdisciplinary requirements. The skill set that is acquired through this can be beneficial in the job market, experts say. "Specifically, these are problem-solving skills and the ability for students to look at a problem or a solution from more than one perspective," Linda Peacock-Landrum, director of Career Services, said. "This skill is noted as one of the top sought-after skills by employers who hire new professionals." Although verbal and written communication skills are at the top of the list of most important skills an employer looks for, problem-solving skills are ranked fifth. Through the interdisciplinary program at UWGB, these vital skills for success are learned in a manner that experts say is appealing to prospective employers. UWGB is in the process of offering a certificate program as well, for both community members and students to take courses in sustainability. The program will include internships and more hands-on experience which will be able to develop skills in other fields. This offer would be available to all majors. "The certificate program would appear differently on a transcript," Kater said. "It would not be included under the major, but be a separate category. When employers see this on a transcript, they would know that that person was trained in sustainability." Kater added the person trained in sustainability would have an advantage over other competition. As far as what concerns and problems our society is focusing more on today; global issues are more prevalent. "In the past, people were more concerned about their local rivers and lakes," Stoll said. "Currently, the public is gearing their focus toward issues surrounding the globe, such as climate and energy issues." Not only are there green jobs out there, like work in agriculture and manufacturing, but many traditional jobs are bringing green into themselves. These jobs are being defined differently to attract employees. "People want to work for a company that's doing the right things," Kater said. "Companies need to be focused on the environment to attract the best workers. In a way, during an interview with a company, you're interviewing them as well, and companies want to appear that they have interests other than profit." Many companies are looking to renewable energy options, as well as pollution prevention. Through UWGB's interdisciplinary program, as well as the common theme efforts, students graduating from UWGB are better trained in the area of sustainability, and can contribute back to society through their practices.