Current Events > Finding a job after college while being trapped in a crap/boring state.

(+) Yeah! (+)

I went to this college because I was told it was the best for my field/interests. Every job I apply for I get a panel interview for, but Ive received seven nos in the last two months because another applicant somehow has two to three years experience fresh after graduation.

Like, how can I get experience if I dont have a chance at a entry level position? I know the sciences. I know how to work in the field. Im driving myself nuts over here.

I cant hike or camp in this muggy place. Im stuck inside after working 10 hours doing fire restoration, demolition, flood mitigation, etc.

Did you get a degree in something like biology or forestry?

Shamino posted...

Did you get a degree in something like biology or forestry?

Bachelors of Science with a concentration in Wildlife Management. Spent two summers tracking mammals, reptiles etc. and banding migratory birds. Id like to work for the National Parks system to preserve those areas.

oof, that can be rough... I had a roommate whose girlfriend had the same major... did an internship in freaking vermont (we were attending clemson in SC) and was hoping to get a job with them and ended up not getting it.

I honestly don't know what she ended up doing, that can be rough gig to find work with from the little I heard. I would start applying out of state if you are capable/willing to move...

Alteres posted...

oof, that can be rough... I had a roommate whose girlfriend had the same major... did an internship in freaking vermont (we were attending clemson in SC) and was hoping to get a job with them and ended up not getting it.

I honestly don't know what she ended up doing, that can be rough gig to find work with from the little I heard. I would start applying out of state if you are capable/willing to move...

More than willing, but its harder to capably move with a wife and living paycheck to paycheck. Had some very promising offers in New England but my savings werent enough to relocate and many of those companies werent willing to relocate new hires. Its been so discouraging. Trying to keep my head up, though.

Hmmm...
Have you tried looking with the Forest Service just to get something going? No reason to limit yourself to NPS

Shamino posted...

Hmmm...
Have you tried looking with the Forest Service just to get something going? No reason to limit yourself to NPS

I tried. Tried to get into game warden positions as well. A lot of the jobs require me to be a registered forester or to cut logs at a sawmill. And many of them at the entry level pay similarly to what I make at my current job.

You could try FIA, forestry inventory and analysis. If you can identify trees and learn plants you are good to go. They are everywhere, but they start at GS5

Fresh out of grad school, I had to throw boxes for UPS for a year. Finally, I caught a break and everything worked out. It sucks, but keep at it.

Shamino posted...

You could try FIA, forestry inventory and analysis. If you can identify trees and learn plants you are good to go. They are everywhere, but they start at GS5

I actually am pretty good at dendro. I appreciate the advice.

Spurner posted...

Fresh out of grad school, I had to throw boxes for UPS for a year. Finally, I caught a break and everything worked out. It sucks, but keep at it.

Glad to know Im not the only one who went through this stress. Im glad it worked out for you.

Same thing happened to me. I worked for Target for a year after graduation till I caught on with the FIA in MO.

LonelyStoner posted...

Bachelors of Science with a concentration in Wildlife Management. Spent two summers tracking mammals, reptiles etc. and banding migratory birds. Id like to work for the National Parks system to preserve those areas.

I would imagine thats a field with a fairly small demand and an absolute shit ton of applicants. A lot of which will probably do it for next to nothing, or maybe even for nothing

Make some Steve Irwin type videos to submit to applicants.

Solid_Snake07 posted...

I would imagine thats a field with a fairly small demand and an absolute shit ton of applicants. A lot of which will probably do it for next to nothing, or maybe even for nothing

Well...
Since NPS/USFS is a gov't entity, vets will get priority over non vets, people with experience priority over those with none.
The thing about the FIA is that they are in every state, and it's hard to find people who want to do it, due to the travel.