I couldn't rate my SCA experience any better. I led a Seeds of Success crew in southern UT in 2003 and later worked on a condor recovery team in CA. They were both invaluable positions, as well as very different, and I know they helped me not only develop skills but also break into the "real" job market afterward. After those two gigs I starting working for the USFS and NPS and haven't looked back. Lots of people in leadership positions have also gone through the ranks of SCA. There's no better organization out there.
I would recommend talking extensively with whoever you would go to work for - whatever staff member you'd report to on a daily basis, and ideally a potential co-worker or current intern. You'll get a much more specific idea of what you're in for that way. Not everyone had experiences as great as mine (and mine weren't always great, except in balance), so it is worth doing some homework. But once you try it chances are you'll be hooked. You meet great people, live the life, and develop field-based insights into whether the work is right for you. And you'll probably get enough inspiration to propel you into the field for years to come. Good luck! Mike Kirkpatrick
