Internships
If you're interested in gaining real-world experience in the life sciences, consider pursuing an internship.
Internships are a valuable way to explore career paths, apply what you have learned in the classroom, and earn academic credit toward your degree. Whether you're studying biology, environmental studies, or bioinformatics, internships can deepen your understanding of our discipline and strengthen your professional skill set.
Find Your Next Internship
Looking to gain real-world experience and build your professional network? VCU partners with local organizations to host VCU students for internships and experiential learning opportunities.
Where learning meets community: Opportunities with Local Partners
Connect directly with Richmond-area employers and community organizations that accept VCU students in Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
The Maymont Foundation is a 100-acre historic estate and nature center where students can gain hands-on experience in nature education, wildlife care, horticulture, and conservation within a living outdoor classroom. (Richmond, VA)
Contact our Maymont Faculty Liaison to learn more.
The Science Museum of Virginia is a dynamic STEM hub where students can engage with interactive eco- and animal labs, explore exhibits on Earth and ecosystems, and gain hands-on experience in science education, outreach, and sustainability programming. (Richmond, VA)
Learn more from our Science Museum of Virginia Faculty Liaison.
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James River Park System is a 600-acre urban nature corridor along the James River where students can engage in active management and conservation efforts amid the rich biodiversity of this historic river. (Richmond, VA).
Biology majors are encouraged to contact Dr. Higgins for more information.
ENVS majors are encouraged to contact Dr. Albrecht-Mallinger for more information.
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Connect with organizations
We have compiled a list of recommended resources to help you find the right fit —locally, nationally, or even abroad.
Learn more
- Afton Chemical
- Health Diagnostic Laboratories
- Metro Richmond Zoo - Full-time. Metro Richmond Zoo
- Pfizer
- Thermo Fisher Scientific - Students, Internships & Leadership Development Programs.
- VCU Sustainability
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Note: This list represents just one of the many opportunities that students have utilized in the past.
Search More Internships Using Our Resources
Not sure where to start? We've compiled a list of VCU and recommended resources to help you discover what best matches your interests.
Start Searching
- Schedule a meeting with the career center
- Search the Student Opportunities Center (SOC)
- Search Handshake for current listings
- Ask your instructor for ideas
- Ask your peers about their internship experiences
Earning Course Credit
Depending on your major, different internship or research-based course options are available.
- ENVS 493. Environmental Studies Internship. 1-3 Hours.
- BIOL 493. Biology Internship. 0-4 Hours.
- BIOZ 493.Biology Internship Laboratory. 0-4 Hours.
Financial Assistance
Many excellent internships are unpaid. VCU offers several opportunities to apply for scholarships to offset the financial burden of unpaid internships: