See below for descriptions of the internship opportunities, qualification requirements, and locations. Internships are available every spring, summer, and fall. And don’t forget that you can always get involved through our volunteer network, Greenwire!
Even though most colleges are now requiring their students to complete an internship, there are many reasons why you should WANT to do one. Internships are a “try before you buy” opportunity for your career choice and should be appreciated for a multitude of reasons. College courses can only do so much to prepare you for the real world. Internships take over where the classroom leaves off.
Without question, your internship will open your eyes to what your chosen career requires on a practical level. You’ll be able to participate in the day to day operation without having to know everything about the job. It is a learning experience where it’s ok to make mistakes, grow in your knowledge, and yes, even change your mind about your major or your career choice.
Your internship will more than likely be your first “real job” in a professional setting that requires real job skills (more than babysitting or selling Big Macs). Here is where you will learn how hard you are willing to work for your goals. You may spend most of your time making coffee and taking notes, but you may also be asked to participate in major projects. How you handle both will say a lot about you and your growing “work ethic”.
Put your best effort into everything you are asked to do and you will be noticed by your managers and/or owners. This is your opportunity to shine and stand out from others who may not share your enthusiasm for learning. You will be learning from professionals in your industry who have become successful in the very thing that you want to do. Watch and learn from them. And be nice to EVERYONE! You never know who will get a promotion while you’re finishing up school. The assistant to the assistant may be the boss by the time you are ready to apply for a real job! Make sure they remember you and how hard you worked.
So how do you find an internship?
- Consult your College Career Center. They have established relationships with employers in the area who offer internships. The career counselors can help you apply.
- Go to a career fair, either at your college or in the community. You may be able to discuss internships and possible employment with several companies.
- Be active on Linkedin. Connect with alumni of your college – they may have internship opportunities available at their companies.
- Check with professional associations or trade groups. They may post openings for internships on their websites or in newsletters.
- Use Internship and Job Sites.
- Check out the websites of companies that you are interested in. Look at their career or employment sections.
Interested in a Changemaker Internship?!
Check out the internships available below! Although many other specialized internships exist, these are focused with our Changemaker Teens in mind. All will lead you to bringing unforgettable and awe inspiring change into the lives of many! Are you ready to become a Changemaker?
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AFSP – Public Policy InternshipsAre you an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate student seeking an internship in the field of advocacy and public policy? If so, we hope you will consider an internship with AFSP’s Advocacy and Public Policy Office. |
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AFSP – Communications InternOur internship program will provide an enriching and rewarding experience for students who are interested in the design side of communications and marketing. The program is designed to expose students to the not-for-profit sector and to provide them with real-world design and graphic work. Assignments may vary, but generally include review and markup of new design projects, updating and altering established templates for ads, billboards and brochures, creating new design ideas for print ads and social media graphics, and maintaining brand style standards for our national office and chapter network. Students will also attend weekly team meetings and brainstorms and have the opportunity to learn about the communications field, build networking skills and discuss career planning. Original design opportunities also exist for highly qualified candidates. The program offers a PAID internship to students, which runs from May to August, and must be tied to a college-level internship program. |
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National Eating Disorders AssociationIntern positions include: Program Intern, Development Intern, Communications Intern, Legislative Policy Intern, and Helpline Intern. |
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SAMHSA Internship ProgramThe SAMHSA Internship Program introduces students to the important role SAMHSA plays in ensuring a productive life in the community for everyone. Interns gain practical experience through projects, special assignments, or research that support federal, state, and community-based programs, policies, and best practices in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and mental illness. The SAMHSA Internship Program allows students to use their specific skills and knowledge while experiencing the value of their education. Interns work 40 hours a week at SAMHSA’s headquarters in Rockville, MD, on meaningful projects, gaining real-life exposure to areas aligned with their course of study. |
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Megan Meier FoundationThe Megan Meier Foundation is seeking the help of various interns from all different educational backgrounds. Our needs include assistance in the following areas: general administrative tasks, fundraising efforts, human resources, extensive research regarding issues surrounding bullying and cyberbullying, volunteer coordination, programming assistance, social media and communications, and graphic design. Because we are a growing non-profit, there are many ways interns can help. If you see yourself fitting into one of these areas of need and have an interest in helping the youth, families, and schools impacted by these timely issues, submit your resume today! |
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U.S. Department of Energy InternshipsSeveral internships are available through the U.S. Department of Energy at their headquarters in Washington D.C., many DOE laboratories and at their Golden Field Office in Golden, CO. |
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Clean Water ActionClean Water Action is a national, grassroots environmental organization that works to protect the environment and safeguard public health, promote passage of strong environmental laws, and help communities address local environmental problems affecting them. Clean Water Fund is a national research and education organization which promotes the public interest on issues related to water, waste, and toxics. Top issue priorities include: preventing harm to our health from toxic chemicals, reducing water pollution from Massachusetts industries, promoting responsible growth of the energy efficiency and clean energy industries, advocating for Zero Waste policies in the City of Boston, and electing pro-environment candidates to public office. Ensuring that those most affected by environmental degradation have a voice at the table, and that solutions to environmental problems contribute to broader goals of justice for all, are central principles of all our campaigns. |
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National Renewable Energy LaboratoryNREL offers many different internship opportunities to full-time undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to NREL-sponsored internships, the laboratory works with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science to provide the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship, Community College Internship, and Visiting Faculty Programs. Learn more about each program below and how to apply. |
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U.S. Forest ServiceThe Forest Service has many opportunities for young people to work with us while learning about natural and cultural resources careers. Here are some ways you can get involved: Pathways 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Youth Conservation Corps Job Corps |
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Future Park Leaders of Emerging ChangeThe FPL program provides paid summer internships to highly accomplished undergraduate and graduate students to work on emerging management issues driven by global drivers of change and related effects in national parks. The internship projects may occur in national parks or program offices and are designed by National Park Service (NPS) staff to meet high-priority needs of parks and programs. General topic areas include resource protection; supporting science; adaptation actions; policy and planning; sustainable operations; and communication, interpretation, or education. |
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Climate InstituteClimate Institute interns are given the opportunity to make hands-on contributions to exciting new initiatives that have the potential to substantially help mitigate climate change. Located in the heart of D.C.’s think tank row, Climate Institute interns often make meaningful connections with policy makers, scientists, and business leaders that can help advance their careers in the environmental community. We are looking for bright and enthusiastic students or recent graduates that are willing to take initiative on advancing our projects. Candidates who are able to work in our Washington D.C. office are preferred, but we also encourage prospective candidates who are unable to relocate to apply for our virtual internship program. |
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CeresCeres actively seeks to engage interns in our work. We have a number of exciting projects going at any one time and find the logistical, research, analysis, and writing support of interns to be of great value. We also hope working here inspires the next generation of professionals to “transform the economy to build a sustainable future for people and the planet.” Ceres hires a combination of undergraduate and graduate students, and that is often dictated by the projects we are managing. There are three times throughout the year when we solicit applications from potential interns. |
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GreenpeaceProtect the Earth while learning valuable skills as a Greenpeace Intern. Positions are available in many of our departments including, photography, communications, climate and energy and everything in between. |
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Multi-Service Eating Disorders AssociationUndergraduate interns play a significant role at MEDA. We rely on interns to help us accomplish a variety of tasks that allow us to further the mission of the organization which includes administrative tasks, event planning assistance, and outreach. Please note: Undergraduate interns do not have direct contact with MEDA’s clients and will not serve counseling roles. |
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Alliance For Eating DisordersAs The Alliance enters our 16th anniversary year, we are humbly asking for YOUR support. We are in need of volunteers to help us with all that we do. The Alliance exists primarily through the support of the community it serves. We need your help to continue to move forward and achieve all of all our goals. Involvement at The Alliance offers the opportunity to learn about all eating disorders outreach, education, early intervention, and advocacy, in addition to a greater understanding of nonprofit operations. |