I loved that I received and worked on assignments the same as any full time employee would, it was a very respected position instead of being looked down upon in any way. I enjoyed the way my coworkers would ask about my weekend and how I am, and the intern events set up throughout the summer. It was also neat seeing some connections to the environmental field that I am passionate about.
What I wish was different
It was hard commuting there and back an hour and a half each way, which it seemed to be the norm for most employees - but that is tricky to avoid with the DC set up. Also pretty long days starting at 7 am and going until 4:30 pm because we had a mandatory break and the option of AWS that was hard to say no to!
Advice
Definitely take the opportunity to network and learn about other positions within the organization as well as where else people have worked, what else they have been involved with, and any advice they have for students entering the workforce. You have a lunch break every day so you might as well use it for a good purpose!
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Student Trainee - Energy Industry Analyst
July 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
Employees WANT you to succeed. People will go out of their way to help you.
What I wish was different
Sometimes, as with most government positions, work can be slow at times. This can serve as an advantage to you. Knock on office doors and see what you can do to help. Even if there isn't work, it looks good that you made the effort to try.
Advice
Try to take on as many different projects as possible so you can find your best fit at the agency. Work varies dramatically, even within specific offices.
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STARS Intern
July 2017 • Washington, DC
What I liked
I loved being able to interact with the Commissioners and Chairman on a day to day basis. While this work was mainly secretarial (your work when you do not perform coverage is based in the HR department), it was still worthwhile for a student interested in the energy industry to meet so many important contacts from the nation's largest energy companies.
What I wish was different
Nothing so far
Advice
Make sure to take the initiative to meet contacts throughout FERC if you are interested in other offices. On quiet days (Mondays and Fridays) consider walking around various offices to ask for projects if you want to receive new and different work,
