Dylan Kibel

Name: Dylan Kibel
Hometown: Cortez, Colo.
Major/Minor: Fisheries and Wildlife – focuses on both Fisheries and Wildlife
Graduation Year: 2025

What are you involved in on campus?
On campus, I’ve been involved in fisheries and wildlife labs, taking part in projects that deal with fish ID, habitat work, and wildlife management.

What made you choose VCSU?
I originally came to VCSU to play baseball and even though I no longer play, I stayed because of VCSU’s strong Fisheries and Wildlife program, small class sizes, and hands-on field experience. It’s a close-knit, supportive campus that offers great opportunities at an affordable cost.

What inspired you to choose your major? Was there a certain moment growing up or someone who inspired you?
I chose this major because I’ve always had a deep connection to the outdoors. Growing up in Colorado, fishing made me curious about what goes on beneath the surface, how fish behave, how ecosystems stay balanced, and what it takes to manage those resources. That curiosity turned into wanting a career where I could be part of the conservation side of it.

What has been your favorite project or research experience during your internship?
My favorite experiences have been through guiding and fieldwork. I’ve spent my summers guiding in Alaska and fly-fish guiding in Montana. Those jobs taught me a lot about people, professionalism, and staying sharp in the field. My biggest takeaways are that first impressions last, you get what you put in, and applying a sense of pride, and professionalism whether you’re guiding clients or working with a crew.

How do you envision combining your passion for wildlife, fly fishing, and guiding into a long-term career?
Long term, I want to tie together my passion for wildlife, fisheries, and fly fishing into a career in fisheries biology or resource management, ideally somewhere in Alaska. I’d love to keep guiding on the side too, it’s a great way to stay connected to the water and share that passion with others.

Are there certifications, skills, or experiences you hope to gain before graduating?
Before I graduate, I want to keep building my technical side, especially with electrofishing, GIS mapping, and data analysis. I’m also working toward certifications like boater safety, 6pack, and possibly a captain’s license down the road. The more tools I have to offer a crew, the better.

How can students make the most out of their internships to benefit their future career?

For anyone going into internships, I’d say make the most of every day. Be early, ask questions, and take the initiative to help out beyond what’s expected. People notice effort, and the more you put into it, the more doors you open for yourself down the road. Stay connected and build as many connections as possible within this field, or whatever field you’d like to be in, it’s a very small world.