2 answers
Kathryn
Student
College Station, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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What are the Pros and Cons of out-of-state internships for wildlife majors?
Howdy,
I am a student at Texas A&M University and am looking into internships for this upcoming summer. I'm wondering if the pros of an out-of-state internship would outweigh being away from my family (I have a niece coming during the summer, and my fiancé lives here as well).
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2 answers
Christina Owens
Senior Technical Writer/Career Identity Architect
34
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Howdy Kathryn 🤠🌾 — first off, congratulations on planning ahead and for being self-aware enough to weigh the personal and professional sides of your choice. That balance you’re seeking? It’s the same one the best wildlife professionals carry into the field every day—understanding that both ecosystems and lives need harmony. 🌍💚
Out-of-state internships can be incredible adventures, but they do come with trade-offs. Let’s walk through both sides so you can make a decision that fits your heart and your goals.
🌄 Pros of Going Out-of-State:
• Exposure to New Ecosystems. Every environment teaches something different—wetlands, deserts, coasts, mountains. That variety can make your resume stand out and deepen your field skills. 🏔️🦜
• Networking Beyond Your State. You’ll meet professionals, researchers, and mentors who may open doors you didn’t even know existed. Sometimes, those connections lead to graduate school or job offers down the road. 🔗🌿
• Personal Growth & Independence. Living away from home, even for a few months, builds resilience and adaptability—two traits that wildlife employers love. 🌱💪
• Adventure & Perspective. You’ll return with stories, skills, and confidence that expand your sense of what’s possible. 🌎✨
🏡 Cons (and How to Soften Them):
• Distance from Loved Ones. Missing key moments—like your niece’s arrival or time with your fiancé—can feel heavy. But remember: this season is temporary. You can still be present through planning—schedule video calls, send updates, and plan visits or post-internship celebrations. 💞📱
• Higher Costs. Out-of-state internships may mean housing or travel expenses. Look for stipends, student grants, or host programs (like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Student Conservation Association) that help offset costs. 💸🐾
• Emotional Adjustment. It takes a couple of weeks to settle in, but that discomfort is often the soil where confidence grows. Keep perspective—it’s not leaving, it’s launching. 🚀
Here’s the truth: neither choice is wrong. One grows your roots; the other grows your wings. The right answer is the one that matches what you need this summer—not forever. Sometimes the best career move is to stay close and build relationships; other times, it’s to step away and bring new wisdom home. 🌳🕊️
Whatever you choose, do it with intention, not fear. The field will still be there when you return—and so will your family.
Keep your will conditioned and your balance aligned. 💫
— Christina Owens | CoachOwens
https://coachowens.com | Follow on LinkedIn @CoachOwens 🌱💼
Be fearless in what sets your soul on fire. ❤️🔥
Out-of-state internships can be incredible adventures, but they do come with trade-offs. Let’s walk through both sides so you can make a decision that fits your heart and your goals.
🌄 Pros of Going Out-of-State:
• Exposure to New Ecosystems. Every environment teaches something different—wetlands, deserts, coasts, mountains. That variety can make your resume stand out and deepen your field skills. 🏔️🦜
• Networking Beyond Your State. You’ll meet professionals, researchers, and mentors who may open doors you didn’t even know existed. Sometimes, those connections lead to graduate school or job offers down the road. 🔗🌿
• Personal Growth & Independence. Living away from home, even for a few months, builds resilience and adaptability—two traits that wildlife employers love. 🌱💪
• Adventure & Perspective. You’ll return with stories, skills, and confidence that expand your sense of what’s possible. 🌎✨
🏡 Cons (and How to Soften Them):
• Distance from Loved Ones. Missing key moments—like your niece’s arrival or time with your fiancé—can feel heavy. But remember: this season is temporary. You can still be present through planning—schedule video calls, send updates, and plan visits or post-internship celebrations. 💞📱
• Higher Costs. Out-of-state internships may mean housing or travel expenses. Look for stipends, student grants, or host programs (like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Student Conservation Association) that help offset costs. 💸🐾
• Emotional Adjustment. It takes a couple of weeks to settle in, but that discomfort is often the soil where confidence grows. Keep perspective—it’s not leaving, it’s launching. 🚀
Here’s the truth: neither choice is wrong. One grows your roots; the other grows your wings. The right answer is the one that matches what you need this summer—not forever. Sometimes the best career move is to stay close and build relationships; other times, it’s to step away and bring new wisdom home. 🌳🕊️
Whatever you choose, do it with intention, not fear. The field will still be there when you return—and so will your family.
Keep your will conditioned and your balance aligned. 💫
— Christina Owens | CoachOwens
https://coachowens.com | Follow on LinkedIn @CoachOwens 🌱💼
Be fearless in what sets your soul on fire. ❤️🔥
Kristy-Lyn McCoy, PMP®
People Intelligence & Analytics
16
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kristy-Lyn’s Answer
Hi! I don't think that the location of the internship is as important as the experience is provides. So the question is really :does this out of state internship offering you an opportunity that you cannot get more locally? If the answer is yes, then I suggest making a pros-and-cons list, considering the following:
How long is it? Weeks? Months?
Will you be unhappy being away for an extended period?
Can you afford to move for the duration of the internship? Do they pay for your living expenses?
What are the logistics of living elsewhere: how will you get there and where will you stay?
Is it possible to return home easily?
It is a truly personal choice and depending on what your ultimate goal is for your career/experience, it may be a great option! But if you think that you will not benefit from the experience either because you can gain similar experience closer to home or because you'll be unhappy being away -- that is most certainly something to consider.
How long is it? Weeks? Months?
Will you be unhappy being away for an extended period?
Can you afford to move for the duration of the internship? Do they pay for your living expenses?
What are the logistics of living elsewhere: how will you get there and where will you stay?
Is it possible to return home easily?
It is a truly personal choice and depending on what your ultimate goal is for your career/experience, it may be a great option! But if you think that you will not benefit from the experience either because you can gain similar experience closer to home or because you'll be unhappy being away -- that is most certainly something to consider.