Words from Stephen Vida

By Selen Altiok

I interned at EPA for my second and last summer with Stephen Vida in the Clean Water Division. Steve and I not only worked on clean water projects, but also on developing ideas for future jobs and schooling. My supervisor became my mentor in many ways and strengthened my list of contacts from EPA. I wanted to share his advice that he gave me since it is very meaningful and it would be helpful to share them with my peers. · EPA is certainly a great place for environmental policy graduates to work, but other fields are wanted, too. Every student has a chance to work here because people from various backgrounds and skills collaborate together and work in the federal government. Fields such as engineering, policy, geology, geography, and environmental science are just a few from the people I conversed with during my internship. · ‘EPA is a great place to work’ he would say; however, Steve remarked that if he were to rewind to his 20’s, he would choose his jobs differently. His advice was to save EPA and other federal or local government jobs for a later time and to work in more enjoyable environments. He told me that he loved his job, but it is very difficult and stressful and unnecessary for young people to endure. · AmeriCorps- It was an idea I brought up for post-graduation plans and he told me it is a great opportunity for graduates to undertake. He remarked that having AmeriCorps on a resume not only enhances that person’s chance of getting a job at EPA, but helps that person with leadership positions. · Enjoy being young! Steve told me this numerous times during my internship. He would say that it is important to find jobs, but it is even as important to remember our age. · Do not limit yourself with jobs – Steve always told me to keep an open mind when I start applying to jobs or graduate programs. There are specific jobs that we all aspire to, but as advised by my supervisor, it is beneficial to be flexible about our future jobs and programs. These key points are very significant to me and I hope they can be a tool for any of my peers. If you have any questions, you are more than welcome to contact me while I am abroad. You can also talk to me about questions regarding government jobs or specifically EPA.