NOAA Fisheries

Volunteer

July 2023 • Newport, OR

What I liked

I was able to volunteer on a research cruise which was such great experience - I learned a lot and found that I really like ships and might want to include that in my future career.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Climate Change Indicator Intern

May - August 2020 • Annapolis, MD

What I liked

This was by far one of the best experiences I have ever had! From the mentors to the general professional opportunities, I had a great learning experience with the best people. I am so glad I had the chance to help contribute modeling and future plans to protect the Chesapeake Bay.

What I wish was different

As this was summer of 2020, I would have loved the opportunity to meet in person with the team. However, they did a great job of making sure everyone was well connected and got to know one another.

Advice

Being an intern at NOAA was one of the most valuable things I have done in my undergraduate career and I can't say enough good about it. If you are thinking of applying- you should!

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Research Assistant

June - August 2019 • Seattle, WA

What I liked

Great experience in a great place with great people

What I wish was different

Advice

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Intern

May - July 2018 • Alpena, MI

What I liked

Networking Socio economic research Visited another state

What I wish was different

My actual noaa mentor had more time to actually mentor me

Advice

Really nice scholarships exist, you just need to find them and apply

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Hollings Intern

June - August 2018 • Woods Hole, MA

What I liked

I liked the firsthand experience I got with real scientific research that informs conservation and management decisions about blue whales.

What I wish was different

I wish that the day-to-day work of the internship had involved more than looking for songs on a computer screen.

Advice

Definitely keep the big picture of what you're doing in mind when you are going through some tedious tasks, but also make sure you are doing a project that you enjoy to some extent.

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Intern of the whale entanglement project, conducting data review, analysis and compilations

June - September 2017 • Long Beach, CA

What I liked

The internship was very dynamic, which I think was one of my favorite aspects. Ultimately, I pursued and reinforced my passion in marine mammals. I had the opportunities to work in a cubicle space reviewing hundreds of whale entanglement reports, in which I learned much about whale species off the California coast and its people involved in the issue. I attended and participated in many meetings, in which I connected with many different people from different organizations and points of life surrounding this hot topic. I joined a research cruise on Monterey Bay on a benthic survey study, which was a different great exposure with more people. I am finishing a webpage for MBNMS (Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary) now. Another memorable day involved a quick call to the beach to analyze a stranded deceased sea turtle and assist its necropsy. One of my final days was fantastic in that I joined my advisor to watch over live green sea turtles in a local river system, and hear from his personal discoveries of this special population.

What I wish was different

I am a huge fan of field work, so found the desk job occasionally longer than I'd prefer, however I enjoyed the work and the topic, so I have few complaints to report in retrospect. Overall I enjoyed the summer opportunity.

Advice

I would advise anyone anywhere to maximize your connections. It is repeated time and time again, but a huge takeaway from this project is the diversity of people I now know, and can reach out to later if desired. Beyond the work itself, I enjoyed intellectual and conductive talks with other employees and managers in the office. I would always recommend to step out of your comfort zone, share your interests and curiosities with others, and they will likely reciprocate and share their experiences with you.

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