Authored by Autumn Oberhart, Summer 2024 CWSF Communications Intern

As an environmental studies student with a passion for forestry, I knew when it was time to look for internship opportunities, working for a forestry-centered organization would be a dream come true. Working with the Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF) met those dreams, and beyond.

In my role as communications intern, I spent much of my time working on social media content and communications projects. One of my larger projects was the “Working in the Woods: A Career in Forestry” handout that was shared at NOAC 2024, to introduce them to forestry as a career and all the different areas they could explore that already paired with their individual interests and educational goals. 

Another project I enjoyed was creating Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) one-page story handouts to accompany web based stories; it was incredible to learn and see firsthand accounts of how these policies benefit agencies, forests, and landowners. 

About halfway through my internship, I packed my bags and headed across the pond for a three-week study abroad program in Oxford, England, centered on environmental design. I studied how natural environments shape humanity. I was fortunate enough to visit the Lake District at the end of my trip, where I explored some of the thousands of acres of forests and compared land management needs in England vs. the U.S.

As my internship with CWSF comes to an end, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have contributed to my communications and forestry skillsets and the professional growth I have had. Some of the main skills I enhanced was strategic content creation, I crafted social media posts, handouts, and blog posts with varying audiences. I had to adapt content to effectively engage various audiences who interacted with it. Managing multiple projects at once required prioritization and adherence to timelines to ensure everything stayed on course. Remote collaboration was another key aspect, with me working from Oregon and CWSF being based in Colorado. All communication took place online, offering me a valuable opportunity to learn best practices for remote work.

This fall, I will be applying to law schools with a focus on Environmental and Natural Resource Law, while also seeking programs that offer a concurrent M.S. in Environmental Science. Additionally, I will be a part of the University of Oregon’s Environmental Leadership Program, where my cohort and I will work with Indigenous practitioners to reintroduce eco-cultural burning to the Long Tom Watershed. 

It was a privilege to work with an organization that centers its mission on the people responsible for our forests. The time I’ve spent with CWSF has impacted me in the best ways. I look forward to continuing my journey in forestry and advocacy. 

Thank you to the NASF Foundation for funding this internship; it has truly been an unforgettable part of my academic and professional journey. 

If you’d like to keep up with me and my adventure through school and forestry, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn! 

Learn more about Autumn's internship in the video below!