What Interns Have To Say

"I have learned an incredible amount from this internship - some from being involved in a project on a topic I knew very little to start with, and some from learning what other issues interns here are working on. My background was mostly in the biological sciences, and so I knew very little of just how much politics affect wildlife. Also, I think that living here in D.C. forces you to be more aware of what goes on in Congress...I really enjoy talking with and educating the public about endangered species and habitats, and at some point I would like to try field research, but I also wish to stay involved in policy and advocacy. It would be nice if I could tie all 3 together."
- Nicole Tadano, Conservation Programs Intern, Washington, D.C.

"Although already involved with the conservation community outside the U.S., and coming from a different work environment than the American non-profit sector, I have been presented with several challenges to face and from which to learn a great deal. I have been learning from the very experienced people that surround me at NWF, but whom I have also been able to provide with learning experiences of my own, especially those not so familiar with the "in situ" conservation issues in Latin America and the non-profit functioning in that part of the world."
- Mario Rivera, Former 2003 Alianza Para la Vida Silvestre Intern (now Project Coordinator at NWF), Washington, D.C.

"Having the opportunity to work for a large non-profit environmentalist organization is a privilege because I am working for the issues I am most passionate about. I have enjoyed researching local conservation issues and am gaining an "insider's" perspective about them. As a result, I am becoming more proactive about protecting the environment I live in. Furthermore, I have enjoyed meeting community activists and people as passionate as I am about wildlife and the environment, as well as social issues that affect all of us. This internship is giving me real experience while exposing me to the diverse range of opportunities available in the environmental arena."
- Nicole Fernandes, Land Conservation Intern, San Diego, CA

"In my second internship within NWF's Human Resources department, I am becoming more familiar with how HR staff members serve the organization. I also have the opportunity to integrate what I have learned from my coursework in Organizational Studies with relevant projects that I am assigned. My internship at NWF is a learning experience, as well as a chance to prepare me for a career in Human Resources."
- Myra Ceasar, Former Human Resources Intern, Reston, VA

"The chance to work in the largest conservation organization for the benefit of Indian communities is personal to me, because that is the area that I will continue to work in for the rest of my life. To be a part of the Tribal Lands Program and the National Wildlife Federation is a privilege that has allowed me to enhance relationships, ideas, and possibilities to make positive change. Not only at home, but also for other Indian communities, and all people who value nature and wish to protect it for future generations."
- Jason Baldes, Former Tribal Lands Conservation Intern, Bolder, CO

"Working as a Campus Ecology Intern at NWF is rewarding. I am getting to learn something new about the organization and the environmental movement every day. The experience I am gaining through working on diverse projects, as well as, attending conferences, seminars and web courses is definitely giving me a new perspective to my career goal. I am already looking for ways to apply my background in psychology to environmental issues and was delighted to discover that there is already an established field of study called 'Environmental Psychology'. I truly appreciate the excellent working in environmental and education issues in place at NWF."
- Sumona Das, Campus Ecology Intern, Reston, VA

"I am learning how to synthesize and condense information in reports down to two-page press releases, while trying to figure out which projects are most interesting, or how to make projects SOUND interesting to news and television reporters. This is a skill I believe I am going to use a lot in the future. I have never been much of a phone-intensive person, but I am learning the importance of having an actual human voice in your ear, as well as learning how to be friendly and to network."
- Courtney Stackhouse, Former Communications Intern, Washington, DC