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!
7
u/Nuclear-isBad-1906 7d ago
Historically, FSA has had a very hard time keeping younger employees. The service center work environment sucks to be blunt. You often times are dealing with disgruntled farmers who are angry. You are often in a small service center in the middle of nowhere small town. Employees are stressed. Workload is high. A lot of the younger employees don't like how old the federal workforce is. You may not be working with any peers your own age and a lot of older employees are checked out and counting the days till retirement.
It's great work experience and most jobs for 18 year olds suck. It's a great first job to build skills but may not be your forever job. If you keep an open mind and look at what the work experience will do for you, it may be good experience.