Course Description
Supervised work experience in conservation organizations or government agencies. Students will be exposed to the day-to-day management of conservation programs and projects, including budgeting, personnel and risk management, and long-range planning.
Athena Title
Integrative Conserv Internship
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ICON 8111, ANTH 8111, GEOG 8111, FANR 8111, ECOL 8111
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Pre or Corequisite
ICON 8001 or ICON 8002 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Course Objectives
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.
Topical Outline
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.