welcome to the marine science & environmental studies internship information page

Internships are an integral part of the capstone program. The Department of Marine Science & Environmental Studies is committed to providing students with hands-on experience to prepare them for their careers and education.

 

Purpose & Scope of Internships

1. To gain practical work experience in your field of study

2. To apply classroom knowledge to authentic work situations

3. To help focus your career goals

4. To establish contacts with professionals outside of USD

Want to learn more? Keep on scrolling!

Requirements

WARNING - DO NOT BEGIN AN INTERNSHIP WITHOUT FIRST GETTING IT APPROVED BY THE INTERNSHIP COORDINATOR - EMAIL DR. TALLEY (DTALLEY@SANDIEGO.EDU)

1. Work at an internship site for a minimum of 45 hours per unit of credit.  You will need to have a work site supervisor who is willing to monitor your progress, verify your work hours and complete the final evaluation form.  Your work time needs to be documented and approved by your supervisor and should be handed in by the end of the semester.  In addition to your hours on site you should expect to spend an additional 5-6 hours per unit of credit each semester completing assignments for your internship class.

2. Turn in a completed, signed Internship Agreement Form before the second full week of the semester.

3. Maintain a journal following the guidelines outlined HERE. At least six entries are expected per unit of credit.

4. Write two biographies (3-4 pages each) based on personal interviews with professional mentors from your internship site.

5. Visit Career Services and write a resumé and cover letter for a future job and/or internship.

6. Attend scheduled group meetings and individual meetings with the instructor.  During meetings we will discuss journal entries, resumés and cover letters, research conference presentations and other issues.

7. Have your internship supervisor turn in an evaluation of you and your internship.

8. Complete a poster of the results of your internship for presentation at the USD Creative Collaborations Conference in the spring.

All materials are due by the last day of class each semester

OPPORTUNITIES

The following is a list of places where University of San Diego students have successfully completed internships. This is BY NO MEANS comprehensive - it is just a sampling, to give you an idea of the range of places our students have trained. Your search for an internship may start here, but will undoubtedly expand to include different labs at USD and beyond; Government and non-governmental agencies - it is truly an opportunity to try out any career that interests you! So let these listings be the spark for your adventure.

PRIVATE COMPANIES/SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Environmental consulting firms (e.g., Nautilus Environmental)  
Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service  
Environmental law firms  
Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute  
Service firms  
Center for the Reproduction of Endangered Species (CRES), SD Zoo  
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR)  
The Science Exchange
EDUCATION

Ocean Discovery Institute  
Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum  
Sea Camp  
Earthwatch Institute  
Service firms  
School for Field Studies  
•Local K-12 Schools

NONPROFIT AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS

Think Green Live Clean (USD Alumni-operated!)
 
Friends of Famosa Slough  
San Diego Coastkeeper

MUSEUMS AND PARKS

City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department  
Torrey Pines State Reserve  
County of San Diego, Department of Parks and Recreation  
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park  
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation  
Cabrillo National Monument  
San Diego Natural History Museum  

OTHER

Tijuana River National Extuarine Research Reserve  
The Student Conservation Association  
Sea World  
Congressional Offices