Purpose and Intent
The Wilderness Society recognizes the importance of nurturing a new generation of individuals who have a commitment to environmental causes and a passion for wilderness preservation. Our Internship Program is designed with that in mind. It provides rich, challenging learning opportunity for high school and college students to work with professionals in The Society and contribute their talents and ideas to a variety of programs. The program allows interns to expand their knowledge of environmental issues, apply academic knowledge in a real life situation, and learn new skills, which will enhance future career options.
Types of Internships
Currently, The Wilderness Society offers internships in these programs:
Internships fall under these categories:
- Volunteers - Recently graduated students work to gain hands on experience while seeking entry-level positions
- Community service - High school students requirement for graduation
- School credit - TWS provide appropriate written report. Sometime this includes a meeting with the college professor in charge of the program
- Compensation - TWS offers a stipend of $1,500 per month (equals $10.00/hour) to interns working in the regional and DC offices. Some internships are grant funded, depending on the project assigned.
Scope of the Program
Students interested in becoming interns at The Wilderness Society have the option of working on a part-time or full-time basis. There are three semesters offered during a calendar year, fall, spring and summer. Students must commit at least three consecutive days for a three-month period. Each intern has direct supervision from a program director and is given a long-term project.
The Administrative Coordinator of public policy coordinates the intern program which includes advertising the positions, respond to internet requests, sending updated informational packages to universities, and attending universities' career fairs. The administrative coordinator is responsible for the interview and coordinates logistics of selected candidates. Also the Administrative Coordinator serves as the day-to-day supervisor for intern staff; provides assistance in finding appropriate housing opportunity for interns from out of region, schedule experts to do brown bag luncheon on issues that are of interest to TWS and students; and plan educational field trips.
Directors are responsible for development of long-term projects, and educational direction for interns.
In the policy arena interns follow the legislative process by attending Congressional hearings, mark ups, lobby visits, polling meetings, and agency related activities.
Orientation
All interns participate in an orientation session, which involves an informal discussion of The Society's mission and provides an opportunity for the interns to meet the directors of the multifaceted programs of The Society. The orientation session provides an excellent forum for discussion of the shared vision of both students and staff members for the responsibility interns will assume during their internship period. The program directors also discuss and describe the types of products that will result from specific assignments and a discussion on C-3 and C-4 lobbying requirements.
Evaluation
The interns receive weekly reviews (verbal) by the intern supervisor, on projects and overall performance. There is a written evaluation by the intern on the program at conclusion of their tenure, and a letter of recommendation is completed by directors, and supervisor, which is kept on file.
End of Internship
The Society recognizes the accomplishments of each intern at the completion of the internship by awarding a certificate of appreciation from the president and staff members. This certificate of recognition will be valuable to students as they embark upon future professional pursuits..
Note: Most interns keep in touch with the department after they have completed their internship.
Applying for an Internship
If you would like to apply for an internship, please send a resume and a cover letter introducing yourself. Within the cover letter, tell us about yourself and your school, your major area of studies, special interests, etc. Be sure to also include: Name, Address, Email, Phone.
Type of internship applying for:
Semester Requested
If you are flexible on start dates, please say so and let us know your first and second choices.
- Spring (January - May)
- Summer (June - August)
- Fall (September - December)
Positions are open until filled. There is some flexibility in start time.
Location
Most of our internships are in our Washington, DC office, but some are also available within our regional offices. Please specify which location(s) you would prefer.
You may submit your cover letter and resume by:
Email:
louise_tucker@tws.org
Please use the word "Intern" in the subject line of your email
Postal Mail:
Louise Tucker
Intern Coordinator
The Wilderness Society
1615 M St, NW
Washington, DC 20036
FAX:
(202) 429-3945
Thank you for your interest!
