While it's not really a dog-eat-dog world, I have learned that you have to be firm. Being sure in myself and my decisions is what helped me land this fellowship and is what is leading to my success in the position. It's definitely a little harder to do it in a virtual work setting, but completely doable. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your coworkers with your ideas and to advocate for them.

This fellowship has allowed me to connect with project leaders all over the country and learn about the way RTCA works with communities to better access to outdoor recreation. If I wanted to do a staff highlight or was particularly interested in a project, I would voice that and would often be assigned what I had asked for. Project leaders have been amazing to connect with and have offered help with created federal resumes and taken time to explain how they got to the position they’re in now.

Fellowships and internships like these are great ways to network, but you have to put the work in as well. Advocate for yourself so that you get the chance to travel, connect and enjoy your position to the fullest!