I had a wonderful time. I met great people, was in a colorful and positive office space and learned a lot.
What I wish was different
It took a while to actually get to my internship, because of miscommunication and slow processing.
Advice
Learn and much as you can, communicate respectively and work as hands on as possible!
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Agronomist Intern
May - August 2020 • Eldon, MO
What I liked
I liked the connections I made with other employees and customers. I also liked learning so much.
What I wish was different
I wish this experience was more Hands on but covid restricted this.
Advice
Make connections with everyone you come in contact with. Make yourself known and remembered in the best way possible.
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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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Soil Conservation Intern
June - August 2019 • McMinnville, OR
What I liked
I was able to experience west-side conservation, have my own client, and receive financial advice from my supervisor.
What I wish was different
My supervisor was a little too chummy, but in regards to what I could have done differently, I would have liked to have done more research on the area ahead of time and have clear-cut educational goals that lined up with my IDP's.
Advice
Focus on your goals, not your field office's. You will be the best asset to the agency as a knowledgeable student, not a well-worked student.
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Student Trainee
June 2019 • Vienna, IL
What I liked
The opportunities to learn about different ways to be a steward of the land in different landscapes.
What I wish was different
N/A.
Advice
Always be prepared for anything.
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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 Conservation Technician
August 2016 • Mena, AR
What I liked
The people.
What I wish was different
The money.
Advice
Get a good pair of rubber boots.
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Soil Scientist Intern
May - August 2019 • North Platte, NE
What I liked
Learning about different soils in Nebraska and getting to do a lot of field work in the Sandhills and Loess canyons. Learning how to determine wetlands and focusing on the duties of a research soil scientist.
What I wish was different
More time spent out doors!
Advice
Government internships are very resourceful, I highly recommend them!
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civil engineering intern
May - August 2019 • Waxahachie, TX
What I liked
I liked being with the other engineers. I learned about various agricultural water management systems. The engineers were willing to teach me things ai had not previously been exposed to.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have spent more time in the office using computer programs.
Advice
Be open to the entire experience. Not just working with engineers, but learning about everyone’s jobs.
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Wildlife Biologist
January 2018 • Annapolis, MD
What I liked
Don't be afraid to search for conservation jobs outside the typical fields. The USDA has a lot of opportunities for biologists!
What I wish was different
Advice
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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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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 technician
April - August 2016 • Cedar City, UT
What I liked
Plant and soil surveying all over southern Utah
What I wish was different
Been able to work longer at job.
Advice
Be ready to travel.
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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.
