Volunteering with kids, and seeing their innate curiosity for animals.
What I wish was different
More behind-the-scene interactions; the kids didn't get many opportunities that weren't also public available.
Advice
Discipline. But, when working with kids and teenagers, understand inexperience and gently push for their growth while leaving room for them to surprise you. They are learning, but they are not dumb.
If simultaneously you respect them, are willing to teach them, and don't look down on them for their lack of knowledge, you will very quickly earn their respect and trust.
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Guest services
May 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Cross training was one of my most admirable moments! I really enjoyed be trained for many different roles and duties within the company!
What I wish was different
N/A
Advice
Know the company that you are interviewing or working for. In other words, do your research because as the national zoo, we dealt with thousands of people a day and many from different states and countries! Therefore, being open minded is also a great piece of advice!
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Sales Associate
May 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
The people I worked with were kind, energized, and motivated by conservation efforts and biodiversity upkeep in the same regard that I was.
What I wish was different
I wish there had been greater opportunity for networking. The organizations I worked in close-proximity to were passionate and awesome in their fields of expertise, and I wish I had more time to engage them in relation the work I did during my time there.
Advice
D.C. is an incredible place to work, and conservation is incredibly important. Working in one of the most high-engagement places in America, this is a job that allows you to be passionate about the environment in a field of people who are MAKING DIFFERENCES. Super awesome job!
