Opportunities
An important part of education takes place outside the classroom. Internships, volunteer projects, student/faculty research, and employment are opportunities for applying your knowledge, exploring career interest, gaining job skills, and making important professional contacts.
Internships- These are temporary, off-campus positions established with the goal of providing a career building experience. Internships may be part-time during the fall and spring semesters, or full time during the summer. Examples are shadowing a physician; leading educational programs at a nature center or zoo; working in a clinical, pharmaceutical or industrial laboratory; and working for the UW-Extension to complete a survey for exotic insects. Students can earn elective credit for their internship by enrolling in BIOS 494. From time to time Biological Sciences receive internship opportunity notices in the department. You can find recent notices here. The Career Center has a web resource to help you find an internship.
Volunteer projects- The goal of these is service to the community. They are a way for you to use your skills to benefit others. When organized as a club activity, they can be a lot of fun as well. The Career Center can help you get started.
Student/faculty research- All students are encouraged to engage in research under a faculty mentor. Check out the research interests of the faculty and speak to faculty members to find out about research projects. You can earn elective credit for your experience by enrolling in BIOS 499 Independent Study.
Summer Programs- There is a wealth of summer courses, travel opportunities, internships, and employment available off campus during the summer months. Posters and fliers advertising these are displayed on a board across the hall from GRNQ 353. Research opportunities are available through the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program (NSF-REU). Many universities offer Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF). You can find these by searching the internet using these four words as search terms.
Employment- Whether you are seeking part-time, temporary, or your first post-baccalaureate position, the Career Center is a good place to start. They can help you seach for available positions, polish your resume, and prepare for job interviews. From time to time Biological Sciences receive position notices in the department. You can find recent notices here. Positions and employers of some of our alumni are listed here.
