USDA Forest Service

Park Ranger

May 2018 • Millcreek, UT

What I liked

I got to build good friendships in my field of study as well as get amazing hands on experience

What I wish was different

I wish I had more time and was able to get more certifications

Advice

Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with the right mindset you can do more than you ever thought you are capable of

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Timber technician

May - August 2018 • Laketown, UT

What I liked

I enjoyed the educational aspect and also that this job was outdoors all the time

What I wish was different

More teaching

Advice

I advise every forest student that wants to be a forester to try this job, it is an eye opener.

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Wildland Firefighter

June - September 2018 • Entiat, WA

What I liked

I liked how everyday is different and I got to see some amazing new places. Also had some really awesome coworkers.

What I wish was different

Would have been busier. With this job it isn't guaranteed that you will be busy working the whole time.

Advice

Get in shape, its an extremely demanding physical job.

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Biological Field Technician

May - August 2017 • Girdwood, AK

What I liked

The people I worked with, the local people, the town of Girdwood, and the environmental surroundings. Absolutely beautiful.

What I wish was different

Single room would have been nice, but that's asking for a lot.

Advice

Bring lots of rain-gear and warm clothes.

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Forestry Technician

May - August 2018 • Sheridan, WY

What I liked

More experience. I got on a wildfire assignment

What I wish was different

More training and lead into pernament

Advice

Great gig for college students

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Biological Technician Intern

June - August 2018 • Winthrop, WA

What I liked

My internship has opened up a new lifestyle for me. I grew up in big cities, while my internship requires me to be in the wilderness hiking all the time. I also enjoyed being able to be exposed to a variety of experiences that gave me the big picture instead of focusing on one area. I primarily worked with the wildlife department, but I was also involved in other departments and shadowed various people of different roles. Above all, I discovered my love for art from my biology internship. My summer experience helped me to make the decision of declaring studio art as my second major.

What I wish was different

Because I am a F-1 visa student, I need to have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in order to work off-campus in the U.S., and Wheaton requires the work to be credited, so I need to pay extra tuition of two credits to Wheaton to do my internship. I wish the registrar office could authorize international students to use CPT without enrollment in credited courses.

Advice

An internship is a great way to explore your career options and discover your callings. Even if you hated your internship, at least you now know what you don't want to do. So I encourage you to do any internship.

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Botanist

May - August 2018 • Ketchikan, AK

What I liked

I had a lot of independence. I was able to come up with projects for myself and see them through. I also got to work closely with the community. Top perk though was flying all over the Misty Fjords in float planes!