Employers, graduate schools, and many professional schools prefer experienced applicants, and an internship is an excellent way for students to gain such experience. BIOL 3222 gives the biology student an opportunity to earn academic credit while working or volunteering while gaining valuable experience. Internships can also be a great way to make contacts to write letters of recommendation, which are very important in applying to graduate and professional schools.
 | Learn how to operate a nature center, such as Reynolds Forest Preserve or Newman Wetlands Center |
| Work in a pharmacy |
| Volunteer at a hospital |
| Shadow a practicing physical therapist |
| Help investigators in a forensics lab |
1) Make sure you meet the prerequisites. You must have already taken BIOL 1108/1108L.
Student Eligibility
Students must have met the following minimum standards to be eligible for participation in Internship Learning:
| Complete at least one full semester at CSU; |
| Earn the appropriate number of credit hours (baccalaureate program--30 hours; associate program--18 hours; certificate--12 hours); |
| Maintain Good Academic Standing; |
| Complete all course prerequisites; |
| Obtain prior approval from the Coordinator of Internship Learning and the appropriate faculty coordinator. This involves providing evidence that the experience is directly related to the student's area of study. |
Note: Academic departments as well as local organizations and businesses reserve the right to establish higher minimum requirements.
2) Look for a suitable internship that would give you job experience for the career that you want to have. The experience can either be paid or unpaid. For best results, start your search early!
3) Download and print the syllabus for BIOL 3222.
4) Print and complete the Internship Learning Agreement in conjunction with your site supervisor. Typically, you have to discuss the learning objectives with them.
| Natural Sciences Internship Learning Agreement |
| Special Note: If you plan to register for 19 hours or more (not recommended), you must also complete a Course Overload Form, and have your advisor sign it (see the DUCK to determine who your advisor is). See the Dean of Arts and Sciences secretary to obtain this form. |
5) Fill out the BIOL 3222 Registration Form.
6) Have the faculty internship coordinator (Dr. Kodani) sign the completed Internship Learning Agreement and the Registration Form, and ask him to have you registered for BIOL 3222. You can bring this by my office at any time, and if I'm not there, simply leave it in the little black box on my door.
7) Once your internship starts, keep in touch with the faculty internship coordinator (Dr. Kodani) by WebCT/VISTA once per week.
| The Student Conservation Association has a useful website with a searchable database of internships |