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've 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.
Finding Opportunities
Not sure where to start? Here are a few steps to help guide your search:
Consider Your Interests
Think about what field excites you - whether it's ecology, public health, sustainability, environmental policy, data science, biomedical research, or biotech. Also, consider the semester that best fits your schedule for pursuing an internship.
Start Searching
- Schedule a meeting with the career center
- Search the Student Opportunities Center (SOC)
- Search Handshake for current listings
- Browse the internet on topics that interest you
- Ask your instructor for ideas
- Ask your peers about their internship experiences
Advisors across SLSS majors are here to support you with general guidance, course registration and site approval, but it's up to you to find and contact potential internship hosts.
Reach Out
Once you've found opportunities that interest you, take the initiative. If you don’t have a resume yet, check out VCU Career Services for guidance.
Internship Sites
To help you get started, here are some companies and organizations VCU biology majors have interned with in the past:
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- Maymont
- Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science
- Health Diagnostic Laboratories
- Pfizer
- Afton Chemical Corporation
Note: To receive academic credit for an internship, your experience must align with the academic goals of your major and be approved in advance.
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: