Lauren B. French, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology & Neuroscience, Allegheny College

Greetings sophomores!
Welcome back!! I hope you all had a restful summer and are ready to tackle your SOPHOMORE year! Please feel free to drop by my office hours to talk to me throughout the semester!

APL 201 focuses on exploring post-college plans, which may inform your course selection and the other activities, such as internships or research experiences, you choose to pursue. There will be two assignments this semester, and one required meeting the week before you register. If you will have junior or senior standing by November, it is your responsibility to find out and tell me ASAP so we can schedule an earlier meeting. In order to receive credit for APL 201 you must turn in both assignments on time, and meet with me before you register.

Assignment 1- The ACCEL (Experiential Learning) Databse
Due Friday, September 28 by noon.
Register with the ACCEL Database. This database is easily accessible on the web. It contains more than 1500 internships, plus opportunities in service, off-campus study and leadership. Students who register can search the database by major or career interest. You can also sign up to receive e-mail notification of all new opportunities that are entered in your interest fields.
Once you are registered, identify at least 3 internships or other experiences that interest you and briefly explain why each would suit you.
You are not required to meet with me after this assignment, but you are certainly welcome to. Just send me an e-mail to set up an appointment.

Assignment 2- Explore the fit of a Career Field
Due Friday, November 9 by noon.
Research a career field focusing on questions such as what people in this field really do, the job market, the pay range, the working conditions, and how one typically prepares for the field. Feel free to make use of resources on campus, and also consider interviewing a local practitioner in the field to aid your research.
In a 2-3 page paper, describe what you have discovered about the field and explain why it appeals to you. Explain how the field fits with your abilities, personality, desired lifestyle, etc.
You will be required to meet with me after turning in this assignment, and before you register for the spring semester. Make sure to sign up for an appointment for the week of Nov. 12-16 outside my office door when you turn in the assignment.

After reading this over (the first time), please e-mail me to let me know!