Eastern Region Provides SCEP Orientation

From discussion to implementation, 2008 SCEP students learn valuable lessons about the Forest Service and life.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Eastern Region hosted its very successful regional Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) orientation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This year's theme, "Embracing Your Potential," had additional significance - this was the inaugural kick-off of including technical positions into our recruitment landscape through the Job Corps program.

The potential of the students involved was very evident, as their excitement grew by leaps and bounds each day with the interactions with employees and directors. Over the three-day period, 23 energized students, along with several supervisors, had the opportunity to share ideas and officially embark on their new journeys as public servants.

Earlier in December 2007, Eastern and Southern Region leaders each decided to recruit and place six students (12 total) from the advanced programs into the successful SCEP programs of both Regions 8 and 9 from the Schenck Job Corps Wildland Fire and Natural Resources program, renamed the Davidson River Initial Fire Attack Crew. This effort has been a resounding success in the recruitment and placement of top-notch individuals in the Forest Service.

Throughout the week, the SCEP students received very detailed training in Defensive Driving, Employee Benefits, and Ethics and Conduct. They also were briefed on Fire and Aviation, Urban Connections, Financial Accountability, How to Market Yourself to Employers, the National Federation of Federal Employees, and a lively presentation on Law Enforcement and Investigations.

Each year the program strives to "keep up with the times" by providing innovative ways to address current situations the students may face either as employees or citizens.

Margaret Henningsen, Senior Vice President of Legacy Bank in Milwaukee, spoke on the subject of "Managing Your Financial Future," offering the students sound advice in investments, credit worthiness, and potential financial pitfalls to avoid.

Louise Wyche, the CEO of Strategic Recruitment Solutions and a recent retiree of the Forest Service, was on hand to provide tips on how to become successful in school, work and life. The participants explored ways they could maximize their potential to become good students and even greater employees. They were challenged and encouraged to make that favorable and lasting first impression by becoming aware of the 'hidden rules' for professional appearance, communication skills and appropriate conduct in the workplace.

Retired Colonel Jim Paige of Pioneers in Education, Inc., and Carl Butler, President-Elect, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resource and Related Sciences (MANRRS), provided the students with an excellent opportunity to witness firsthand how a successful, interactive mentor/mentee relationship is developed and nurtured in a national network atmosphere.

"Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the SCEP orientation," Paige said. "It was truly enlightening by how well the SCEP students are being orientated. The warm inviting hospitality was very much appreciated. I look forward to working with you in the near future."

Butler was equal in his praise and appreciation "for allowing me to be a part of your program and the hospitality you and the folks in Region 9 extended during my brief visit. I appreciate the support you've been able to harness for the scholars program in Region 9. I owe you a debt of gratitude."

Sharon Crittendon, Region 8 SCEP Program Manager, remarked that "this is a perfect opportunity to share ideas on enhancing both the Eastern and Southern Region programs and develop a model for the rest of Forest Service on collaboration and effective use of resources. Florence Pridgen, Region 9 SCEP Program Manager, and I will continue to bring our programs together in other ways to build the Forest Service of the future."