Apply Now!Examples of Internships and Internship Programs
Contact the Biology Internship Coordinator
An internship is when students work for an employer in a position related to their major field of study or career interest. Students obtain valuable knowledge and experience while earning college credit. The number of credits varies depending on the scope of work being performed.
Internships are an excellent way to:
- Explore career interests and pinpoint goals.
- Apply classroom learning to real-life projects and assignments.
- Develop valuable workplace and career skills.
- Provide references for obtaining your first job (… or sometimes internships may evolve into full-time employment).
- Connect with professionals who are resources for information/expertise.
Examples of Internships and Internship Programs
Internships vary from job shadowing/observation to advanced research or application of knowledge/experience in a workplace setting. Internships may be paid or unpaid (volunteer) and offer the opportunity to earn credits that appear on your college transcript ~ 1 credit per 3-4 hours of interning per week. Examples of internships Biology students have participated in:
- Wildlife Biologist, 18 credits
- Hospital Emergency Room Technician, 14 credits
- Environmental Specialist, 6 credits
- Forest Conservation Watcher, 3 credits
- Horticulturist, 2 credits
- Marine Biologist Assistant, 8 credits
- Various medical and lab positions
End of degree program experience. When students are done or nearly done with degree coursework, a full-time internship enables them to put their knowledge/skills into practice. These internships may be paid or unpaid and often provide a centerpiece for your resume.
Some internship programs require that students pay a fee in exchange for the experience. These are generally offered through major research facilities and are more equivalent to attending a university-sponsored course. Despite the cost involved, these hands-on internships may provide excellent career opportunities.
How to Obtain an Internship
The Department of Biology works closely with the EWU Internship Office to provide information on current internships. Contacts:
- EWU Internship Office
Showalter 114
(509) 359-4637
E-Mail:internships@mail.ewu.edu
Web Site:http://www.ewu.edu/careerservices (click on "Internships" under the Students heading at the bottom of the page ~ log onto EagleAXIS to search the database by major) - Department of Biology
Internships Coordinator
Sue Murphy, Science Bldg. 258A
(509) 359-6809
E-Mail:sue.murphy@mail.ewu.edu - Internships Bulletin Board located across from Science 256 near stairwell provides information on specific job openings, ongoing programs, and previous internships students may want to pursue. Lists include positions that pertain to biology ~ both local and national. Click here to view the list of current internship openings. [NOTE: The internship list is in pdf format which requires Acrobat Reader to open. If you don't have the latest version of Acrobat Reader, go to the Adobe website, for a free download.] The bulletin board also includes a list of paid jobs ~ mostly local ~ that could be a starting point for identifying internship contacts or see the Biology Jobs web page (click here for weekly list of jobs).
- Biology Department Faculty. Speak with professors to find out if they have any contacts in your area of interest.
http://www.furman.edu/~snyder/careers/careers.html
Setting Up Your Internship
Students are responsible for making contact with employers, preparing / submitting a resume, interviewing, and other search-related activities. As we're able, the Biology Department Internship Coordinator, faculty, and EWU Internship Office may assist. Once you've lined up an internship position, you should:
- Pick up an Intern Packet either from the Internship Office or the Department of Biology Internship Coordinator, Science 258A. This packet includes:
- Information on setting up your internship.
- Guidelines for conduct during your internship.
- Rough Draft and Official Learning Contract.
- Student Site Evaluation.
- Work-Site Supervisor packet of information that includes the 4th and 8th week Internship Performance evaluations ~ please give this to your workplace supervisor.
- Develop a draft learning contract in conjunction with your work place supervisor. This entails identifying the scope of work to be performed, work days/hours, learning objectives to be accomplished, and activities that will help you achieve your learning objectives.
- Line up a faculty advisor who will oversee your internship progress and assign a grade at the end of the internship. Generally your faculty advisor will be:
- Professor who specializes in the area of your internship
- Faculty who oversees program (i.e., Pre-Med, Environmental, etc.)
- Student's advisor
With your faculty advisor:
- Identify the level (BIOL 395 or BIOL 495), number of credits you will earn for the internship, and what activities/reports may be required to determine your progress/grade.
- Complete the Application for Internship form available online or in the Biology Office, Science 258 ~ select the appropriate level: BIOL 295, 395, 495, or 595 (based on year in school or level of activities involved in the internship job). Faculty advisor signs as does the Biology Internship Coordinator.
- Finalize your Learning Contract. Student and faculty advisor sign. Obtain signatures from workplace supervisor and Internship Office. Return the Learning Contract to the EWU Internship Office.
- Turn in the permission slip with your registration form (cannot register online). There is a $10.66 (or currently assessed) fee which covers student insurance and other processing costs.
- Begin your internship and have fun!
Contact the Biology Internship Coordinator:
Sue Murphy, Operations ManagerDepartment of Biology
Eastern Washington University
Science 258A
Cheney, WA 99004
(509) 359-6809
FAX: (509) 359-6867
E-Mail:sue.murphy@mail.ewu.edu