There are two steps to getting an internship to count at the University of Pittsburgh. First, find an internship. Second, get it approved by your department. Currently, all geology, environmental science, and environmental studies majors should get their internships approved by Mark Collins, the Environmental Studies coordinator (SRCC 202). Mark Collins is also the best signal resource for finding internships at non-profits and other organizations in western Pennsylvania and across the broader region. Or explore some of the following to find your own leads:
Government Internships and Jobs: You can google 'internship' and the name of a government agency you'd like to work for, or you can search these links if you want government internships:
- Geological Society of America: Click on "NPS Scientists in Parks" for national parks internships and on "GeoCorps America" for opportunities with other Federal agencies (e.g., Forestry Service, Bureau of Land Management). You can also subscribe to newsletters letting you know about new cool and interesting opportunities.
- Scientists in Parks internships: Another link to national parks paid internships. These take place throughout the year and can last 3 months to a year.
- Environmental Protection Agency: Click on "Academic Levels" and then "Show All" entries to find undergraduate opportunities.
- ORISE: Many Federal agencies. This should include the EPA, but seems to come up with different lists of opportunities. Click on University Students and Graduates to start searching for internships, research opportunities, and scholarships.
- Pennsylvania government internships: This website turns up internships for the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, the state geological survey, and more. Under search you can put abbreviated terms, like 'env' or 'geo', to make sure you get a broader range of hits (e.g., both geoscientist and geologist).
- Pennsylvania government jobs: Same as above, but if you click on the Menu link at the job you can see PA government jobs, qualification exams, and more.
- Government jobs beyond PA: I haven't explored Governmentjobs.com, but you should be able to find jobs in other states and perhaps the Federal government. Check it out!
Private-sector Internships and Jobs: The best way to get an internship or job in the regional private sector is to attend the monthly meetings of one or more of the following organizations:
- The Pittsburgh Geological Society (PGS): Features a mix of geologists working in petroleum, geological engineering, environmental consulting, and government.
- The Pittsburgh Association of Petroleum Geologists (PAPG): Focuses almost exclusively on oil and natural gas exploration.
- The Association of Engineering and Environmental Geologists (AEG): Mainly environmental and engineering geologists.
- The Geophysical Society of Pittsburgh (an official branch of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG): Geophysicists with a strong emphasis on petroleum exploration.
- The Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI), a branch of the American Society of Civil Engineering.
- The Society of Women Environmental Professionals has chapters in major cities. This link takes you to the Pittsburgh chapter. The Philadelphia chapter, I note, has scholarships!
These meetings feature a happy hour, dinner, and a formal lecture. The happy hour and dinner provide excellent opportunities to introduce yourself to random geoscientists and ask them about who they work for, what they do, and any advice they might have for you. If someone seems pretty interesting, ask them whether they might offer an internship. Instead of giving them a resume, make up business cards that give your name, major, expected graduation date, contact info, and that you are interested in an internship or, if the time is right, a full-time job. If “Interested in an Internship” is printed on the card, it will help remind them once they are back in the office to think about getting an internship set up and approved by the upper level management.
Pitt's Career Fairs and the Office of CDPA
Pitt also holds a several career fairs each year; each fall they feature one that focuses on people interested in science and engineering. For full details on these career fairs, visit Pitt's Office of Career Development and Placement Assistance (CDPA). Their web page features a calendar of upcoming events (you may have to scroll down to find it). Visiting them in person is a great way to get tips on your resume, applying for jobs, and other useful advice. The career fairs and the Office of Career Development and Placement Assistance are the best way to get jobs outside of geology.
Picking a Career in the Geosciences
In case you missed it under the "Careers" link, one great way to learn about geology careers to to check out this book from the Pitt library: Great Jobs for Geology Majors by Blythe Cameson.
(At this link you can also click on the LC Subject Heading "Geology --Vocational guidance" to see if newer books have been published.)
Summer Jobs in National Parks and Other Cool Places
These are just regular jobs that happen to be in great places. They won't necessarily built environmental science skills, but they will allow you to spend your spare time exploring some pretty great nature: