mgardner@vt.edu

Q: What is your major?
A: Natural Resource Recreation

Q: When do you plan to graduate?
A: May 2003

Q: How long did the position last?
A: Jan 28, 2002 to August 9, 2002 (Spring/Summer)

Q: What was your title?
A: Co-op Park Ranger

Q: Where were you located?
A: Boydton, VA: John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Q: What were your main tasks/duties?
A: Park/campground patrol, water safety program assistance, collecting/counting user fees, inspecting docks and other permits around the lake, writing letters/making phone calls to permit holders

Q: What did you like most about your job/internship?
A: Being allowed to work unassisted once I learned a task

Q: What (if anything) did you like least about the internship?
A: The organization of the co-op program at the Corps was somewhat poor in the parks (shoreline was more organized).

Q: Describe a typical day on the job:
A: Shoreline: I would get a stack of folders of permits due for renewal, look them up on the maps to get their location, set out to find the permits and inspect them. Then I'd come back to the office and write letters informing permit holders of any infringement of the conditions of their permit.
Parks: I would set out pretty early to begin collecting money from the honor vaults with a full-time Park Ranger. We'd try to visit half the parks, boat ramps and campgrounds. Another Ranger would visit the other half, covering the in-lying or out-lying areas. We'd drive around the parks and campgrounds to see if any visitors needed assistance. Then we would come back to the office near the end of the day to count the honor vault money.

Q: Were you heavily supervised, or left to get things done on your own?
A: I was left mostly to do things on my own when I wasn't travelling with another Ranger doing honor vaults or meeting with people to issue new permits. Once dock inspections started, I was left to take care of that on my own. Supervision was moderate, but always there if I needed it.

Q: How did you find out about the job/internship?
A: My aunt used to work for the Corps and told me that I should look into it. She gave me a number of someone to call.

Q: What is your best advice for others who want to find out about co-ops/internships?
A: Go to Career Services (Sharon Williams' office) and take advantage of their many resources. Ask friends or classmates about their experiences. Go to the job fairs and take a resume with you. Always make a strong first impression.

Q: How did you find housing (or was it arranged for you)?
A: A person at the Corps gave me a list of people who provided housing, so I called one of them up and made arrangements. I had to go meet the person, but it worked out great.

Q: Did you receive academic credit or were you paid? I was paid for being a co-op.
A: I did not receive academic credit, but the co-op does go on my transcripts.

Q: What kind of career-related experience did you gain?
A: Being in natural resource recreation, the job with the Corps was very relevant for me. I gained experience working in parks and assisting visitors, being involved with interpretive programs, learning about the Corps regulations and Shoreline Management Plan as well as more general career-related experience, such as working in an office with others, going to meetings, public relations, and being a part of the Corps.

Q: Were there other "perks" or priveleges that you received?
A: As a co-op I was entitled to benefits, although I didn't use them. Other perks of working for the Corps include Corps Day, where family and friends come for a big picnic and celebration. Occasionally, Corps employees would be granted a couple hours off from the Colonel.

Q: Do you plan on working for this company/agency again in the future?
A: I definitely plan on keeping in touch with the Corps, and if they offered me a job I would surely consider it.

Q: Are your career goals the same after your job/internship? If not, how have they changed?
A: My general career goals are the same, but after working for the Corps I have narrowed them down.

Q: Would you recommend this position to other students?
A: Definitely

Q: What is your best advice for students considering co-ops/internships?
A: It's worth it. The ideal situation would be to get involved with a co-op early so you can work during the summers. The Corps required 640 hours, so that required more than a summer. Therefore, I had to take a semester off from school. However, it was still worth it. Gain any experience you can because it will be very beneficial when looking for a job after you graduate.

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