I like that handshake provides up to date job posts, and give you real specifics of what the job entails.
What I wish was different
It would be great if former or current employees can write in a review on the job you are applying to and rate it or explain their experience, just to give the person who is applying some context.
Advice
Keep looking for new opportunities, don't give up too easily. Writing resumes and cover letters is time-consuming but very valuable and 100% worth it.
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Soil Conservationist
May 2020 • Brookings, SD
What I liked
That the job changes each and every day, there are always new experiences in the office. It makes learning new things enjoyable!
What I wish was different
I would say that there is not one thing I would change, I like the different tasks that are always available.
Advice
Take notes, if you stay with the agency you are going to want those notes. Especially if you are on for multiple summers before being a full time and don't work during school.
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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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Soil Conservationist
June - August 2019 • Victorville, CA
What I liked
The experience as a whole and the atmosphere of the office. I love how diverse it was.
What I wish was different
I wish I had started earlier
Advice
Don’t be scared to travel and don’t be scared to try new things.
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Soil Conservationist Intern
May 2017 • Lancaster, NH
What I liked
It was a highly engaging, active, and interesting internship that opened many doors for future opportunities. I met a variety of people with differing areas of expertise and learned information that I wouldn't have usually learned through my college classes. I was always doing something new or something that contributed to a larger project that was underway.
What I wish was different
I wish that the summer had been longer!
Advice
Be prepared for the onboarding process with the government. It will take a lot of paperwork and patience.
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Engineering intern
May - August 2018 • Greenville, TX
What I liked
Gained a wide variety of skills and experiences.
What I wish was different
Closer to home.
Advice
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Soil Scientist
May - August 2018 • Robstown, TX
What I liked
Working with soils in the lab and in the field
What I wish was different
More field time
Advice
Just do it
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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.
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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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Soil Conservationist
May - August 2018 • Fort Dodge, IA
What I liked
Working with the people in the office the most.
What I wish was different
I wished I was placed in a different area, or had more to do with pasture land.
Advice
Discuss what you expect from the internship with the DC you are working with.
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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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NRCS intern
May - August 2018 • Ipswich, SD
What I liked
It was interesting to learn about the different aspects of the agency and see how they help and affect the community around them.
What I wish was different
AC
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask for more work because when it becomes slow and you have nothing to do you want to do more work.
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Project Analysis Intern
May - August 2020 • Madison, WI
What I liked
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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Soil Conservation intern
July - August 2018 • Logan, UT
What I liked
I liked getting to learn more about natural resources conservation and getting to help teach people about it and how to make their lands more productive.
What I wish was different
I wish they had given me more tasks to do. I loved what I got to help with but I often felt like there wasn't enough for me to do besides online training.
Advice
I would say to spend as much time as you can talking to the conservationists and learning what you can from them.
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Soil Conservation Technician
May 2018 • Panguitch, UT
What I liked
It's great to be able to work with land owners and get conservation on the ground. The ag producers I work with are great and I learn from them just as much as they learn from me.
What I wish was different
I don't think I would change anything. It has been a really good experience.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask question and get your hands dirty. You will learn more be doing then by watching and you will enjoy your job more.
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Conservation intern
April 2018 • Wytheville, VA
What I liked
Every day was different, I got to help farmers and landowners in need, I met many great people and made lasting relationships.
What I wish was different
That I could have done it more often
Advice
To definitely give it a shot.
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Soill Conservationist
May - August 2018 • Sioux City, IA
What I liked
I enjoyed meeting new people that eventually became great connections. I also go the chance to travel and experience things I had never done.
What I wish was different
I honestly wouldn't have done anything different. I really enjoyed my summer internship experience.
Advice
I would share to other students interested in this experience to not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Though it might seem/sound scary, im positive that it will soon turn into something unforgettable. An experience like the one I had this summer will develop you into the professional you've always strived to be.
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Student Trainee
June - August 2018 • Traverse City, MI
What I liked
I loved the variety of experiences I got from this internship, as well as how much I was out in the field. I learned a lot about many different areas of environmental engineering, and was given opportunities to complete projects for the good of the agency.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Civil Engineering Intern
June 2017 - August 2018 • Tremonton, UT
What I liked
There was not another engineer in my office so I got to be the northwest team engineer. That came along with training other employees and doing a lot of design and field work.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have attended more statewide engineering trainings
Advice
Don’t be afraid to take on projects that you don’t feel fully qualified for, just be willing to ask for help and learn how to do them.
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Agricultural Engineering Intern
May - August 2018 • Effingham, IL
What I liked
I liked the diversity of the job and doing something different every day. Whether it was laser surveying a field for a grassed waterway, checking the construction on a wetland restoration or meeting employees at different offices, I was always learning every day.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been able to do more designs and productive work myself. A lot of what I did was shadowing the engineer instead of producing my own work.
Advice
Take charge of your internship and ask for new experiences and opportunities. The agency is very flexible so you can get what you want out of the internship.
