Internships

If you need assistance in finding an internship, please contact SNRE's Internship Coordinator at snre.careers@umich.edu.

Quick Links to Important Internship Information

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

SNRE Student Internship Placements
Student Internship Reports- View Reports or Create Your Own!
Guidelines for SNRE Student Interns
Why do an Internship?
Suggested Topics for the Student, Faculty Advisor, and Internship Host to Discuss
I Need an Internship - What should I do?
Internship Course Credit

Health Care Considerations/Travel Registry
Internship Funding Opportunities
Alumni Databases - Networking with Alumni to Find an Internship
Recommended Internship Programs
Helpful Internship Hints
Helpful Internship Hints *as stated by SNRE students*
SNRE's Internship Coordinator

SNRE Student Internship Placements

2013 Internship Placement Map

2012 Internship Placement Map

2011 Internship Placement Map
2010 Internship Placement Map
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. Look up your dream job on the internet and read what experience is required to be successful and to get the job. 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. An internship can either solidify your career goals or show you that another employment sector may be a better fit for your needs.

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 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. Students can also reach out to employer contacts on the system to find an internship. Internship events, such as funding workshops, are also listed on eRecruiter.
Check out the 2011 Internship Placement Map, 2010 Internship Placement Map, 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
Interested in interning internationally?
- Within the U-M International Institute, there are a good number of Centers (they focus on different areas around the globe, for example: the Center for Japanese Studies). Contact any of the Centers for which you have interest and inquire about internship opportunities.
- The U-M International Center can recommend some formal international internship programs that come recommended. Call 734.647.2299 to set up an appointment.
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. SNRE has a group on LinkedIn.
- How to build your professional profile on LinkedIn
- How to network professionally on LinkedIn
Making the Difference (Website for Federal Internships)
InternWeb.com - database of thousands of internship opportunities
National Council for Science and the Environment Internship Portal - new internship portal for the environmental field
Check out Glassdoor.com to see company reviews and internship salaries
Have you checked out your field of study career website? Each field of study at SNRE has its own career website with tons of resources to help you find a job or internship.
If you need help with networking or reaching out to alumni, check out these resources on informational interviewing:
- Helpful Networking Questions - especially for Informational Interviews
- Informational Interview Questions (by UM Human Resources)

Internship Funding Opportunities

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

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 2014 (i.e. you will be continuing your master's or doctoral program into the 2014-2015 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. In prior years, the trustees have shown interest in applications concerning global warming and water issues.
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, Doris Duke, Erb Institute, Wyss, Ford School, funding provided by the employer, or other types of funding) for this internship.

Weinberg Fellowship Program Internship Reports

Other Sources for Funding Opportunities

Check with individual centers/departments/organizations for the most accurate information, eligibility requirements, and for any questions that you may have about these funding opportunities.

SNRE's Student Funding Database (archive)
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.
Student Veterans of America Internship Support Program
William Davidson Institute Global Impact Internship Program
- A complete listing of internship projects is usually available sometime between November and January of each year...check their website for the most up-to-date information. 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 usually 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. In 2010, 2 SNRE students received this fellowship. In 2011, 3 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 usually due in February of each year.
Nonprofit and Public Management Center
- Self-Directed Internship grants for students in the School of Public Policy and Social Work
- Internship grants for MBA students who will be serving an internship with a nonprofit or public organization
Monroe-Brown Internship Program
- Up to $6,000 for an internship (must have graduated high school from a Kalamazoo Area school). See website for resources and eligibility guidelines.
- Click here for a listing of possible internship opportunities.
College of Engineering Internship Funding (must be a COE student)
- Application deadline is usually in early March of each year. Internship funding available for international internships only.
Luce Scholars Program
- The Luce Scholars Program provides stipends and internships for18 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 usually in early October of each year.
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 deadlines are usually in February or 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 usually in January. 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 exploringthe principles, practices, and institutions necessary to a free society.
- The deadline to apply is usually 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, Student Research Scholarship Program, and Student Associate opportunties.
African Studies Center Funding (research and internship support in Africa)
Center for Southeast Asian Studies (for graduate students interning in Thailand)
Center for Korean Studies (focus on Korean studies)
Interning with a non-profit? Check out this website for airline ticket discounts: http://www.flyforgood.com/
Did you know that the International Center has a website on funding internships and research? This website has some great tips and resources on the topic of internship funding.
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).
Consider chatting with or emailing Bill Nolting with the UM International Center (bnolting@umich.edu) for a list of graduate student grants (international internships only).

Recommended Internship Programs

Work with the Federal Government

ORISE Fellowships (some are summer internships and others are post-graduate opportunities)
CDC Summer Graduate Environmental Health Internship
Environmental Protection Agency, National Network for Environmental Management Studies Fellowship Program (EPA NNEMS)
The White House Internship Program
HACU National Internship Program (HNIP) *three SNRE students were placed through HACU in 2010, and one in 2011*, students graduating in the spring are eligible for summer internship opportunities, HACU will not discriminate against applicants for employment because of race, disability, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran status, or non-job related factors
US Department of State - Student Internships
EPA Summer Internship Opportunities
John A. Volpe Transportation Internship Program
Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) - US Department of Justice
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Student Volunteer Program
- The Office of Science and Technology Policy advises the President on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs.

Work with NGO's, Private Organizations, Work Abroad, and more!

Clean Air - Cool Planet Climate Fellows Program
Cultural Vistas
Summer Internships in Germany, Spain, Argentina, and Chile placement programs open to all students enrolled at a US university, internships are 2-3 months; mostly paid in Germany, unpaid in Spain, Argentina, and Chile. German or Spanish language skills required. Deadlines usually in December (for Germany) or in January (for Argentina and Spain). Internship funding maybe available through: International Institute, 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 Cultural Vistas internship opportunities, please contact Peggy Wunderwald-Jensen, U-M's Cultural Vistas representative, at pwjensen@umich.edu

Research Internships in Science and Engineering RISE (with German companies)
Asian Development Bank Internship Program
Alaska Conservation Foundation Internship Program
Abroad China
Sierra Club Internships (San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC placements availalbe)
Foundation for Sustainable Development
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center's (SERC) Internship Program
The Carter Center Internship Program
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
McKinsey Associate Internship Program
Environmental Defense Fund Internships
Environmental Defense Fund - Climate Corps (MS/MBA students)
Earthwatch Institute Internships
Public Policy Institute of California
William Davidson Institute Global Impact Internship Program
The Student Conservation Association (SCA)
U of M Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Internships
National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE)
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.
IAESTE University of Michigan Students - internship resources

Helpful Internship Hints

What to Consider When Evaluating an Internship (from usnews.com - blog by Heather Huhman)

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

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:
- The Importance of Internships in a Declining Economy (page 3) which states that according to a NACE survey on experiential education, "The percent of interns converted to full-time employees has increased from 35.6% in 2001 to 50.5% in 2008." (NACE, March 2008, p.5).
- Turning Your Internship Into a Job(page 4)

Helpful Internship Hints from Fellow Students:

Talk with your internship supervisor before you start! Is there anything that you should do to prepare for the internship? Be proactive so that when your internship starts you are ready to get started!
Don't be scared to tell a potential internship host that the internship they are advertising isn't exactly what you had in mind (not a perfect fit for your needs and/or skill set). Some employers are willing to "tweak" the position description when they find a good candidate. If the employer can't change the position description and if the internship isn't the right fit, in many cases the employer might be able to refer to you talk to someone else in their organization or in their network that is looking for an intern with your skill set.
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/Travel Registry

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. Effective September 1, 2011, health insurance is required for all students traveling abroad. 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. http://www.uhs.umich.edu/tai/ (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, costs only $1.25 per day as of September 2011 (plus a $5 enrollment charge), provides $500,000 coverage, pays for medical care directly, and provides access to US-quality care by doctors who speak English. SNRE does not purchase this insurance for students; it is up to the student to purchase the health insurance.

If your academic travel (conference, research, internship, project/thesis work) takes you out of the U.S., you are required to register via the U-M Travel Registry and purchase the U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance. The health insurance is required even if you currently have insurance which provides for international travel. Information and registration link is available here: http://globalportal.umich.edu/register-travel.php.

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
Travel-related information, including links to U.S. State Department travel warnings
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

U-M Travel Registry

The Travel Registry is a secure U-M website within Wolverine Access where you can record your itinerary and contact information. The Registry is especially helpful for international travel. Students are required to register their travel abroad on the U-M Travel Registry.

The Registry is a convenient, one-stop service that supports emergency communications, access to travel-abroad health insurance, and more. University faculty, staff, and students are expected to register when traveling abroad for academic, business or any other University-related purpose. If you are receiving University funds for your travel, the University requires registration.

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 posted here.

Internship Course Credit

Though internships are not required, 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

Search the SNRE LinkedIn Group 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

SNRE's Internship Coordinator

Are you an SNRE student and need internship help? Contact us at snre.careers@umich.edu for assistance!

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.

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