A Standout Among Scholars: Proud Recipient of One of Four Summer Internship Awards.
Major: Masters of Natural Resources Management
Company: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR)
Internship Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspector
Location of Internship: Fergus Falls, MN
Semester: Summer 2025
Why did you choose the company you work for?
I wanted to get involved in natural resources management and to gain experience working with the public. The MN DNR provided a great opportunity for that, and it is a great networking opportunity for advancing my career.
What were some requirements for your internship?
I’m out at boat launches talking to the public every day and inspecting boats for any aquatic plants, animals, water, and mud. Communication skills to interact with and educate the public about state laws are a must. I also take a survey and collect data for each inspection, and I strive to get the data I need from the boaters without making it seem like I am reading off a survey.
What is your favorite part about your internship experience?
My favorite part of the internship is being able to spend most of the day outdoors at the lake.
What is the most challenging part of your internship? How have you overcome these obstacles?
Occasionally there will be an angry boater, or some circumstance that prevents me from doing my job safely. Once I had a guy with a pontoon boat that was falling off the trailer pull up to a lake access/ I was not going to crawl under the boat to do a proper inspection and the safest course of action was to let him launch. Learning good judgement calls prevents accidents and has allowed me to do my job as best as possible.
How did you find your internship?
Natural Resources Management Weekly Department Jobs Email
Why was it beneficial for you to register for academic credit through the Internship Program offered through the Career and Advising Center?
Taking credits this summer will allow me to have a light credit load for my spring semester. With fewer credits in the spring, I will be able to work more hours.
What advice would you give a student who is in the process of searching and applying for an internship?
Apply to all kinds of different internships.
