Policy pathways: My route to the federal government through the ORISE and presidential management fellowships

There are numerous opportunities for ecologists to work in the federal government, but getting there is not always easy. To make the leap, there are internship and fellowship programs designed specifically to give scientists the skills and experience necessary for a career in public service. My journey took me from a graduate program in ecology to working in the government as an ORISE intern, and then a Presidential Management Fellow. I will share the steps I took, sometimes in the wrong direction, and what I learned along the way.