Internships
Internships and independent study are designed to supplement classroom learning and give students hands-on experience in a real-world setting. Internships are an excellent way to gain exposure to a variety of environmental fields and they provide great opportunities to make contacts and network with people in the environmental field. Most students take an internship during the summer, but students can also participate in one during the spring or fall semester by taking a lighter course load and doing a local internship.
Most internships require at least a year or two of coursework in environmental science and/or natural resource management. Students can earn up to a combined total of six internship (ERM 495) and independent study (ERM 496) credits.
- Download the ERM Internship Guidelines Booklet
(Or contact the ERM office for a hardcopy version) - View Student Testimonials
(Stories from former student interns)
Current Internship Opportunities
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center People from around the world travel to Shaver’s Creek to be a part of the unique internship program. An internship at Shaver’s Creek is an excellent springboard to a career in cultural/natural history and environmental education professions. Some interns use the experience for college credit or as their field practicum. Staff Share the Experience: Interns become an integral part of the staff and are encouraged to participate in all facets of the center. As part of their mutually beneficial and cooperative efforts, staff members provide the interns with evaluation and feedback. Observation and videotaping are used in evaluations. Interns are encouraged to keep a journal. Interns share in planning, delivering, and evaluating the center’s educational and recreational programming. Intern responsibilities may include:
Duration and Work Schedule: The time an intern spends at Shaver’s Creek is demanding and intensely rewarding. They must have a sense of purpose, love children, enjoy people, and possess a willingness to communicate a joy in and respect for our natural and cultural heritage. Internships are available in winter/spring (January–May), summer (June–August), and fall (September–December). Multiple seasons are permitted. The average work week is forty-five hours. Compensation and Benefits: Shaver’s Creek provides an on site intern house with private rooms, and a weekly stipend of $150. Interns are encouraged to participate in professional development workshops and regional conferences. Macintosh computers are on site and access to e-mail and the Internet is available through Penn State. Staff members also help with with résumé writing and provide assistance in preparing for future jobs. Apply and Interview: Interviews with top candidates are conducted in person or via phone. The application deadlines for each season are:
Apply Online: http://app.outreach.psu.edu/ShaversCreek/joinus/internship.asp |
The current internship announcements are distributed via the ERM listserve. If you are an ERM student and have not received email through the listserve, send an email message to Tarrah Geszvain, the ERM internship coordinator, at thg110@psu.edu or visit the ERM office (206 ASI) to join the listserv.
Students subscribed to the ERM listserve receive biweekly email updates from the Job Seeker, Environmental Career Opportunities, and Orion Grassroots Network in addition to a variety of private industry, academic, state, and federal internship announcements.
