Weathering hip-deep water and completing projects from inside a ditch were all just part of the job for environmental science major Faith DaSilva ’25 during an internship with Mass Audubon. Despite sometimes challenging elements, her work with their Salt Marsh Science Program gave her field-based conservation research experience and allowed her to learn more about working for a nonprofit environmental organization. The internship confirmed her career path and also taught her that environmental science is an immensely collaborative field where positive change is made possible by the work of many.
What was your internship & what were your primary responsibilities?
I interned with Mass Audubon as a Coastal Education Intern. My primary responsibility was assisting with the Salt Marsh Science Program, a field-based science program for middle to high-school-aged students to learn about salt marsh ecosystems.
How did your internship relate to your major or career goals?
I plan to pursue field-based conservation research, and this internship allowed me to gain experience with scientific fieldwork and learn more about conservation science through the lens of a non-profit environmental organization.
Can you describe a project you worked on during your internship that you found particularly challenging or rewarding?
This internship required a lot of time spent outdoors, setting up field sites, facilitating educational programs, and assisting with salt marsh restoration. These tasks were often completed in unpredictable conditions: during a rainstorm, in a ditch, or in a hip-deep in water. The elements proved to be challenging at some points when I was unprepared (didn't have a raincoat) but rewarding when the job got done.
What skills did you develop or improve during your internship?
I tremendously improved my teaching skills throughout the course of this internship. At least twice a week, I was responsible for independently teaching a class of 20 students about the salt marsh and the field procedures they needed to execute. At the beginning of the internship, I felt intimidated by the thought of teaching students by myself. But by the end of the internship, I felt comfortable navigating a lesson plan and effectively communicating scientific concepts to students.
How did your internship help you understand the industry or field you're interested in?
My internship opened my eyes to the various paths I could take within the broad field of Environmental Science. I was introduced to countless environmental organizations, scientific institutions, and advocacy groups throughout my time with Mass Audubon. I was offered guidance by professionals in my field and explored what awaited me after graduation. I now better understand the next steps I will take and the type of career I want to pursue.
What was the most surprising thing you learned during your internship?
The most surprising thing I learned during my internship is that environmental science is an immensely collaborative field. In labs, classrooms, and meeting rooms alike there is a constant and unifying purpose to better the health of the environment. No significant change is ever made in solitude, and remarkable change is made with the work of many.
How did the internship environment compare to your expectations of a professional workplace?
My internship environment matched my expectations of a professional workplace. It was neat and organized, and the people who worked there were kind and professional.
Were any specific courses or knowledge from your major particularly useful during your internship?
There were several—Principles of Modern Conservation, Environmental Science I + II, Advanced Ecology, Plant Biology, and Marine Biology were all courses that helped me during this internship.
How will this internship impact your future job prospects or academic pursuits?
This internship will be a good starting point for my future job search. I can talk about my experiences from this internship in interviews and ask my supervisor for references.