Environmental Systems Senior Internship Project

Overview: What is it? A year-long, two-part comprehensive project designed by the student to focus on an interdisciplinary environmental problem or research topic. Capstone project and graduation requirement for all ESYS majors.

Overview: When does it happen? ESYS majors complete the Senior Internship Project during their last full academic year at UCSD (typically 4th year). The ESYS Senior Internship Project takes place during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters, so students must be continuing students for the entire academic year.

Part 1: The Internship ESYS Majors will complete a two quarter internship (Fall and Winter quarters). ESYS 190A course sequence 4 UD units each quarter (8 units total) 200 hour commitment (20 weeks @ 10 hours per week) No class meetings, no exams Progress Report, Final Evaluation Pass / No Pass

Part 1: The Internship (cont.) Internship Requirements Must focus on an interdisciplinary environmental problem or research topic Student initiated and developed Department does not provide placements, students are responsible for finding opportunities Gather original data and/or develop analyses and experience

Part 1: The Internship (cont.) Types of Internships Faculty-led research On-campus sustainability Local govt. agencies, non-profits, private companies On-campus or Off-campus Original topics or continuations of previous research/projects Must be local (San Diego Area) Paid or Unpaid

Part 1: The Internship (cont.) Supervision Site Supervisor Day to Day supervision and management at internship location Faculty Mentor Project overview and design Assigns ESYS 190A units Documentation Senior Internship Contract Agreement Must be Signed/Approved by: Student, ESYS Faculty Director, Site Supervisor, Faculty Mentor Internship Progress Report, Final Internship Evaluation Signed/Approved by Site Supervisor and Faculty Mentor Communication is key!

Part 2: Senior Seminar ESYS 190B Spring Quarter (4 UD units) Seminar-style Course Class meets weekly Letter grade Develop Deliverables 25-page senior seminar paper and poster presentation ESYS Symposium

Frequently Asked Questions How do I find an Internship? Online resources ESYS website, Port Triton, REAL portal, etc. Emails from ESYS department Continuation/expansion of existing experience Lab research, paid project based job, volunteering, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (cont.) What kind of internship should I look for? Best match to potential careers after graduation Best guess Significant experience upon graduation Realization of actual day to day work Fits with personal strengths (and weaknesses) Independent vs. Structured supervision Fluid vs Rigid schedule Flexibility with schedule and transportation

Frequently Asked Questions (cont.) I’m having trouble finding an internship, what do I do?! Don’t panic! Come in and meet with an ESYS advisor, we’re here to help!

Questions? ESYS Contacts Sid Eads, Student Affairs Officer sleads@ucsd.edu Josh Reeves, Assistant Director jdreeves@ucsd.edu Dr. Jane Teranes, Faculty Director jteranes@ucsd.edu