What I Like Best About My Field?

Im doing something different almost everyday. During the summer I try to get out in the field as much as I can, and I get to work with a lot of different people with diverse backgrounds. Things are changing so fast, and the kind of work I do is always changing; it is a challenge just to keep up.

What challenges have you faced?

Im constantly juggling priorities between utilizing time and tackling problems. Despite declining budgets and workforce theres never less to do. We have to get everything done by prioritizing.

What is the future of your profession?

Theres going to be a huge gap with people heading for retirement. There will be tremendous opportunities in the near future for upcoming graduates, and the student career experience program will pay tuition to select universities.

What advice would you give high school students?

Id start with the fundamentals; people absolutely need to have strong capabilities in terms of communicating, writing, talking with people, basic human skills. Math is certainly needed for the field as well as a good background in natural resources.