being able to get experience working for the federal government while also working in the field
What I wish was different
I wish I would have been given the opportunity to learn how to operate the heavy machinery
Advice
Get close with the people you are working with, being able to have a conversation and have fun makes the long hours go by a lot faster.
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Invasive Plant Technician
June - September 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Getting to explore DC on field trips, getting to work at the Arboretum in DC was an experience like no other.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been able to work there longer, but it was only a summer Pathways internship.
Advice
A career with the federal government can be very fulfilling!
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Plant protection and quarantine aide
May - August 2019 • Lockport, NY
What I liked
Outdoors a lot
What I wish was different
Started earlier
Advice
Helping the environment feels good
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Soil Conservationist
June 2019 • Madisonville, TX
What I liked
The experiences
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Even if you think you don’t have the qualifications for a job, still apply because you may get it! Don’t down yourself!
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Feed Mill Lab Technician
May - September 2019 • El Reno, OK
What I liked
the people and enviroment
What I wish was different
nothing
Advice
it was flexible hours and good pay
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Policy Coordination and Planning Intern
June - August 2018 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn a lot about the US government and public policy related to agriculture, nutrition, foreign assistance, international trade and development, and more. I also got the chance to work on several high-level and high-profile projects, events, and writing assignments.
What I wish was different
I didn´t get paid, though other than that my internship experience was wonderful! Alas, there were some benefits to the unpaid aspect, including more time flexibility (I could take time off to pursue other career opportunities, such as informational interviews with people in my field or conferences and lectures) and more activity flexibility (my supervisors were more concerned with what I would get out of my internship experience than what they would get out of my paid labor).
Advice
Reach out to your personal network! Friends, family, and acquaintances may know of interesting opportunities. I would not have known about this internship had I not asked my dad´s college roommate about his career and his advice for pursuing a similar one. Especially in government-related fields, a lot of job posting is only done internally or by word of mouth: so, you have to reach out if you want to know that positions exist!
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USDA student intern
June - August 2018 • Houston, TX
What I liked
It was an awesome experience where I was able to network and learn from a USDA veterinary medical officer about imports and exports as well as meet with other USDA VMOs from other departments of APHIS
What I wish was different
Wanted a bit more hands on experience.
Advice
I wish I would have taken this opportunity sooner in my undergraduate career.
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Forestry Aide
May - August 2018 • Williams, AZ
What I liked
The experience.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have been able to complete the entire season.
Advice
Make sure you can devote the amount of time that is required to do the job.
