Charting Your Course: A Guide to Marine Biology Internships

For individuals with a passion for the ocean and its inhabitants, marine biology internships offer invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, contribute to critical research, and explore potential career paths in this fascinating field. These internships cater to a wide range of interests, from studying marine mammals and conserving fragile reef ecosystems to advancing environmental policy and educating the public.

What is a Marine Biology Internship?

Marine biology internships provide students and young professionals with immersive experiences in various aspects of marine science. These programs offer a chance to work alongside world-class scientists and engineers, gain hands-on experience with the latest oceanographic technology, and contribute to the management and conservation of marine species.

Who Should Consider a Marine Biology Internship?

Marine biology internships are ideal for individuals with a strong interest in marine studies, biology, oceanography, geology, and environmental sciences. Whether you're an undergraduate student seeking research experience, a graduate student pursuing advanced studies, or a young professional eager to launch your career, these internships can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field.

Types of Marine Biology Internships

Marine biology internships are diverse, catering to various interests and skill sets. Here are some examples:

Research-focused Internships

These internships involve conducting original research in specific areas of oceanography. Participants work with faculty supervisors in designing and conducting research projects and may be required to prepare a report based on their findings. Some research internships may involve instrumentation development, dynamical modeling, or participation in a research cruise. For example, interns might carefully study photomosaics to track how benthic species cover evolves with the reintroduction of Caribbean king crabs in reef patches in Mexico, uncovering exciting insights about the underwater ecosystem.

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Conservation-oriented Internships

These internships focus on protecting marine life and their habitats. Interns may contribute to revamping educational outreach materials by designing lessons on local ecosystems and species or research the conflicts that occur between turtles and humans, developing ways to reduce these conflicts and sharing valuable information with the public through engaging infographics designed for social media. They can also gain hands-on experience with crucial conservation efforts, such as guiding baby turtles to their ocean homes.

Education and Outreach Internships

These internships involve sharing a passion for marine science with others through youth STEM education, educator professional development, citizen science, and community outreach. Interns may assist with classroom visits, science communications, social media, and research expeditions. For instance, they might develop standards-guided lessons for middle school students based on local shark research data.

Policy and Management Internships

These internships focus on the administrative side of marine science, involving paperwork, managing permits, policy-making, lobbying, and fundraising. Interns may work with organizations involved in virtual environmental policy, researching dolphin populations and behavior.

Featured Internship Programs and Opportunities

Several organizations and institutions offer marine biology internships, each with unique focuses and opportunities.

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

NOAA offers numerous educational opportunities to students, including internships, fellowships, and scholarships. These programs provide students with opportunities to learn about careers important to the management and conservation of marine species.

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Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program: This program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance for full-time study during the nine-month academic year and a 10-week, full-time internship position during the summer at a NOAA facility. The internship provides scholars with hands-on practical educational training experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities.
Educational Partnership Program: This program focuses on minority-serving institutions and is a federal STEM education and future workforce program for NOAA and NOAA mission-related enterprises.
NOAA College-Supported Internship Program: NOAA partners with colleges to provide undergraduate students college-funded summer internship opportunities, offering experience in science, policy, and science communications.

NOAA also offers regional undergraduate internship opportunities through its Fisheries Science Centers, including:

Alaska Fisheries Science Center: Partners with the Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies to provide internships in Alaska and the West Coast.
Northwest Fisheries Science Center Internships: Offers career training opportunities at the Center's headquarters in Seattle, WA, and at five research stations throughout Washington and Oregon.
Woods Hole Partnership Education Program: Provides a path for underrepresented minorities into marine and environmental sciences through 10-week research projects with scientists at NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center and partner institutions in Woods Hole.
Atlantic Salmon Ecosystems Research Team Internships: Offers paid work-study opportunities through an agreement with the University of Maine.
Pacific Islands Young Scientist Opportunity: A paid, summer program for undergraduate students at the NOAA Inouye Regional Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, combining on-the-job training, formal research experience, mentoring, and developmental assignments.
Southeast Fisheries Science Center Internships: Includes opportunities for current undergraduates and recent university graduates.

Additionally, NOAA provides graduate student opportunities through programs such as the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program, the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Internship Program, the NOAA Graduate Research and Training Scholarship Program, the NOAA Fisheries/Sea Grant Fellowship, the NOAA Fisheries Quantitative Ecology and Socioeconomics Training Program, the Scott B. Gudes Public Service Graduate Scholarship in Marine Resource Conservation, and the Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship.

ANGARI Foundation

ANGARI Foundation offers paid internships for current university students and graduates passionate about marine science and the ocean. Interns receive hands-on experience in youth STEM education, educator professional development, citizen science, community outreach, research vessel operations, digital media & marketing, science communications, photography, filmmaking, and/or nonprofit and business administration. Interns work closely with employees to gain hands-on experience and become an integral part of the ANGARI team.

Other Internship Providers

Intern Abroad HQ: Explores Marine Biology internships with Intern Abroad HQ and helps protect marine life from the devastating effects of plastic pollution and climate change, while working towards cleaner, healthier oceans for all.
GVI (Global Vision International): Offers virtual internships that include project work, online courses, masterclass lecture series, personal mentorship, and career coaching.

A Day in the Life of a Marine Biology Intern

The daily activities of a marine biology intern vary depending on the internship's focus and location. However, some common tasks include:

Fieldwork: This may involve conducting surveys, collecting samples, monitoring marine life, and participating in conservation efforts. For example, an intern might spend the day stingray catching, gill-netting, or setting long-lines for sharks.
Lab work: This may involve analyzing samples, processing data, and conducting experiments.
Data analysis: Interns may be responsible for analyzing data collected in the field or lab and preparing reports on their findings.
Education and outreach: This may involve giving presentations, leading tours, and developing educational materials.
Administrative tasks: This may involve assisting with paperwork, managing permits, and fundraising.

How to Find and Apply for Marine Biology Internships

Research: Start by researching companies and organizations in the field to see what kind of opportunities they offer.
Networking: Attend conferences and workshops, and connect with marine scientists and professionals in the field.
Online resources: Utilize online job boards and internship directories to find opportunities that match your interests and qualifications.
Tailor your application: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Prepare for the interview: Practice answering common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your passion for marine science.

Benefits of a Marine Biology Internship

Hands-on experience: Gain practical skills and knowledge in various aspects of marine science.
Career development: Explore potential career paths and build a professional network.
Personal growth: Develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Contribution to conservation: Make a difference in protecting marine life and their habitats.
Travel opportunities: Some internships offer the chance to work in exotic locations around the world.

Real-World Examples

Juliet, a marine biology graduate, traveled the world completing different marine biology internships, including one with the Bimini SharkLab in the Bahamas.
Alex, an Environmental Science graduate, worked as a Summer Program Instructor for a marine science-based summer camp and later as a Special Activities Instructor at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Merrick, a Marine Science and Media Production student, interned with Loggerhead Marinelife Center and ANGARI Foundation, combining his love for the ocean and film production to create educational films.

Locations Around the World

Marine internships can be found in several places around the world, including:

Australia: Offers a wealth of opportunities to learn professional skills firsthand along its coastlines.
Mauritius: Compared to the Galapagos for land-based biodiversity and marine wildlife.
Costa Rica: A popular spot for marine research and work.
Peru: Offers a unique opportunity in the form of the Amazon river.
Ecuador and the Galapagos: An unparalleled opportunity to study marine conservation.

Essential Skills

Commitment
Teamwork
Open communication
Integrity
Reliability
Work ethic

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