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Overview | Internship Reports

Internship Funding Panel and Information Session

The 2009 fall internship information session has already taken place.  Our next internship informational session will be in the fall of 2010.  If you need assistance in finding an internship, please contact SNRE's Internship Coordinator at kleclair@umich.edu

Quick Links to Important Internship Information

**Click on links below to access resources by topic area

SNRE Student Internship Placements

2009 Internship Placement Map

2008 Internship Placement Map

Internship Reports

  • At SNRE, students submit internship reports after their internship. Click here to view our student internship reports.

Create your own internship report!

  • Are you a current SNRE student or a SNRE alumnus that has completed an internship?
  • Would you like to share your internship experience with other students?
  • When you tell us about your internship experience, SNRE can create an informational internship report that will be added to the other internship reports on the SNRE internship website. Tell us about your experience by completing our Internship Survey.
  • Take me to the Survey!

Why do an Internship?

  • An Internship can lead to a full-time job offer.  According to a recent Experiential Education Survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, "The percent of interns converted to full-time employees has increased from 35.6% in 2001 to 50.5% in 2008.”
  • Internships can provide a valuable professional development experience unlike no other. Students who do internships are usually looking for ways to improve their skills, gain real world work experience, and want to network with professionals in the field.
  • When looking for an internship, a student should think of their dream job. Many times students can search for a job posting on the Internet of their dream job. After reading the job description, it’s usually the case that more experience or skills are needed in order to be successful in the position…and to get the job. This is why an internship is so vitally important. Internships not only provide the work experience, but they offer a place to gain skills that are necessary for their dream jobs.
  • Another benefit of an internship is that students learn the culture of the organization in which they are interning. The internship experience may show a student that they absolutely love working for a non-profit organization, or that they may be better suited for work with the government. Internships give students an ability to see just what employment sector fits their needs the best. This can either solidify their career goals or show the student that another employment sector may be a better fit for their needs.
  • Internships offer an experience that can be a key to success in the environment field.

I Need an Internship - What should I do?

Are you currently searching for an internship or will you be searching for one in the future? SNRE has a few different resources to help you with your internship search:

eRecruiter logo

  • eRecruiter is the portal for any SNRE student or alumni to search for internships posted by SNRE Career Services Staff or employers on our career services website. Also allows current students to search for alumni and employers who are interested in hosting an SNRE intern. Students can reach out alumni, employer contacts, and current students to find an internship - and you can view their profiles on-line! Internship events, such as funding workshops, are also listed on eRecruiter.
  • Check out the 2009 Internship Placement Map or the 2008 Internship Placement Map
  • Organization List Click on this link if you are interested in a list of organizations who have hired SNRE interns from 2005-2007.
  • Check out a list of frequently used job and internship posting websites: SNRE Job and Internship Posting Sites
  • Check out MI Internships to view a list of employers who have internship programs in the State of Michigan
  • Intern In Michigan - a new website dedicated to helping students find internships in Michigan
  • U-M inCircle is an online directory and networking community that contains all University of Michigan alumni and students. It offers all the basic functions of an online directory (the ability to search for friends and colleagues) plus the ability to create your own personal network.
  • LinkedIn is an online networking tool that helps you expand your professional network by gaining access to the professional contacts of your friends, family, and colleagues.
  • If you need help with networking or reaching out to alumni, check out these resources on informational interviewing:

Are Internships Required at SNRE?

At SNRE, internships are not required, but are strongly encouraged.

Internship Funding Opportunities

Unfortunately, not all internships are paid. Check out the following links for internship funding opportunities.

The David O. Matthews Conservation Award (click here for application information)

The David O. Matthews Conservation Award was established to support an SNRE graduate student who will volunteer with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in the Division of International Conservation in the Wildlife Without Borders Program (Latin America and Caribbean Branch).

Requirements to apply-

  • Currently enrolled SNRE graduate students.  Both students graduating or returning in the fall semester are eligible to apply.  Wildlife Without Borders would prefer to have master's students, rather than doctoral students, but all students are encouraged to apply.  
  • Must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA must be at least 5.0)
  • Proficient in Spanish (converse on the phone, email) 
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Skills  
  • No criminal record (there will be a background check)

Edna Bailey Sussman Foundation Support (click here for application materials and general information)

Requirements to apply-

  • Currently enrolled SNRE graduate students who will be continuing their education beyond Winter Term of 2010 (i.e. you will be continuing your master's or doctoral program into the 2010-2011 academic year or will be starting a Ph.D. program at SNRE in the fall after completing your master's degree)
  • Must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA must be at least 5.0)
  • Internship should offer opportunities for 'real world, hands on' experience
  • Interns will be utilized in an assignment involving the preservation of wildlife, the control of pollution, the preservation of natural land resources, or similar subject matter related to the environment.
  • No funding is provided for international internships. Internships must occur inside the U.S. or its territories and the primary focus of the internship must be on an area or with a population in the U.S.
  • No funding is provided for internships that involve any kind of advocacy or lobbying (although the host organization itself can be involved in lobbying)
  • Internships with private sector sponsors may be submitted but are rarely funded
  • Internships cannot take place on the UM campus or with a UM professor
  • Internships that would have otherwise been funded in full by the host organization are not eligible

Sussman Fund Internship Reports


Marshall Weinberg Fellowship Program (click here for application materials and general information)

Requirements to apply-

  • Have a proposed internship that is relevant to the student’s professional development and have a hosting organization with a staff member that is willing to supervise the student intern.
  • Be an SNRE graduate student in good academic standing (cumulative GPA must be at least 5.0)
  • Preference will be given to students who plan to return to SNRE for classes upon completion of the internship.  Internships proposed by students graduating in April, May, or August will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  
  • Preference will be given to students who have created an internship with a non-profit or government sector employer. Internships with a private sector employer (small start up or small firms) may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Internships that focus on a research project will not be supported. 
  • Students may not receive Weinberg funding more than once.  
  • Preference will be given to students who have never had a professional experience in their field of study.
  • The Marshall Weinberg Fellowship Program is intended to be the sole source of funding for an internship experience. Students may not combine funding sources (ie. Sussman, Matthews, Doris Duke, Erb Institute, Wyss, International Institute, funding provided by the employer, or other types of funding) for this internship.

Weinberg Fellowship Program Internship Reports

Other Sources for Funding Opportunities

  • SNRE’s Student Funding Database
  • Rackham Financial Assistance
  • The UM Graduate Library has a wonderful Resource Guide for Foundations and Grants.  There are also some selected academic funding sources for the sciences in a Natural Resources Guide.  Both guides list print and electronic resources for many different sources of funding.
  • UM Funding Opportunity Database
  • William Davidson Institute Global Impact Internship Program
    • A complete listing of internship projects will be available in January of each year. There is a focus on international business.
  • International Institute Internship Funding
    • Eligible internship or research projects must be one month in length and constitute at least a 30-hour-per-week time commitment.
    • The application deadline is in February of each year.  Award amounts are up to $5,000.
    • In 2008, 12 SNRE students received this fellowship. In 2009, 5 SNRE students received this fellowship.
  • International Institute (Area Studies Centers)
    • If interning internationally, check with the International Institute to see if there is internship funding available for your internship within your country of interest.  Click on "Centers" to find your area of interest. 
  • Check out the International Center's Website on Funding Internships and Research.  This is a great resource for students looking to obtain internship funding. 
  • UM Center for the Education of Women
    • Funding available for summer research and internships.
    • Applications are usually due in January of each year.
  • Raoul Wallenberg International Summer Travel Fellowship
    • The Raoul Wallenberg International Summer Travel Fellowship for students who take part in a community service project or civic participation anywhere in the world.
    • Graduate and graduate/professional students must be in good standing and actively pursuing a degree full-time, with a GPA of 6.0 or better, and be enrolled for at least one semester following return to the U.S.
    • Applications are due in February of each year.
  • Ginsberg Center Fellowships for Service
    • The Ginsberg Student Fellowships provide University of Michigan students with an opportunity to make a significant contribution to a community in partnership with a community-based organization. Community service and civic participation is a main focus of the Ginsberg Center.
    • The application is due in February of each year.
  • Nonprofit and Public Management Center
    • Self-Directed Internship grants for students in the Schools of Business, Public Policy, and Social Work
  • Luce Scholars Program
    • The Luce Scholars Program provides stipends and internships for 18 young Americans to live and work in Asia each year. Placements can be made in the following countries in East and Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, China and Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
    • The application deadline is in early October of each year. 2009 deadline is October 1st.   
  • Center for Russian and East European Studies
    • Grants are available for summer research or internships.  The grants are intended to promote projects or internships at institutions in Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union. 
    • The application deadline is in March of each year.  Awards range from $500 to $1,500.
  • Center for European Studies
    • Grants are available for summer research or internships.  The grants are intended to promote the study of Europe and European integration.
    • The application deadline is in March of each year.  Awards range from $500 to $1,500.
  • Center for Japanese Studies 
    • The Center for Japanese Studies administers a number of fellowships that can be used for intensive Japanese language study, research travel to Japan, or unpaid internships to Japan. 
    • The application deadline is in early February.  Approximately 10 summer fellowship awards are given out each year.  For more information, contact cjsadmissions@umich.edu
  • Institute for Humane Studies, Humane Studies Fellowships
    • This is a funding opportunity through the Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University.
    • The internship focus must be exploring the principles, practices, and institutions necessary to a free society.
    • The deadline to apply is in December.  The fellowships are up to $12,000.
  • University of Michigan Center for Global Health
    • The UM Center for Global Health generates novel approaches and partnerships that improve health and redress pressing health inequalities.  Areas of interest include: Noncommunicable disease and mental health, Health effects of urbanization, Health systems strengthening and human resources for health, and Global environmental changes and health. 
    • The UM Center for Global Health offers a Student Global Health Engagement Program and a Student Research Scholarship Program.  
  • Interning with a non-profit? Check out this website for airline ticket discounts: http://www.flyforgood.com/
  • Also research hometown civic organizations (for example: Rotary or Kiwanis); your undergraduate Alumni Association; or a professional association affiliated with your interest area (you might propose to this professional organization that funding your unpaid internship matches with their mission).

Recommended Internship Programs

  • CDS Internship Opportunities
    • Summer Internships in Germany, Spain and Argentina, placement programs open to all students enrolled at a US university, internships are 2-3 months; mostly paid in Germany, unpaid in Spain and Argentina. German or Spanish language skills required. Deadlines usually in December (for Germany) or in January (for Argentina and Spain). Internship funding maybe available through: UM European Union Center, International Institute, CDS, UM German Department, or the German-American Chamber of Commerce.
    • Bosch Fellowships (in Germany), for students who will have a graduate degree by the time of participation. Enables outstanding young American professionals (ages 23-34) with graduate training to acquire an in-depth understanding of the political, economic, and cultural environment of Germany and Europe through an intensive, nine-month work and study fellowship program. Deadline usually in October.
    • Alfa Fellowship (in Russia), for students who will have a graduate degree by the time of participation. Enables outstanding young American professionals (ages 25-35) with a graduate degree or equivalent training to develop a genuine expertise through in-country language training, a seminar in Moscow and individualized professional assignments. Russian language proficiency is preferred. Deadline usually in December.
    • Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals Work-study scholarship program in Germany; enables 75 young adults (US citizens or permanent residents) with a high school diploma (18-24 years) to spend a year in Germany (2 months intensive language training, 4 months of college instruction and 5 months internship). Deadline usually in December.
    • For more information on CDS internship opportunties, please contact Peggy Wunderwald-Jensen, U-M's CDS representative, at pwjensen@umich.edu
  • Asian Development Bank Internship Program
  • Alaska Conservation Foundation Internship Program
  • Abroad China
  • Sierra Club Internships (San Francisco, CA)
  • Sierra Club Internships (Washington, DC)
  • Foundation for Sustainable Development
  • Smithsonian Environmental Research Center's (SERC) Internship Program
  • The Carter Center Internship Program
  • Conservancy of Southwest Florida
  • Environmental Defense Fund Internships
  • Environmental Defense Fund - Climate Corps (MS/MBA students)
  • Earthwatch Institute Internships
  • The White House Internship Program
  • The Koch Internship Program
  • Defenders of Wildlife Law Internships
  • EPA Summer Internship Opportunities
  • Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) - US Department of Justice
  • Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education
  • Public Policy Institute of California
  • U of M Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Internships
  • National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE)
  • US Department of State - Student Internships
  • IAESTE Engineering & Science Internships
    • IAESTE United States connects students in technical fields of study to paid internship opportunities in over 40 countries on six continents. Internships are usually 8 to 12 weeks in length during the summer, but programs can be extended for up to 1 year. Deadline usually in early January.
    • To be eligible to apply for an IAESTE internship, students must be enrolled in a technical field of study (engineering, science, technology, mathematics, architecture, etc.) at a U.S. university, be between the ages of 19 and 30, have at least sophomore level standing, and be a member of IAESTE United States (students can join as part of the application process). Graduate students and non-US citizens are also eligible to apply.

    Helpful Internship Hints

    • Before you start your internship, you should know what will be expected and what goals you are aiming for. Develop a specific “work plan” with your internship host. The work plan details the scope and purpose of the project, describes project methodology, lists action steps and milestones along the way, and the deliverables agreed upon. Agreeing upon a work plan with your internship host is the best way to avoid frustration for both you and the host!
    • Make sure it’s clear with your internship host what you would like to gain from the internship so you can work towards those goals together! You may also wish to discuss a timeline and the way you will go about accomplishing your goals.
    • Let's say that you know your internship goal is to complete a report on the need of a specific community to have a brownfield developed into usable public space. Do you know how to do a survey, analyze the data in Excel, do the soil analysis, and create the plans for the new space? These may be areas in which your internship host will expect that you have experience…and you may not. You should be upfront and honest with your internship host in the beginning on what you can or cannot do so that your internship host can either count on you to lead a project or count on having someone in the organization train you on how to assist on the project.
    • Do your research on the organization in which you will be interning. Not only will you know what to expect, but it will enable you to speak eloquently when talking to staff members and stakeholders about the organization.
    • Potential employers may ask you about your internship experience and the type of organization in which you worked. Being able to say that you worked for an organization that was in 17 different countries, had x, y, and z as goals, and annually gave $13 million in grants, without having to look up the information, maybe exactly what your potential employer wants to hear! If you are knowledgeable about your past employers, it will show your potential current employer that you more than likely will be very knowledgeable about their organization as well.
    • When looking for internship opportunities, think of your dream job. Then imagine how the job posting/announcement would read for this job (you can actually Google your dream job and usually find sample job postings). Read the posting and highlight any qualifications or skills the job requires. Circle those skills/qualifications in which you do not have any experience or need help. Then look for internships where you can gain the necessary skills/qualifications to make your dream job become a reality. Click here for SNRE Career Placement Statistics...see where other SNRE grads have found their dream job!
    • Remember to have fun! Your internship should be a challenging, memorable, and rewarding experience.
    • Remember to fill out the SNRE Internship Survey when you have completed your internship. This helps other students learn more about internships and can help others decide where they would like to intern.
    • If you are unsure of what type of internship you would like or where you’d like to work, contact SNRE’s Internship Coordinator. We can work together to find an internship that is the right fit for you!!
    • Check out these great resource from the UM School of Public Policy: Internship Search Guide & Making the Most of Your Internship

    Helpful Internship Hints from Fellow Students:  

    • U of M inherently lets students out earlier than other universities; therefore U of M students can usually start their internships earlier than students from other schools (this can help you get an internship if a host organization is looking for someone to start soon). 

    • It is essential to develop a work plan for your internship.  In many cases, having a concrete work plan with specific goals, deliverables, and deadlines allows students to get out of doing random tasks needed around the office (such as making copies) that a typical intern is sometimes asked to do. 

    • Make sure you know what your deliverables are.  If you aren't sure, it could make for a disappointing internship experience where important skills are not gained. 

    • Be sure to ask if you will have your own desk and computer (if applicable).  Some employers expect you to bring your laptop. 

    • It's good advice to set up weekly meetings with your supervisor.  Many supervisors are busy and a weekly meeting guarantees that you will have time to ask questions and get feedback about your deliverables.  Plus it's great to build a professional relationship with this key contact within your area of interest.

    • Try to make your internship host commit to sending you to a conference or at least commit to helping you meet contacts in your area of interest.  This is key to your professional development.

    Health Care Considerations

    Don’t start an internship without heath care; you never know what may happen! Be especially mindful of health care and transportation issues, especially in areas that you are unfamiliar with or in foreign countries. Always be careful of your surroundings. Use great care, no matter where you are.

    The University of Michigan offers health insurance for all students traveling abroad. Effective January 1, 2008 this insurance will be available to all members of University community for purchase. It is required for undergraduates on University-sponsored programs, and strongly recommended to all students traveling abroad (certain graduate/professional school programs have decided to require it). It may be purchased for groups by administrators, or purchased by individuals. Individuals may purchase the insurance for spouses, domestic partners, or dependents that are traveling with them. (It is not available for alumni, for whom travel insurance is available through the Alumni Association).

    The new policy has far better coverage than any travel abroad plan available to individuals, and costs only $1.00 per day (plus a $5 enrollment charge). SNRE does not purchase this insurance for students; it is up to the student to purchase the health insurance.

    Here are a few websites that have information on traveling healthy and options for student health care:

    • The University Health Services website offers full information about the Travel Abroad Health Insurance (including how to enroll): http://www.uhs.umich.edu/tai/
    • Signing up takes just a few minutes and is done online, where you may pay using your credit card:
      http://www.hthstudents.com (click on the University of Michigan button). 
    • Feel free to contact Bill Nolting at bnolting@umich.edu or at 734-647-2299 if you have any questions about health insurance for traveling abroad.
    • For more information on traveling healthy abroad, go to Travel Health Services: http://www.uhs.umich.edu/travelhealth
    • The University of Michigan also offers Domestic Health Insurance for students, see website for information and how to enroll: http://www.uhs.umich.edu/msa

    Guidelines for SNRE Student Interns

    As members of the SNRE community, SNRE Student Interns (SNRE students that are conducting a paid or unpaid internship with a professional host organization) are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Work done by interns can have a direct impact on the quality of life for all people. Interns must remember that they are representing the University of Michigan at all times, both on and off the clock. Interns should remember that their actions can have very positive effects on both people and the environment, but that some actions could also have detrimental effects for the future of the SNRE Internship Program, both at home and abroad. The following guidelines conform to accepted standards of conduct for SNRE Student Interns. SNRE prides itself on creating a positive, trusting, and lasting partnership with its employers, and we take pride in our students presenting themselves in a professional manner. If you plan to work with SNRE Career Services Staff, use eRecruiter, or use SNRE internship resources (including assistance securing an internship or using SNRE internship funding), we expect students follow these guidelines.

    • SNRE Student Interns shall be guided in all actions by honesty, integrity, impartiality, fairness, and equity.
    • SNRE Student Interns must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.
    • SNRE Student Interns must always keep in mind the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare.
    • SNRE Student Interns should not renege on a commitment or acceptance of an internship or job. If you are participating in an internship and you find yourself in a position where you MUST leave your internship, you should contact SNRE Career Services Staff for a consultation first. If it is decided that it is in your best interest to leave your internship, you should always provide the standard 2 week notice to your employer.
    • SNRE Career Services Staff is happy to talk with you at any time about concerns that you may have about a current or future internship. We want to make certain that each internship experience is a positive one, will benefit the student, and is a professional work experience.
    • SNRE Student Interns should honor an accepted internship offer as a contractual agreement. Upon accepting a position, students should cancel any previously arranged interviews with other employers, and withdraw all outstanding applications from consideration. Continuing to interview after accepting an offer or staying active in the selection process, or reneging on an accepted offer, is unethical.
    • SNRE Student Interns may issue public statements, letters, emails or other forms of correspondence only in an objective and truthful manner. SNRE Interns shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior consent of the host organization. SNRE Student Interns shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any interest the SNRE Student Interns may have in the matters. Any public outreach should first be approved by the SNRE Career Services Staff or the internship hosting organization.
    • SNRE Student Interns must act for each organization as a faithful agent or trustee.
    • SNRE Student Interns should conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of SNRE and the University of Michigan.
    • SNRE Student Interns should be respectful of diversity and culture. Work environments are different amongst different employers, especially those in foreign countries. SNRE Student Interns should always be mindful of respecting people and their work culture in all organizations. We encourage students to research a host organization’s work culture and a country’s cultural customs before arriving on site.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services to SNRE Career Services Staff.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall avoid deceptive acts.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their regular work or interest. Before accepting any outside employment during their internship, they will notify the SNRE Career Services Staff.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of SNRE or the University of Michigan.
    • SNRE Student Interns are encouraged to adhere to the principle of sustainability in order to protect the environment for future generations.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs or processes of their internship organization.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing other SNRE Student Interns, or by using other improper or questionable methods.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall not, without consent, use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry on outside private practice.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other SNRE Student Interns. SNRE Student Interns who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such information to SNRE Career Services Staff.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities.
    • SNRE Student Interns shall conform to local, state, federal and international laws.
    • Student Interns will read and comply with the University of Michigan Overseas Travel Guidelines if applicable www.umich.edu/~itoc/guidelines.html.
    • Student Interns will register their international travel plans on the UM Travel Registration website: www.umich.edu/~itoc.
    • Student Interns will review the U.S. Department of State travel information: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html and assume responsibility for any risks associated with travel.
    • SNRE Interns having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Internship Guidelines shall report thereon to SNRE Career Services Staff and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.

    If you have any questions about the Guidelines for SNRE Student Interns, please contact:

    Kim LeClair
    Student Services Specialist (Internship Coordinator)
    440 Church Street
    1520 Dana Building
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041
    734.764.1402

    kleclair@umich.edu

    or

    Sondra Auerbach
    Director of Academic Services
    440 Church Street
    1520a Dana Building
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041
    734.615.4332
    sondramr@umich.edu
     

    Suggested Topics for the Student, Faculty Advisor, and Internship Host to Discuss

    • Learning Goal

    Describe what you intend to learn through the internship. Be specific. Is your primary aim gaining, applying, or testing a particular body of knowledge or acquiring or improving upon a skill (e.g., advocacy, counseling, writing, specific laboratory techniques)? Are you interested in testing a career interest and your own suitability for that career or trying to decide what you want to focus on and/or otherwise clarify the direction of your remaining college years?

    • Strategies

    Describe what you will do to reach your goals. Will you undergo training? How many hours? Will you be working on a specific project? Will you ask your faculty advisor to recommend certain materials, books, or articles for you to read? Will you attend any related conferences or meetings? Do you plan to interview professionals or experts about the career they have chosen or observe others in action? Will you ask people to observe you at work and give you feedback and suggestions? Have you thought about visiting another agency to get a broader perspective? You can use more than one strategy to meet each goal. Number your goals so that number one Strategy corresponds to the number one Learning goal.

    • Evaluation Method

    Describe how you will know and show others that you have achieved your learning goals or made progress toward them. Will you keep a journal? Will you summarize that journal into a final statement of what you learned through the term or organize the data collected from the internship into a research project? Will you compile records of your activities through the term (reports or other written materials you have prepared for the organization, notes on training sessions, staff meetings, conferences, others’ comments on your work, and comparisons with other agencies)? What about preparing and giving a presentation for a seminar or a class? How are you going to discuss the information you acquired with your faculty advisor? Use these suggestions or other ideas you have (perhaps a videotape, slide show, or audio recording) to show others what you have learned during your internship. It is important for you to negotiate an evaluation method that is in fact feasible given any restrictions imposed by the host organization such as: special obligations, publication restrictions, or confidentiality requirements that might affect communication about the internship experience or University evaluation of the academic value of the experience.

    Special Resources for MLA Students

    Internship Course Credit

    SNRE does offer up to 3 hours of course credit for internships. Click here to view what is required for course credit.

    Alumni Databases - Try Networking with Alumni to Find an Internship

    UM inCircle is an online directory and networking community that contains all University of Michigan alumni and students. Try networking with alumni and students to find internships!

    Also, try searching the SNRE Professional Network Database on eRecruiter for alumni who work in your area of interest. You could set up an informational interview (click here for more information on informational interviewing) and see if the alum knows of organizations that are hiring interns in your interest area or maybe the company they work for is interested in sponsoring an intern.

    Employers Looking to Hire SNRE Student Interns

    If you are an employer looking to hire SNRE students for internships, please register on our eRecruiter system and post the internship opportunity there.

    Internship Articles

    Check out the April 2009 issue of the Affirmative Action Register (now called INSIGHT Into Diversity).  There are two great articles about internships:

    SNRE's Internship Coordinator

    Are you an SNRE student and need internship help?

    Kim LeClair - Student Services Specialist and Internship Coordinator
    University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment
    440 Church Street (1520 Dana Building)
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041
    kleclair@umich.edu
    734.764.1402

    Services include:

    • Assisting students with the internship application process (general application review and funding application assistance).
    • Resume and cover letter review. After you get called for an interview, we can also help you by doing a mock interview.
    • Students should also feel free to stop by to chat about any other internship questions or concerns with SNRE’s Internship Coordinator.