After concluding my gap year post-undergrad in early 2022, I began the daunting search for my first full-time position. The job hunt left me humbled and discouraged, filled with lackluster positions, ghosted applications and rescinded offers. It did not matter that I graduated with high distinction from a tier-one research university. I scoured LinkedIn, USAJOBS and scrolled on job boards, frantically searching for something that matched my qualifications and interested me. And one day, I found it.

I had been perusing the email archives of The Earth Science Women’s Network for months, and came across a posting by MANRRS: Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. The advertised position checked every one of my boxes: science and research-based, field work focused, analytical and more. It was perfect…except for being a temporary internship in California, 3,000 miles away from my home. In fact, this position was the exact opposite from my initial non-negotiables: entry level, salaried and within the tri-state area of New York.

However, after being unsuccessful for many months, I knew I had to expand my scope and apply for it. Upon receiving the offer, I moved across the country by myself to the coastal town of Fort Bragg to work as an affiliate employee of the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Research Station.

My work as a hydrologic research technician is to assist in a project regarding California’s most coveted natural resource: water! Caspar Creek Experimental Watershed Study is the most extensive of its kind, providing a long-term, continuous hydrologic record that seldom exists elsewhere. The purpose of this research is to define how timber harvest and forest management affect suspended sediment loads in mixed redwood/Douglas fir forests.

As a member of the field crew, I monitor, service and collect data from a multitude of hillslope sensors and creek-side gauging stations. Then, we review, adjust and analyze this data to share with the science and policy community. Additionally, this position allows me to continuously hone my interpersonal skills in order to be a valuable team player, as well as sharpen my leadership abilities.

Now, eight months later, I can say with confidence that I made the right decision. I discovered a beautiful place that I will miss dearly, made lifelong friendships and gained invaluable experience in earth science research and field work. This internship set me up for success in my future endeavors, including the salaried position in the tri-state area of New York that I’m starting in September!

I would absolutely recommend this internship program to anyone searching for the first steps on their career path. For more information about the currently available MANRRS internship opportunities across the country, visit the organization's website for the Resource Assistant Position Internship Application.