Nair Perez-Torres

Describe the steps you took to obtain your internship.

I searched online for internships in the National Park Service and found the LHIP pathway. I applied through LHIP and went through two rounds of interviews before I was notified that I had been selected and offered a position as an Interpretive Intern at Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky District.

How far in advance did you prepare and begin applying for your experiential learning opportunity?

I had been preparing for at least a few months before my internship began. I researched my site, the kind of work I would be doing, and I watched youtube videos on ranger programs and "tours" of the park I would be working at.

If you used any Career Center services, resources, or events to obtain your internship, what were they? How did they support your application process?

I used the resume workshop at the career center.

Describe some of your responsibilities or duties during your experiential learning opportunity.

Assisting at the visitor center, roving trails, creating and presenting ranger programs, participating in outreach and community events, translation (English/Spanish), recording visitor statistics, giving information on backcountry use and camping, social media posts.

What was a typical day like "on the job?"

A typical day for me would be doing a ranger program, then going out on a rove for a few hours. Later in the day I'm usually assisting at the visitor center or working on projects.

What are some major takeaways from your experience? How will these help prepare you for the next step after graduation?

In this job, I've gained valuable experience in customer service by staffing the visitor center and answering visitor questions. Preparing and presenting interpretive programs improved my public speaking and research skills. Recording visitor statistics and making operational recommendations developed my analytical abilities. Participating in special projects and outreach events like Latino Conservation Week and Southeast Utah AstroFest has enhanced my ability to engage with diverse audiences. These experiences have equipped me with strong communication, educational, and problem-solving skills, preparing me well for the next step after graduation.

Did this experience help clarify your career path? If yes, how so?

Yes! I've combined my love for nature with my love for community outreach and engagement. I am truly happy working for the National Park Service, I think I've found my passion (or at least a career path I'm very interested in).