Steps 16-18
- Implement your NERTO Work Plan at the NOAA facility
- Keep a daily/weekly log of your activities and work. This will help you write your report at the end of your NERTO.
- Take good quality pictures that show you in action with your NOAA mentor(s). You need at least 4 for your report.
- Keep track of all invoices and receipts related to your NERTO in chronological order. This will help when it is time to request reimbursement.
Once you arrive at your NERTO site, there are several things to keep in mind:
- Remember that NERTO stands for NOAA Experiential Research & Training Opportunities. Your NOAA mentor understands this but others in the host office may be unaware.
- Be able to explain that the purpose of your NERTO is to gain a better understanding of NOAA mission-aligned science, and create professional networking, by spending 12 weeks at a NOAA facility and working along with NOAA scientists.
- Introduce yourself with the proper affiliation e.g. “My name is John Doe, I am a NOAA EPP/MSI Earth System Sciences and Remote Sensing Scholar pursuing a Master’s degree in Earth and Environmental Engineering at The City College of New York”.
- Be able to explain and describe your research goals and objectives. Don’t forget to include the social relevance of your work.
- Be able to explain the approved work plan for your NERTO.
- Remember that you are the Center’s ambassador.
- Be able to summarize all our activities at CESSRST. They might ask you about other research areas of CESSRST, and you should be able to respond.
- Be very professional, both verbally and in writing, when interacting with NOAA scientists and staff.
- It is important to connect with your advisor(s), NERTO mentor(s), and CESSRST Education Expert weekly or bi-weekly, as needed.
- Be in constant communication (via e-mail and/or calls) with your Center Advisor, and Center Management during the 12 weeks.
- Be in regular contact with the Center Management to give feedback on your experience and if you have difficulties with anything during the NERTO.
- Before leaving, thank (both in writing and verbally) all of the NOAA scientists and staff with whom you worked.