California Natural Resources Agency Internship

Sacramento, CA

I was fortunate to secure an internship position with the California Natural Resources Agency this summer to work with the Climate Team.  The Agency is required by statute to write and update the Safeguarding California Adaptation Plan every three years. Daily, I liaised with leaders in other agencies to seek out the most relevant and robust information to incorporate into Safeguarding’s general guidelines that will be released to the public later this year.  I summarized specific state-funded project examples to show readers how California is actually integrating adaptation into a way of life.  The document itself is a very top-down approach to governing climate change adaptive planning, yet it is an essential tool to maintain autonomy across the various offices throughout California’s government.

I’ve been learning how essential Agency work can be at establishing a baseline for all tiers of government.  The key sector leads and deputies in various agencies discuss whether, why, and how a policy should be constructed.  Various government assemblages then develop more specific guidelines informed by their respective expertise.  Leaders of these groups constantly compare data and best practices to ensure that the general tone of the administration and goals of each agency are reflected in the strategies that are eventually released to the public.

My advice to everyone: NETWORK! The best possible thing you can do for your career is to talk about your passions and ask as many questions as possible. Ask people to coffee and simply learn why and how they landed the position they have.

If you are really good at socializing, maybe tell a funny story or two, they’ll remember you and go out of their way to connect you with others who can help you along your path. Either way, follow-up after these conversations and say thank you. Generally, people are more than happy to have talk and share their insights with someone at the start of their career.

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