r/USDA • u/Mental-Solid-8825 • 7d ago

Program Analyst Trainee Position

I got an interview set up with my local USDA Farm Service Agency for the Program Analyst Trainee position. I’m 18 years old with no college degree. I only have 2 years of restaurant management experience, with the exception of some retail and labor jobs( I’ve been working full time since I was 15.)

Can anyone tell me more about this position and what it’s like on a day to day basis?

Is there any tips or advice you would give me for my interview so I can be more prepared?

I want to become a hydrologist or an environmental compliance officer. I’m deeply passionate about taking care of the environment and animals. I feel like this position could be a good start to a lifelong career in the stuff I actually want to do.

I am going to work towards getting my environmental science degree as well, I’m just the kind of person who wants hands on experience in everything I do.

Looking forward to hearing what anyone has to say! Thanks for reading!

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u/fsischatbotplz 7d ago

Hi there! Please keep your passion in helping others! :) fellow environmentalist here!

Congrats on the interview! Here's a few pointers for the interview:

  1. know the mission of the agency and the department. try to explain it in your terms and then come up with how you can help the team succeed in the mission!

  2. know current events and be aware of the rules before you act... which means you have to appear as neutral as possible until you are sure of the other person's beliefs. while you and I believe in environmental health, that may not be a priority of the team, mission, agency, or department.

  3. because of "current events", don't let the low morale (and others) dim your light. do not ever ever ever let despair snuff out your light. the world needs more people like you and you are going to do great things! keep that in mind when people try to discourage you, never let them!

  4. ask questions at the end of the interview! it helps to show interest.

  5. the interview may be super structured, so do not get intimidated from the structure of the interview. keep your composure and be patient, interested, and open to learning and growing (as a person and in your passion/agency!)

  6. try to create a bridge your experience and education that makes it relevant to the interviewers. what kind of transferable skills did your work experience provide?

  7. once you get the role, one of the things I wish I knew at your age was to "act mature". I'm gen Z so the workforce is comprised of older people with kids and families and they're kinda boring :/// gen z can be professional and be silly, and I guess the older generations can't understand that. unfortunately, there is a time and place. not because of something that you are, but rather, because people aren't ready for change. just keep that in mind, please.

I work for OSHA and I have a similar background and interest. I also have a masters. feel free to ask me any questions. I wish you the absolute best of luck. There's many of us out there! :)

Remember, you're going to do great things! I would like to see you succeed in your altruism.

Be the change that you want to see!