As I approach the midpoint of my fellowship, I’m thinking more about the opportunities that lie ahead. The Direct Hire Authority granted to successful DFP’s allows us to more easily pursue a career in government. I’ve had an interest in government work for some time, but it now feels like an immediate opportunity, something I need to grab hold of before it slips away.

So, I need to decide what it is about government work that most appeals to me, and how to pursue those most attractive pieces. So far, I have felt most successful and gratified when I have been able to directly help people learn something or achieve their goals: both during this fellowship and in other jobs that I have held. I like working with people and finding solutions to problems that fit the person, not just the situation. The context of this problem-solving has varied: as an IT Helpdesk employee, a technology tutor, a DFP – but the constant has been helping others access specialized knowledge in a way that fits their needs.

There seems to be quite a bit of specialized knowledge that comes with government work: the complex organizational hierarchy, the social perception of the government, and, of course, the many acronyms. As a fellow of five weeks, I’m only ankle-deep in these complex workings. But as I wade deeper, I want to keep an eye on the shore, toward the people without any of the context, and remember that I can be their guide.

Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Program: Directorate Fellows Program

Location: Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office