Center for Shark Research

Frequently Asked Questions about CSR Internships

Eligibility

• Are graduated students eligible to apply for an internship?

Yes. Although we favor students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate-level program, we often accept students who have recently graduated.

• Are foreign students eligible to apply for an internship?

Yes. However, international students applying to intern in the CSR are personally responsible for acquiring the appropriate clearance to do so.  Due to limited resources, the CSR is unable to provide financial support for the expenses associated with obtaining clearance.

Applying for an internship

• How soon should I apply for an internship?

Applicants should apply at least 3 months prior to the intended dates of their internship. We recommend that students that wish to intern during the summer apply by mid-February due to competition.

• What will improve my chances of being selected?

The CSR tends to favor enrolled students in their 3rd or 4th year of study, who are interested in acquiring academic credit for the internship. Since we regularly accept students that do not fit this criteria, it is also important to submit a complete and well prepared application.

• Can I receive academic credit for completing an internship?

Yes. Although MML cannot award academic credit for internships, we do recommend that students make arrangements to obtain independent study credit from their home institution.

Completing the internship

• Are internships paid or unpaid?

Unfortunately, all MML internships are generally unpaid. Interns are financially responsible for all expenses related to travel, housing, and subsistence (except for costs incurred during fieldwork).

• Are scholarships available?

Yes. The College Intern Program administers the Gilbert Scholarship Program, which awards partial scholarships to exceptional applicants. Note that there are specific deadlines for applying to this program (November 1, February 1, and July 1 for the subsequent Spring, Summer, and Fall periods, respectively).

New: Beginning in Summer 2004, the CSR will administer the Chris Cattaneo Memorial Scholarship in Shark Biology, which awards partial support to prospective interns with long-standing interests in shark biology, exceptional academic qualifications, and limited opportunities for participating in internship programs.  This scholarship will be awarded annually during the summer session. 

• Are there opportunities for outside work during an internship?

Yes, interns are able to take outside jobs provided that they don’t interfere with their work duties.

• What are the housing arrangements for CSR interns?

Interns are normally housed in local apartments, dormatories, or with MML staff members or volunteers at a cost of ~$75 per week. The College Student Intern Program is responsible for arranging intern housing.  Interns also are welcome to make their own housing arrangements.

• What are the working hours and appropriate dress for interns?

Normal working hours are 8 am to 5 pm, but extended hours are common for field-related activities.  Interns conducting fieldwork should wear comfortable clothes and closed toe shoes (e.g. booties, old running shoes) that can get wet and quite dirty.  Interns working in the lab should also wear closed toe shoes due to use of chemicals and other hazardous materials.

• What should I bring for the internship?

Comfortable clothes, foul-weather gear, motion-sickness medication (if needed), sunscreen, hats, sunglasses are suggested.  The College Intern Program will inform students of the household items that they should bring.

Please contact us if you have questions that are not addressed on this page!

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