Internships
Environmental Studies majors are required to complete one credit of ENVR 397: Internship. Generally, waiting until after the spring semester of the junior year provides the intern with a substantial body of skills and knowledge to draw on during the placement. ENVR majors are required to complete a minimum 80 hours and 4 weeks duration for 1 credit of internship.
Quick Links
- Guidelines for Writing Internship Goals (PDF)
- Internship Review Form (required upon internship completion)
- Planning steps and requirements and FAQ (PDF)
Recent Intern Experiences
Emma Nelson ’24
Outdoor U – Student Land Manager
I really enjoyed creating pollinator gardens! With my supervisor and team of coworkers, we transitioned two grassy “turf” plots of land on St. John’s into prairie gardens.
Lauren Funke ’24
Lower Phalen Creek Project Intern
Learning about the history of Wakan Tipi and then being able to actually go to the site and see with my own eyes was very valuable.
Thomas Hobday ’24
Montana Natural History Center Summer Camp Instructor
Looking at the world through the lens of a kid is something that we too often loose as we get older, and it was awesome to hone that sense of wonder again.
Mahina Melim ’24
Saint John’s Pottery Environmental Art Intern
“The power of community is deep and wide! At the Kiln Lighting Ceremony alone, there were around 400 guests – all gathered in celebration for this special event. My internship affirmed my belief that beautiful things can bring people together. “
Jake VanderMeeden ’24
Cedar Creek Energy Solar Panel Installer
This type of construction-related job is something that I had little prior experience in. However, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and learn a new skill through this internship that will ultimately make me a more well-rounded person.
Jack Grabinski ’23
Les Voyageurs, Inc. Back Country Wilderness Guide
Watching the participants learn wilderness skills prior to leaving for the trip was very rewarding. It was fun to help everyone learn and grow throughout the trip as well.
Gabriella Backes ’23
Hemker Park & Zoo Intern
My internship connected to my planned career because I got the opportunity to expand my knowledge on animal behavior, biology, and husbandry. I also was able to learn more about endangered animal breeding programs and how they function.
Mariko Hermerding ’23
Happy Dancing Turtle Summer Programs Intern
One of my favorite aspects from my internship was the unexpectedness of it. Every day at Happy Dancing Turtle brought a new adventure.
Tamia Francois ’22
CSB+SJU Sustainability Office Intern
My internship revealed to me that being able to engage in sustainable living requires time and money, which some people of a minority do not have space for. However, sustainable practices can be accomplished in small ways, like recycling and biking.
Braden Orr ’22
Washington Conservation District (AIS) Watercraft Inspector
One highlight of my internship was getting to educate people about the importance of preventing AIS in their local places of recreation, and it seems that many boat owners that I talked to were genuinely dedicated to keeping their state’s lakes clean and AIS-free.
Collin Larson ’22
Soil Engineering Testing, Inc. Lab Assistant
Being able to work hands on and gain a better understanding of soil and its importance while meeting new people gave me even more experience in the real job world.
Internship Insights Student Panel
Planning for Your Internship
Find Your People
- An environmental studies professor who will be your faculty moderator.
- Identify your internship site supervisor (once your internship is secured).
Secure Your Internship
- View the ENVR social media channels for job postings.
- Ask your faculty advisor or internship moderator.
- Connect with XPD resources and staff.
- Login to Handshake
Learning Contract
- Use our Guidelines for Writing Internship Goals (PDF) to help write your learning contract.
- Submit through the XPD online portal for approval.
Register for Credit
- You must be registered for credit before you begin work!
- Review deadlines and procedures for internship registration.
View Online Training
- Complete the required Legal and Professional Issues online session before or during the first week of your internship.
Complete Your Internship
- Complete and submit weekly journal entries and all reports and evaluations.
- Write a 4-5 page reflection paper.
- Submit the ENVR internship review form.