SYMP 15-1 - How Federal Programs Can Serve to Create a Pathway for Careers in Science

Over the past few decades , the National Park Service (NPS) has offered three internship programs at national parks varying in complexity, length, discipline, and skill set in accordance with the projects designed by NPS mentors and the abilities of selected participants. In 2021, NPS merged the three programs to produce the Scientists in Parks (SIP) Program. A core objective of the SIP program is to provide interns with meaningful natural resources management experience to foster lifelong connections to NPS and improve their career potential. SIP partners, including the Ecological Society of America, create a plethora of rich content related to professional development, community, and network building (e.g., career workshops and affinity groups) to provide participants with multiple avenues for interpersonal and career development.

Evaluations of program participants from 2010-2017 and 2021-2022 show that SIP internships have been effective in fostering careers in science. Outcome evaluations conducted in 2019 showed that interns who participated from 2010-2017 landed careers in state or federal government (18% each), for-profit businesses or not-for-profit organizations (15% each), and academic or research institutions (13%). Among these, alumni reported that their work primarily focused on environmental change (39%), public education (30%), or sustainability (24%). In 2021-2022, SIP participants indicated in a pre-/post- survey that they had an increased familiarity of job opportunities available in government (46% to 66% in 2021 and 40% to 72% in 2022) and an increased interest in pursuing a career with a state or federal public land agency (49% to 57% in 2022). A subset of the SIP 2021-2022 cohorts, designated as Fellows (n=23), rated their overall internship experience as excellent (74%) or good (26%) and reported an increase in interpersonal skills and professional networking opportunities gained during the program to prepare them for eventual work with the NPS and/or on projects related to climate change and public land management.

Although NPS science-based internships clearly have an impact on career pathways for participants to remain in science, evidence indicates that many will end up in careers outside the federal government. Federal agencies can identify more effective ways to utilize the Direct Hire Authority, a huge draw for interns. Ultimately participants gain early exposure to tackling real-world management challenges, access to mentorship, and professional development. Organizations that build effective connections to internship programs will find highly qualified candidates for a career in science.