
Physical Science Technician, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Major: Geographical Science
Minor: Surficial Geology
Class Year: 2024
What was a typical week like in your internship position?
During the school year, I typically work 20 hours a week to meet the minimum time requirement of the USGS Pathways program. This will likely increase to 40 hours per week over holidays and summer. Currently all work is done remotely by the agency because of COVID restrictions unless there is a need to go into the agency's headquarters in Reston, VA. The primary focus of the internship is the mapping of the Great Lakes geology and the coastal landform change. ArcGIS and some other remote sensing software are the main tools I use daily to complete my work. During the summer months I am able to do fieldwork with the geologists and geographers, and I get to use drones to map coastal morphology.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
The opportunity to work with scientists and other student interns in my fields of interest, being able to conduct field and lab work, and all the benefits of being a federal employee. Most government agencies have a Pathways program that likely leads to employment after graduation.
How did your coursework help you in your internship?
Even though I am a Geographical Science major I have gone out of my way to take classes in the Physical Sciences to help bolster my resume. These courses have helped to build a science foundation that the USGS was looking for. Plus, the Geo Science department has an awesome reputation and is well known in the DMV. They do a great job in ensuring the coursework is up to date and relevant.
How did you locate your internship position?
For previous internships, the Geographical Science advising team does a great job of keeping students abreast of upcoming internships in and outside the University. This makes it extremely easy to sort through the numerous openings throughout the year. For my current internship I have job filters set up in my USAJobs account, and was notified when the position was listed. If you're interested in federal employment, sign up for a USAJobs account to see what's out there.
Advice for students:
Talk with, and get to know your Professors and TA's. Let them know your interests. Many times they keep a list of students and their interests and will reach out to you if opportunities open. The Geo Science faculty and staff are great at this. At the end of the day though, it's on the student to be proactive and get as many applications out there for a chance at an interview.
There are hundreds of other students applying for the same internships, be strategic with course work, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to set yourself apart from the other applicants.
Anything else you want to share with students about your experience?
Have fun, ask lots of questions, and don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone a bit.