Dr. Michael Bush, assistant professor of biology, helped several students interested in natural resource management find internships and other positions over the summer. Students worked with The Nature Conservancy, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the USDA, among others.
During her internship with the North Dakota Forest Service, Grace Ivesdal ’23 worked in tree management. Nate Do ‘23, who served as a field steward with The Nature Conservancy, helped with prescribed fires and in invasive species management.
Seasonal positions are critical early steps for those seeking careers in natural resources, Bush explained, as government agencies rarely hire candidates for more advanced positions if they don’t already have an employment history with federal or state governments.
“I alerted both of these students to these positions and coached them through what sorts of questions they might expect during the interviews and what some of the challenges would be in these jobs, which are often physically demanding,” Bush said. “I also helped them out with finding positions after their summer jobs ended.”
Ivesdal has since been hired as a community forester for NDFS, working with cities to plant and care for the right kinds of trees and working with local groups to help stop the spread of invasive species.
“It should be noted that it is very difficult for undergraduates at any institution to get a full-time position almost right out of undergrad,” Bush said. “Usually there are several years of technician work and often a master's involved before this happens. We’re extremely proud of her!”
Bush isn’t the only biology instructor whose students found valuable job experience last summer. Dr. Jennifer Sweatman, associate professor of biology, helped Sophie Schaumann ‘24 earn a prestigious fellowship with U.S. Fish and Wildlife last summer as well. Schaumann is currently helping Bush in his management of Long Lake, which includes tree surveys and mitigation of buckthorn, an invasive plant.
“Our students are excellent academically and giving them muddy-boots experiences can make them more well-rounded and competitive wildlife/fisheries biologists as they enter the next chapter of their careers,” Bush added.