Keep your eyes open the next time you decide to explore the Missouri countryside. Chances are you will find Raun Oberman hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching or camping alongside you. Raun, a senior with a major in biology and a minor in environmental studies, is originally from Fredericktown, Mo. Wildlife is his area of emphasis, and he loves to explore Cape Girardeau’s beautiful outdoor environment.
If Raun is not visiting the downtown riverfront or the other conservation areas located near Cape Girardeau, he is working part time for the Missouri Department of Conservation as an hourly resource assistant. This position allows Raun the opportunity to use the knowledge from his classes to perform maintenance on a couple of conservation areas in Cape Girardeau County.
“For all the other biology majors interested in the management of natural resources,” Raun explains, “one should utilize the many professional agencies located near Cape because the more experience you have, the better.”
In the summers of 2001, 2002 and 2003, Raun worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation. In the summer of 2004, he took an internship with the U. S. Geological Survey. These experiences, along with his current position, allowed Raun to prepare for a career in natural resources after graduation.
Besides preparing Raun academically for life after college, Southeast has provided Raun with several opportunities to make the most of his college experience. Some of Raun’s favorite moments were the field trips to Prairie State Park and The Ozark National Scenic Riverways with his advisor, Dr. Bill Eddleman, and other classmates. Raun also represents Southeast annually at the Missouri Natural Resources Conference and has launched a student chapter of the Wildlife Society at Southeast.
“Southeast has a wide variety of classes geared to help students prepare for their future career plans,” Raun says.
“Because Cape Girardeau is a very centralized location for professional agencies that deal with wildlife management, attending Southeast enables students, like me, to seek several opportunities for part-time jobs.”
Raun’s best advice for future Southeast students is to enjoy college to the fullest, because the time passes quickly.
After graduation, Raun plans to explore the wildlife of the western United States and spend more time on the remnant prairies scattered throughout Missouri, while pursuing a career with the Missouri Department of Conservation.