Wildlife Science Major
Q: What
is your major?
A: Wildlife
Science
Q:
When
do you plan to graduate?
A: June
2005
Q:
What
was your job (internship, co-op, seasonal position)?
A: Volunteer
internship
Q:
How
long did the position last?
A:
May - August 2002
Q:
What
was your title?
A: SCA
(Student Conservation Association) intern
Q:
Where
were you located?
A: Medicine
Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Montana
Q:
What
were your main tasks/duties?
A: Surveying
breeding waterfowl populations; noxious weed control/maintainance of
refuge property; botulism control; also helped with studies on passerines.
Q:
What
did you like most about your job/internship?
A: The
work experience I gained was highly rewarding and informative. I also
appreciated the exposure to different cultures/people and places.
Q:
What
(if anything) did you like least about the internship?
A: Some
of the upper management were non-communicative, which made the workplace
a bit more tense.
Q:
Describe
a typical day on the job:
A: Office
meeting at 7 AM, where you learn what job assignment you have for the
day. Work until about noon, when you have lunch. Continue work until
3:30, when you get off for the day.
Q:
Were
you heavily supervised, or left to get things done on your own?
A: I
was mostly left to do things on my own.
Q:
How
did you find out about the job/internship?
A: I
attended an information session on campus held by a representative from
the Student Conservation Association.
Q:
What
is your best advice for others who want to find out about co-ops/internships?
A: Apply
for work in your field. If you can't find a paying job in your field,
try volunteering for a summer if you can afford it. You can find an
organization (such as the SCA) that will pay a stipend for living expenses.
Q:
How
did you find housing (or was it arranged for you)?
A: Free
housing was offered for SCA interns onsite at the refuge. Did you receive
academic credit or were you paid? I received a stipend for living expenses.
Q:
What
kind of career-related experience did you gain?
A: Field
work techniques: surveying wildlife populations by direct count and
mark-recapture, maintenance experience; Equipment: ATV, airboat.
Q:
Were
there other "perks" or privileges that you received?
A: Located
in northeastern Montana, I was able to visit several national parks
(in North Dakota and Montana), and Canada.
Q:
Do
you plan on working for this company/agency again in the future?
A: Yes
Q:
Are
your career goals the same after your job/internship? If not, how have
they changed?
A: Through
my experience with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I have realized
that I do not want to pursue a career in wildlife management, but rather
would like to pursue a more academic role in wildlife conservation.
Q:
Would
you recommend this position to other students?
A: Yes!
Q:
What
is your best advice for students considering co-ops/internships?
A: Any
work you do in your field, be it paid or volunteer work, will be a stepping
stone towards your dream career.