It was a great working environment, even virtually.
What I wish was different
I wish I had had more hands-on experience with environmental policy, which is what I want to pursue after graduation.
Advice
Don't be afraid to connect and network with new people whose jobs or life paths interest you!
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Pathways Engineering Intern
May - August 2020 • Orford, NH
What I liked
My coworkers were awesome to work with. The are was gorgeous and I found a lot of meaning in the work I did.
What I wish was different
Working from home wasn't fun but was necessary due to COVID-19.
Advice
Don't be afraid to tackle projects that are outside of your comfort zone, you end up learning a lot from them and gain valuable experience.
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Pathways Student Trainee
June - August 2019 • Athens, TX
What I liked
I really enjoyed the people and community. They were all working together to improve their land and resources for the betterment of the environment and production.
What I wish was different
I wish I'd had the opportunity to work with more varied land types.
Advice
Be patient. The only thing that happens quickly with the USDA is change. There are a lot of processes, but they're there for a reason. So be prepared to go with the flow and ask questions when you're unclear on something.
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Student Engineer
June 2019 • Indio, CA
What I liked
I got actual job experience for civil engineering.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been critiqued about halfway through my summer.
Advice
If you are interested in conservation, apply for this internship and take it by the horns.
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Rangeland Intern
June - August 2018 • Fort Morgan, CO
What I liked
I enjoyed what I was doing every day. I liked looking and assessing rangeland health.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
The hiring process can take a while but be patient, it’s worth it to gain a government job.
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Soil Conservationist
June 2018 • Gunnison, CO
What I liked
Working with landowners on mostly private lands gave me a new perspective on the natural resource realm. I thoroughly enjoyed the people I worked with, the hands-on experience with conservation work and learning about NRCS.
What I wish was different
I wish there would have been a lot more field time, but it gave me realistic expectations of the job.
Advice
Go into it with a willingness to learn and an open mind. No matter your previous experiences with things like agriculture, grazing, easements, etc. be willing to look at things from different folks perspectives.
