Alumni Career Feature
Brian Laudermilch
We feature alumni with interesting careers from a variety of career areas. To find out more about the alumnus profession contact them via the e-mail provided. Or if you are interested in being featured, e-mail us at alumni@pct.edu.
- A.A.S., Forest Technology, 2004
- blaudermil@state.pa.us
- PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Brian's Background
Brian grew up with an appreciation of the outdoors. When the time came to continue his education and explore a career path, he looked to the environment. His father was a forester with the Bureau of Forestry for several years and the popularity of GIS mapping was on the rise. Brian took an interest in this technology and completed a bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems at Mansfield University. He then continued his education at Penn College completing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Forest Technology.
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Bureau of Forestry
Brian is a forester with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Twenty forest districts comprise the state of Pennsylvania and Brian works at Forest District 20, the Loyalsock State Forest in Dushore. He and three other foresters are responsible for approximately 116,000 acres of state forest within this district. As forester, Brian’s is responsible for a variety of duties including wildlife habitat improvement, timber sale layout and administration, and timber plot analysis. Brian is also responsible for all GIS coordination for District 20. His education, especially the hands-on lab experience acquired at Penn College, plays a significant role in his day-to-day activities.
Advice
Start networking now is the advice Brian offers to all students interested in his industry. Start talking to professionals, visit your local district office, ask questions, volunteer, and job shadow to start making connections. It is important to take initiative in all aspects of your life but especially when looking for your dream job. Also, take advantage of the small class size and lab experience Penn College has to offer you. Small class sizes allow you to focus on relationship building. Lab experience allows you to apply the curriculum and refine your skills. Both are important aspects of any profession.
Future
Brian’s enthusiasm for his industry is apparent. Each year, he and fellow forestry alumni return to campus to share their experiences with current students and answer questions regarding their profession. This simple act of volunteerism has the potential to impact a variety of young lives. From his love of nature to collaborating with coworkers, Brian enjoys every aspect of his job. He appreciates the diversity and challenges the industry has to offer and plans to continue in this profession for many years to come.
