Objectives are to provide students with practical experience in 
conservation, to familiarize them with non-academic 
conservation careers in government or nonprofit organizations, 
and to build their professional networks.  Students will work 
closely with mentors from the agency or organization to become 
familiar with many aspects of conservation program management.  
Depending on the appointment and the needs of the organization 
or agency, students may: collect, analyze, and present data and 
information on developments and activities of the organization; 
communicate best practices and other resources to internal or 
external audiences; manage databases; draft factsheets and 
reports; and otherwise assist in day-to-day activities of the 
organization.  The student will be given work appropriate to 
his or her status as a graduate student and will be expected to 
perform his or her duties accurately and professionally.  

Conservation organizations frequently complain that recent 
graduates do not have project management skills and that 
academicians who critique conservation do not understand the 
challenges of running conservation programs.  This course is 
designed to address both of those concerns, exposing future 
academics and practitioners alike to the realities of working 
in the realm of conservation and equipping them with basic 
skills they will not be exposed to in the classroom.

At the end of the course, students will prepare a brief report 
describing what they did during the internship, what they 
learned, and where they think this experience might direct 
their careers in the future.  Their evaluation will be based on 
this reflection and on the recommendation of their internship 
mentor within the government agency or nonprofit organization.

This is a non-traditional unstructured course in which students 
work directly with mentors in conservation organizations and 
government agencies, gaining hands-on experience in managing 
conservation programs and projects.  Students will maintain 
regular work hours with the organization and will be supervised 
by their mentors.  The exact activities of the internship will 
vary depending on the appointment, the student’s strengths, and 
the organization’s needs.